Day 374 · Year 2 · Life with God
I believe; help my unbelief
The Bible's most honest prayer about faith is also one of its best.
Today's passage
Mark 9:22-24
22“It often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
23“If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!”
24Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”
Berean Standard Bible · public domain
Reflection
A desperate father brings his son to Jesus. 'If you can do anything,' he begins. Jesus pushes back: 'If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.' And the man — who clearly has more doubt than belief — cries out, 'I believe; help my unbelief!' Jesus heals the boy anyway. You do not have to muster perfect faith to come to Jesus. You can come with the mixed-up faith you actually have and ask him to help. Jesus does not reject the prayer with doubt in it; he answers it.
From the great tradition · paraphrased
C. S. Lewis · Modern · 20th c. · England
C. S. Lewis, who walked the road from atheism to faith and back through grief, treated honest doubt as a doorway, not a betrayal — something to be brought to God, not hidden from him.
Paraphrase only. Scripture, not any teacher, is the authority.
Think it through
- What is the father's first 'if,' and how does Jesus respond?
- What does the father's prayer in verse 24 admit, and what does it ask for?
- What part of your faith feels strong, and what part is doubting?
A prayer to pray
Pray the father's prayer. Out loud if you can. Bring the doubt to Jesus instead of hiding it.