The father of a boy
beset by a spirit asks Jesus,
“… if you are able to do anything,
have pity on us and help us.” 
Jesus said to him, “If you are able!
 All things can be done for the one who believes.” 
Immediately the father of the child cried out,
“Lord I believe; help my unbelief.” 

– Mark 9: 22-24

Mark 9:24 has long been my favorite Bible verse because I am so often in the same position as the father. I proclaim my belief at the same time I am assailed by doubt and a lack of faith. I envy those who seem to have unshakeable faith, never doubting the power of prayer and knowing with absolute certainty that God will listen and answer. I accept the scriptural teachings of God the creator and the sacrifice of his son while constantly wondering what really happened. But, I take comfort in Jesus’ response to the father’s plea. Jesus did not turn away in disgust, saying “You clearly do not have sufficient faith for me to help you.” No, in spite of the father’s unbelief, in spite of his doubts, Jesus called the spirit out of his son and cured the child.

That tells me that God does not expect his children to have perfect faith, to be absolutely certain, without a doubt. No, God will even help me, weak and faithless as I may be.

I find it hard these days, to see ahead to a time when the virus is controlled, when I won’t have to avoid touching someone or even getting close, when I can leave my home without fear. Will God protect us? Will God answer our prayers?  Will I have sufficient faith that he will hear me? I can hear God’s answer in Mark 9. Although I may not have sufficient faith to move God to act, he will act, not because of me, but because he has chosen to love his children and to answer their prayers.

– Tom Lund

Prayer

Lord, I know that I do not have faith that will move mountains. I know that I have fears and doubts. But I rely on your promise to care for your people and answer when they call. Protect us now and bring an end to the plague that besets us. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. Amen