Help My Unbelief

Mark 9:24 “…I believe; help my unbelief!”

As a follower of the Lord Jesus, have you ever felt like your faith was too small for you to qualify as a Christian?

Photo by Ken Carley

Sometimes the accuser makes us doubt, especially when we’re new to the faith. Often, believers create their own turmoil by focusing too much on needing to “feel” saved or prioritizing other pursuits over their walk, leading to confusion and doubt.

Another cause for doubt is when life gets dark due to fear, illness, or loneliness. Whatever the reason for your crisis of faith, if you are truly a believer, the Holy Spirit will guide you back to your initial belief. A favorite reminder of eternal security is found in John 10.

Still other reminders of how Jesus holds us safely, are found in true events like we find in our study today. Several of the characters in these passages had a faith problem.

Our main character in this story is found in Mark chapter 9. He is a worried father seeking miracle-working Christ for his son, who suffers from a demon that injures him by throwing him into fire or water. Naturally, the father is concerned for his son’s life. He had already approached the disciples for help, but they were unable to assist. (Be sure to read the story to the end; it reminds us that we shouldn’t judge the disciples, as we are still learning, too.)

Jesus asks them to bring the boy to him. As soon as the demon saw Jesus, he caused the boy to have a seizure. Jesus asked how long this had been happening. Jesus knew, but His questions always had a purpose. 

All of the real-life stories in the Gospel reveal Jesus always drawing people toward faith. He did this by asking questions and by listening. This is a great example of how Jesus knew people and how He helped them to see themselves. When we recognize our plight, then we see our need for the Savior.

So, the father answers Jesus in this way, “And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 

And then Jesus helps the father see. 

Jesus asks, “If I can? To anyone who has faith, nothing is impossible.”

And in a moment of simultaneous faith and a humble admission of weakness the man says, I believe! But help my unbelief.”

Then, in verses Mark 9:25-29 Jesus, demonstrating His power and authority, demanded that the demon release the boy and never return.

Jesus not only helped the wavering faith of the father, but the disciples had a faith-building moment they would never forget. Jesus answered the question of the disciples about why they couldn’t free the boy. Click the link above to see how the full story resolves.

The closer we are in our walk with Jesus, and the more we resemble our Savior in character, the more Satan will rage. Our faith will be tested. Temptations will be constant.

But our Friend is more than sufficient to deliver us from evil.

Jesus knows that every person is weak against our adversary without God’s help. When Jesus walked on Earth, He saw many returning to their old ways.

But the authority of our Savior is final. Even when our faith is weak, Jesus can hold those who have given their hearts to Him. He is strong and sure, and nothing can pluck us from the Father’s hand.

Stay focused on your relationship with Jesus.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.