A desperate father pleaded with Jesus on behalf of his son who writhed in convulsions at their feet, if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.

Jesus responded, everything is possible for one who believes. To which this anguished father, with no where else to turn, cried out a most honest prayer, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!

I believe, yet I doubt at the same time. I want to believe wholeheartedly, but resistance drags at my confidence. This man’s cry reflects the condition of my faith. I like that the gospel writers recorded this incident just for people like me.

I like even more that Jesus healed the boy.

My faith needs not shine like waxed fruit without blemish or bruise. There’s no need for perfection on my part, as long as my doubt-tattered faith is in the right person.

Mark 9 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Annie Spratt