Jesus came down the mountain with Peter, James, and John (see yesterday’s post) and found the other nine disciples in a discouraging situation. They had failed to cast the demon out of a young boy and didn’t understand why. Some religious leaders had also come around and were arguing with the disciples.

Let’s look at a few verses together:

21 “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.

He replied, “Since he was a little boy. 22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”

23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked.“Anything is possible if a person believes.”

24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

— Mark 9:21-24 (NLT)

The father was obviously discouraged when the Disciples hadn’t been able to drive the demon out of his son, and his faith was wavering. Jesus was quick to pick up on this: “If you can?” But he was also compassionate and healed the man’s son. He was willing to act on behalf of the man who felt the need to add “…help me overcome my unbelief.”

God appreciates honest faith. There is no need to put on a false face with God, because he sees right through it. He wants us to ask for things like a stronger faith, wisdom, courage… the list goes on. If we are honest with God and talk to him about our doubts, our relationship can begin to grow along with our faith.

After the Disciples went to the house where they were staying, they asked Jesus why they couldn’t cast out this demon. Jesus answered, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.” Some early Bible manuscripts say “by prayer and fasting.” (v. 29 and footnote)

Even though Jesus cast this demon out on the spot, this seems to imply to me that the Disciples (and the rest of us) should expect some kinds of healing to take longer than others, and to not lose hope if the results aren’t instantaneous.

Read the full account at this link where you can choose your translation: Mark 9:14-29.

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