HELP ME OVERCOME MY UNBELIEF
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!””
Mark 9:19-24 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
This desperate father prays one of the most honest prayers in the Bible— “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” The father has a boy who is tormented by an evil spirit. This has been going on since the boy was a child. Imagine the desperation of this father. For years he has tried to get help for his boy. Every doctor, every treatment center, every person who had a suggestion was tried. The father hears about this man named Jesus. They say that Jesus has power over demonic spirits. In desperation the father brings his son to Jesus. Jesus is up on the mountain with Peter, James, and John. The father brings the boy to the other nine disciples of Jesus. These nine men try to cast out the spirit, but nothing happens. Once again, the father is disappointed. The disciples are perplexed. Jesus had sent them out earlier to minister and they were amazed that evil spirits were obedient to them. But not this time. Then Jesus shows up. The disciples are confused and even angry that the evil spirit wouldn’t obey them. The father is angry that they can’t offer any help. Then comes Jesus. Jesus scolds the disciples for their lack of faith. Then Jesus talks to the dad. The dad says this has been going on for years and asks Jesus to help if he can. Jesus tells the father, “Anything is possible if you believe.” The father says, “I believe, please help my unbelief.” I believe God honors honest prayers. There is no need to act like we have something that we don’t. We don’t have to try to act like we are super-spiritual. Just be honest. It is okay to admit we sometimes struggle with faith. It is okay to admit we are human and weak.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Holy Spirit I need Your help. I have issues that need miracles. I believe You can transform every issue into a victory. Help me to have the faith to see You work fully in my life.
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