"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24b (NIV) If you’ve ever whispered: "I’m not sure what I believe, Lord. I just don’t have enough faith," then be encouraged. A story in Mark 9 sh…

"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24b (NIV)

If you’ve ever whispered: "I’m not sure what I believe, Lord. I just don’t have enough faith," then be encouraged. A story in Mark 9 shows us what God can do when we wrestle with doubt.

First, we meet a desperate father, whose son was possessed by a demon that threw the boy to the ground, leaving him rigid and foaming at the mouth. Jesus’ disciples tried to drive out the evil spirit, but failed.

When the Lord arrived and learned what happened, He didn’t mince words. "You unbelieving generation … how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?" (Mark 9:19, NIV). He rightly called them, "You faithless people!" (Mark 9:19a, NLT), because faith was the missing element.

Jesus wasn’t unhappy with His disciples. Rather, He was pointing out the spiritual state of the crowds who followed Him but hadn’t placed their trust in Him. Because of their unbelief, demons roamed the land. Because of their lack of faith, a young boy lay stiff on the ground. Because they doubted God’s power, His people couldn’t call upon it.

Beloved, we needn’t wonder why there is so much evil and suffering in the world when people who claim to know God have stopped believing in His power. Deep down, they don’t think He can triumph over evil. They aren’t convinced He can really fix things. They may call Him the great I AM, yet struggle to believe it.

Listen to this boy’s father, whose words reflect that kind of uncertainty: "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us" (Mark 9:22b, NIV).