“God can work even through my shaky faith.”-Mark 9:23-24

An Honest Faith: Believing and Asking for Help

Scripture: Mark 9:23-24 (NIV)
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

This powerful exchange takes place in the middle of a desperate situation. A father has brought his suffering son to Jesus’ disciples, but they could not heal him. In his anguish, he pleads with Jesus, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus’ response isn’t a rebuke of the man’s circumstance, but of his wavering faith. The father’s honest, vulnerable reply gives us one of the most relatable prayers in all of Scripture.

#1: Belief is the Starting Line

We only attempt things we believe are possible. If we think a task is impossible, we won’t even try. This father had enough belief to bring his son to Jesus. He had enough hope to take the first step. Our faith journey often begins the same way: with a glimmer of hope that says, “Maybe He can.” That small beginning is enough, because the One we come to is faithful.

#2: Obstacles Reveal Our Doubt

We start with belief, but then reality sets in. The disciples failed. The boy continued to suffer. The obstacles seemed to prove that nothing would change. Our own challenges—ongoing prayers, persistent problems, discouraging news—can cause our faith to waver. But the good news is this: God’s power is not limited by the size or stability of our faith. His faithfulness remains, even when ours falters.

#3: The Prayer That Bridges the Gap

The father’s cry—“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”—is not a contradiction but a confession. He admits that his faith is imperfect, yet he entrusts himself to Jesus. This is the heart of true faith: not confidence in our ability to believe, but confidence in God’s ability to be faithful. Even mustard-seed faith, when placed in Him, is enough for mountains to move—not because our faith is great, but because our God is.

One-Line Takeaway:
Our hope is not in the strength of our faith, but in the faithfulness of our God.

Application Questions

• Where am I tempted to focus on the weakness of my faith instead of the strength of God’s promises?
• What past situations remind me that God has been faithful, even when I doubted?
• How can I rest more in God’s character and less in my own ability to “have enough faith”?
• What would it look like to pray more honestly, bringing both my belief and unbelief to Him?

A Short Prayer

Faithful God, I confess that my faith is small and often shaken. But I thank You that Your faithfulness never changes. I believe—help my unbelief. Teach me to rest not in the strength of my own faith, but in Your unshakable power and love. Amen.

Reflection Summary:

Faith doesn’t depend on how strong we feel but on how faithful God is. Even when our belief is mixed with doubt, Jesus invites us to bring it all to Him. Like the desperate father, we can pray honestly: “I believe—help my unbelief,” trusting that God’s power is greater than our weakness.