January 28, 2010
Unbelief
Posted by Ryan
There is a story in the 9th chapter of Mark of a father who has brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus in hopes that his son would be healed. The father pleads with Jesus, asking that if there is anything Jesus could do to help, that he would do it. Jesus questions the “if” in the father’s plea, and then tells him that everything is possible if he believes.
The father responds, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
I find this statement to be initially outrageous and yet also deeply honest. This man is at the same time claiming belief and unbelief. How can he say, “I do believe” when in the very same sentence he admits that he doesn’t? But for all my frustration with the contradiction, I find that it has a particular ring of truth. We believe with all we know how, yet we find our faith to be lacking. We try our best to trust, and most days we do, yet we know we still have doubt.
This father didn’t pretend to have it all together. It wouldn’t have done him any good anyhow; Jesus would have called him out on it. Instead he gave the most honest answer he could. Jesus rewarded his honesty and his faith, removing the demon from his son.
I think the father’s words make a pretty good prayer. “God, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.”
