Lord, Help Our Unbelief
What character in the Bible do you most relate to when your faith is tested?
In Mark 9:22-24 (ESV), a first-century father pleaded with Jesus to help his son who had been tormented by a demon since childhood.
“If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
And Jesus said to him, “If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Some manuscripts add “with tears” in verse 24.
While writing this, I’m especially mindful of those in Texas who are crying out to Jesus, still hoping for a miracle regarding their unaccounted-for loved ones from the devastating floodwaters. I’m aching for those who’ve already received dreaded news. I can imagine many of these crushed people practically screaming “with tears” for God to help them with their unbelief as they begin the long journey of mourning the loss of their child, spouse or valued community members.
When our emotions and circumstances scream louder than our faith, when our fears become the ruling power in our trial and we’re at the end of our rope, we find ourselves praying a similar prayer: “Father, help my unbelief! Give me the faith to know that You are all You say You are, and that nothing is impossible for You. Help me see You right here in my circumstance.”
During times when God’s answer is no, we pray, “Father, help my unbelief when You don’t answer the way I desperately want You to – in the way I desperately need You to. Help me trust You in the midst of this anguish and pain. Help me trust that You always know what’s best.”
What if, in the midst of our pain, our trust in God’s love for us grew, and we were to believe He is all He says He is and can do all He says He can do? How would our relationship with Him change if we spent so much time talking with our Heavenly Father that He became increasingly real to us, especially when we needed Him most? To know . . .
- That God is, indeed, good?
- That He is indeed real?
- That He indeed loves us?
Isn’t it interesting that the whole process of crying out to God in our unbelief is the very act that, over time, strengthens our faith? The simple act of turning to Him in our trials, large and small, draws us closer to Him and helps us recognize His presence and power.
I wish I could say my faith never wavers, but I can’t. Yet even in my doubts – and sometimes because of them – I’m learning to trust God more.
This is why I’ll keep praying, “Lord, help my unbelief!” (and pray for others who also need His reassurance) as we walk this journey of faith.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
- How can we pray for you?
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Praying for everyone suffering devastating losses from the Texas floods.
I wish I could say my faith never wavers, but I can’t. Yet even in my doubts – and sometimes because of them – I’m learning to trust God more.
As I and my husband hurt so deeply because our physically and mentally ill daughter, continues to decline, verbally abuses us and is not doing well( we think she’ll probably die within a a year), it is hard to keep the faith sometimes. But we do, and we do cry out to God. I can say that yes, I have become stronger – and yet, it’s been at least 20 years of dealing with this and it IS HARD. By the grace of God go we.
Thank you for this.
Hello, Judith. I’m so glad to hear from you again. I’ve missed you.
Wow!! I can only begin to imagine how difficult this has been for you and your husband, on SO many levels. Again, Wow!!
Thank you for stopping by.
Would you PLEASE stay in touch – and let us know how you both (and your daughter) are doing, Judith?
It breaks my heart for those who in the Texas flood lost loved ones, or are still holding out hope for those who are still missing, and even though they know God is able to save them, will they ever know whether their loved one will be found living or deceased! What a terrible tragedy and yet God is still good, faithful and true. Somehow trials and suffering bring us closer to Him and may save others in the process of grieving, as other believers help them in their mourning and draw them closer to the One who can help them! “And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18. Thanks Sheryl!
Amen. I pray these people (and all who are experiencing unbelievable pain) will experience God’s grace, mercy – and power.
Thank you for stopping by Today Can Be Different, Kim. I always appreciate it when you do.
Good morning Sheryl!My heart just breaks for the people in Texas. They are in my thoughts and prayers daily. To keep my faith strong in God during times of trials can be tough but,then He reminds me how far he has brought me.i am thankful for all He is doing in our lives. Even though I don’t have the full picture of how things will go with husband’s health and our prodigals. I know He is in control and Hr has already won.
Yes, indeed! Our Lord is in control of everything – always. We (you, dear friend) can rest in that.
Thank you for stopping by. I love you, Susan.
AND thank you so very much for sharing this blog post on your FB page, Susan.
It’s very difficult to understand why so many souls were taken in the recent flood. I can’t even imagine what the parents and loved ones are going through.
We many never understand the ‘whys’ which are so often asked until we are in Heaven.
We just have to accept that are days are numbered.
Indeed. The only way we can have peace when the unimaginable happens is to put our complete trust in our compassionate Father.
Thank you, Sandra, for stopping by. I ALWAYS love hearing from you.
I actually left review on the site I read in my email.
Thank you, Sandra. After I approved your comment (via email), it should have appeared on this site.
Is your 9:46 A.M. comment above the one you’re referring to?