“So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this? “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9.20-24
Some days my faith is stronger than others. It’s not that I have days with no belief; it’s that I often feel closer to God on certain days than others. So much of this is about me—God is not the one who moves. It’s my own thoughts, feelings, and emotions that tend to impact my spiritual life. God is loving and patient; he is steady and faithful. I am one who falters and fails.
When Jesus saw this boy who was demon-possessed and having convulsions, it wasn’t his lack of faith that was at issue. The boy’s father was the one who initially doubted. We see this when the dad says to Jesus, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Now, I doubt the dad knew just who he was talking to. This was no ordinary prophet-preacher. This was not a charismatic leader who would rise and fall with popular opinion. This was God in the flesh. The One who breathed the world into existence.
Which is why Jesus replies with, “IF I CAN?!” (All caps added for my enjoyment!) “If I can?” Jesus asked. It was like Jesus was saying, “Are you kidding me? Of course I can! I am God, Messiah, Lord, and Creator. I can do whatever I want to do.”
But in truth, the miracle also required the faith of the father. God is willing to do the work, but he invites us to join him with faith. When Jesus replies to the father, “If I can? Everything is possible for one who believes…” Then the father woke up and said, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”
The first miracle that was wasn’t the healing of the son but the increase of faith in the father. In just one moment, he went from unbelief to belief, from doubt to faith, from brokenness to wholeness.
How is God calling you to increase your faith today?
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving us. Even in our weakness, you are made strong. Come now, Holy Spirit. Fill me up. I love you Lord and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.”