A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.”
—Mark 9:17
When Jesus encountered a crowd that was arguing, He asked what was going on.
One of the men in the crowd explained that he had a son who was possessed by a demon. The demon kept his child from communicating and made his life painful. The man went on to explain that he asked Jesus’ disciples to heal the boy but they were unable.
Jesus asks them to bring the boy.
“When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.” (Mark 9:20)
As Jesus watches the child, he turns back to the father, “How long has he been like this?” The question must be for the benefit of the crowd since Jesus knows all things and nothing can be hidden from him.
The father’s response is tinged with despair and desperation, “If you can do anything, have mercy!”
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23)
This is the moment of truth. The troubled father sinks to his knees. “I do believe. Help my unbelief!”
Jesus rebukes the evil spirit, and the boy is healed.
Sometimes, it’s hard to keep believing. Maybe you’re struggling to believe that God can heal your marriage from infidelity or heal your body from an addiction you’ve struggled with for years.
But you’re in good company. The father’s struggle to keep believing didn’t hinder Jesus from performing a miracle. Jesus can handle your honesty and even when you doubt, He still loves you.
God, I know You can bring healing into my life. Help my unbelief and doubts. I want to believe. Fill my mind and heart with faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
