Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV)

Jesus is in miracle mode again.  He’s traveling around, and this man whose son is possessed by a demon approaches him.  The boy has had this demon since he was a child, and the demon has a habit of trying to kill the boy by throwing him into fires and into water.  The man is at the end of his rope, no other options.  He’s desperate for Jesus to heal his son.

When Jesus tells the man that anything is possible for those who believe; the man responds in the verse above.

I don’t know about you, but there are times where those same words come out of my mouth.  I’m frustrated and not sure what else to do.  I want to believe that God is in control, but my faith just isn’t strong enough.  My doubts and questions overwhelm my belief.  I’ve felt that desperation. I’ve never had a child be tormented by a demon, but I know where this guy is coming from.

“Help me overcome my unbelief!”

As I drove through the ruins of Joplin, Missouri last year just weeks after the tornado, I wondered how God could heal these people.  How could He possibly repair the damage done to these lives?  I distinctly remember uttering the words of this father.  “Help me overcome my unbelief!”

When I struggled through the death of my father I wondered where God was in the midst of my hurt.  I knew He was there, I just wasn’t sure if I believed it.  “Help me overcome my unbelief!”

I’ve prayed with hurting friends and grieving families wondering when God would heal their hearts, when He would bring them peace.  “Help me overcome my unbelief!”

Today, if you’re struggling, if you’re doubting, if you don’t know what’s around the next corner, take comfort in this man’s words.  Jesus healed his son, and He can heal your situation.  He is all powerful, all knowing, and cares about each and every one of us.  Even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Father, when I doubt and struggle with understanding your plan help me overcome my unbelief.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

-Seth Caddell is the guest devotion writer for this week.  He is the Associate Minister of Adult Ministries at Northside, and blogs over at www.LifeAsExperienced.com