By Dean Kelly

As Jesus was leaving the site of the transfiguration, He saw a great multitude of people around His disciples. When He asked what they were doing, one man answered that he had brought his son, who had a spirit that treated him very badly, to see Him, but Jesus’ disciples could not cast the spirit out. After a word of rebuke to His disciples the scripture records the following:

“Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ And he said, ‘From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’ (Mark 9:19-24).

Faith is not a one-time event. Neither is faith a static attitude. It must be living and active. It must obey (James 2:18-24). It must grow (2 Peter 1:5-9). Faith that is not growing is dying. We must realize that we never come to the point that our faith does not need to grow any longer.

We need to join this tearful father in desiring to overcome our unbelief. We do that by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Our unbelief will be turned into a strong and vibrant faith as we draw nearer to the cross with our full heart, submitting to His will and seeking to follow His path. Let us always pray “Please, help my unbelief”