I believe; Help my unbelief

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mk. 9:24 ESV).

The verse above reveals the words of a desperate father seeking healing for his child. Jesus had just told him that “‘All things are possible for one who believes” (Mk. 9:23 ESV). Upon hearing these words, the man cried out, “I believe, help my unbelief!”.

Was this man confused? He declared that “I believe”, and yet, in the same breath, plead with Jesus to help his unbelief. Yes, at first sight, it may appear that this man is contradicted himself, but upon closer look, we realize that many of us identify with his inner struggle. Have you ever believed God, yet struggled with fear? This example is a practical application of what this man was going through.

It reveals a most perplexing reality of our faith: faith and unbelief are not mutually exclusive! The fact that you believe does not preserve your heart from unbelief. Unbelief occurs when our heart begins to believe contrary to God’s Word. The most pertinent symptom of unbelief is fear. It occurs when you have believed God, yet something happened to make you wonder and believe differently. Peter experienced this dichotomy as he walked on the water (faith), and then became afraid (unbelief).

Often, the results of our faith will not be determined by the absence or presence of faith itself, but by the presence of unbelief.

MEDITATE

What is the difference between faith and unbelief? Declare that “My faith is strong and I will overcome every unbelief and fear”.

APPLY THE WORD

Are you currently believing God for something? How does your heart react when you hear or see the contrary occurring? Watch for the effects of unbelief in your life.