Read: Mark 9:14-29
Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (v. 24)
In the commotion of our Bible story today, we meet a worried father whose son is suffering deeply. He brings his boy to Jesus after the disciples are unable to minister healing to him. When Jesus tells him that “all things are possible for one who believes” (v. 23), the father’s heart bursts open in raw honesty: “I believe; help my unbelief!” (v. 24).
His words capture something we all experience in our faith journey: the tension between faith and uncertainty, between assurance and fear. The father doesn’t pretend to have faultless faith; instead, he brings his imperfect faith to Jesus. Jesus doesn’t rebuke this father for his uncertainty. Instead, he responds with compassion and authority, healing the child and revealing that even a wobbly faith is enough when placed in a perfect Savior.
There are moments in life when our faith feels strong and steadfast, and others when doubt speaks loudest. In those moments, God invites us to be honest, just like this father was. Faith isn’t the absence of doubt; it’s choosing to trust God anyway. When we acknowledge our weakness and cry out for help, we open our hearts for God’s grace to strengthen us.
Jesus sends the unclean spirit screaming and returns the boy to his father. Jesus also shows the disciples (and us) that sometimes doubt and faith go together.
As you pray, confess your doubt and turn to God in faith.
Keziah Namusaazi is the Manager for Production and Broadcasting at Words of Hope Uganda. She oversees a team spread across Uganda producing radio programs covering music, Bible studies, and counseling, empowering Ugandan leaders, pastors and churches to nurture discipleship through radio. Keziah also serves as a worship leader. To learn more about Words of Hope Uganda, visit our ministry pages.
