Mark 9:24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

Imagine being in one of the toughest moments and looking around for help. God whispers in your ear, “Just have faith and believe and this will be better.” You look around and see no one. “Is this real or has this stress driven me crazy?” You ask yourself. Then again the same words are spoken. What would you say or do?

In the previous verses, we learn a child had an evil spirit who had possessed him. Jesus is called to the child and the child throws himself down and shakes like he is having a seizure. He is foaming out of his mouth. Jesus looks at the father and asks him about his child before him. Then says, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” The father out of love for his child and knowing what he has heard or possibly seen from Jesus responds. “I believe, help my unbelief.”

This is the perfect picture of Christianity. We know we believe in what Jesus has done for us. But it is different when we are facing true struggle with problems in this world. Our health, our children, anything that we love can be at stake. We still have to pray for Jesus to help us overcome the weakness of the flesh. This is not refuting the faith you have had, but it is for God to increase the faith you have shown.

This is living out our faith. We know, but we want to know more. We need this comfort and assurance. We are not whole without Him. He knows this and responds to us out of love. This is how great Jesus is towards us. It is my prayer that you know Jesus in this way. It is the greatest gift you will ever receive.