Help Me Overcome My Unbelief

"Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:24)

The object of our faith is more important than the strength of our faith. What counts is authentic faith in Jesus Christ, not perfect faith. Christ heals the demon-possessed boy whose father confesses his trust in Christ and at the same time pleads for Christ to help him overcome his unbelief (his lack of full confidence). This man is honest and humble. He desires to have greater faith. He acknowledges his feeble faith and his need for Christ's help. Weak faith is still faith. "The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' He replied, 'If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.'" (Luke 17:5-6) "He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."" (Matthew 17:20) In these verses about mustard seed-sized faith, Jesus is making a point about God's mighty power unleashed in the lives of those who have genuine faith (no matter how small).

We may at times struggle with doubts or unbelief. Beware of the Enemy! Satan loves to plant lies, doubts, and discouragement in our mind and heart. Cry out to Jesus whenever your faith is weak. Faith is a gift from God. He will increase your faith if that's the desire of your heart. He uses His Spirit, His Word, people, circumstances, even trials to help our faith in Him grow. “Staying close to the Word, listening to the promises of our Redeemer, and opening my heart to Him are the things that kill unbelief and build a powerful faith that does not let me down in the midst of afflictions.” (R.C. Sproul)

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for the gift of faith! Please keep me rooted and grounded in faith. Please strengthen and deepen my faith. Please help me to have absolute confidence in You, Your Word, Your will, and Your way. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.