Mark 9:20 NKJV — Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
Mark 9:23 NKJV — Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
Mark 9:24 NKJV — Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
How deeply this story resonates with my heart.
It was yesterday, while driving, a song brought it to mind and I determined to reread the account.
This father is desperate.
His son has been suffering for years.
He’s even been privy to the evil spirit trying to kill his son.
And when he brought him to the disciples, they couldn’t deliver his son.
I can picture how he’s feeling at this juncture.
Mark 9:18 NKJV — “And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.”
Can you hear the agony of disappointment?
He needs a solution.
He needs the Savior.
And he is willing, but he’s also honest.
After everything he has suffered through his son’s suffering, he realizes he has unbelief.
And his actions are perfect.
He cries out to Jesus to help his unbelief.
Mark 9:25 NKJV — When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.
What an incredible answer to this father’s suffering!
Can you imagine the testimony both of them had for the rest of their lives?
I imagine it made quite an impact.
I know this story has impacted my life.
To hear Jesus’ response to this father’s honesty, brings me comfort when I’m the one struggling with unbelief in one form or another.
May the Lord always bring this beautiful story to mind whenever I’m battling unbelief.
Because no matter the outcome, I know Jesus will take me by the hand and lift me up.
Praise the Lord!
patientlyhopeful 