Nina Smit

“Have mercy on us and help us. Do something if You can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly replied, “I do believe, but help me not to doubt!”

~ Mark 9:22-24

The story of the desperate father who brings his sick son to Jesus as a last resort to see if He just might be able to help them, is one of my favorite Bible stories. By the time the father brings his son to Jesus, his hope that the boy will be healed has been sorely tried. He has literally tried everything, without success. No one could cast the evil spirit from his son. Now he approaches Jesus with the hesitant request: “Have mercy on us and help us. Do something if You can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asks. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” And then the father speaks, straight from the heart, “I do believe, but help me not to doubt!” The father’s sincere confession is enough, and at Jesus’ command, the spirit leaves the boy.

Afterwards the disciples asked Jesus why they weren’t able to cast out the evil spirit. Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you until you believe?” Jesus wanted to know from them. Then He told them that the spirit that possessed the boy could only be cast out by prayer, while they tried to do it in their own strength. It is faith in God that we need.

Heavenly Father, I also sometimes struggle to believe in all circumstances. Please help me where I still doubt. Amen