Help Me Overcome My Unbelief!

A boy was brought to Jesus who was afflicted by a spirit that caused symptoms similar to an epileptic fit. The father said to Jesus, ‘If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.’ Jesus responded, ‘If you can? Everything is possible for one who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’ Jesus then commanded the spirit to leave the boy. (Mark 9:14-29)

A synagogue leader named Jairus came and asked Jesus to come and heal his daughter. While Jesus was on his way, some people came from Jairus’ house and said ‘Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?’ Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’ Jesus then raised the girl from the dead (Mark 5:21-24,35-43)

About a year after I graduated from university, I went through a crisis of faith for about 7 months. I wanted specific evidence that God was at work in my life and thought that his miraculous intervention was what I needed to believe. These two passages helped me come out of that crisis and release control over my demand for evidence, because Jesus made it clear that faith in him must precede the miracle.

Jesus also seemed to gently unclog obstacles to their faith. Like the boy's father, do you struggle believing that Jesus can help you? Like Jairus, do you struggle believing that your situation is too far gone for Jesus to intervene?

This reflection introduces the Sunday teaching on 23rd May about healing. You can listen to it below.