Faith Remediation

 

 

Mark 9:17-24

 

17 Then one of the crowd answered and said, "Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not."

19 He answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me."  20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.

21 So He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?"

And he said, "From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."

23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe,* all things are possible to him who believes."

24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"

NKJV

Honesty and humility are traits not esteemed by our society.  I know this because of experience.  It is  very rare indeed to encounter someone willing to admit when they are wrong, weak, or lacking.  Most people will lie to cover over a shortcoming,  rather than just "fessing up". 

Possibly that is why this dad is one of my favorite in Scripture.  Not because he was a man of great faith or renown.  But simply because he was a real guy, with real weaknesses and a real problem.  And he knew to come to Jesus.  That sounds a lot like me. (Except for the guy part.)  How about you? 

I want to be a person of great faith.  I am endeavoring daily to increase my faith, to meditate on truth and grow.  I do not  want to stay where I am.  But I thank God that perfect faith is not required.  Just like this passage with this father, we can approach God and be honest, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"

I do believe.  I do know that He is God.  He is all powerful.  He is able.  But if I am really real, I will admit that I am not always convinced that He will work a situation out as I hope.  That is when I identify with this father. My dialogue with God goes something like this:

Yes, Lord, I believe.  I know you can.  But help me on the part that is lacking.  Help me on the unbelief issue.  I cannot make it go away.  I need You to help me!  I need something.  I know that You are the answer.  Whatever is lacking in me, that hinders my answer, O God, please help!"

Are you like this dad today?  Do you need help with a problem?  Are you struggling to fully believe?  Jesus can help on both.  Call on Him today!

Dear Lord, help me to grow in faith.  Forgive me for my faith-failings. Increase my faith, O Lord.  Thank you for covering my lack.  In Jesus' Name. Amen.