Immediate Healing
“But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:22-24 ESV
A father brings his possessed and tormented son to Jesus, desperate for healing or even anything to be done. Perhaps you are able to relate to his desperation. “Please, Lord, do something, do anything!” The situation seemed utterly hopeless.
Jesus here challenges the “if” of the request – not because the man had no faith, but because his faith was under assault by fear and anxiety. Fear tempted him to think this situation was too dire for even Jesus. When challenged on his “if”, the man doesn’t defend himself. He simply confesses all of it… “I believe; help my unbelief!” He takes his faith and his fear and immediately places it in the hands of Jesus.
That confession itself was a gift, and it’s something we can all learn from. Faith is not something that we produce, but something that God gives and sustains. Jesus did not reject his weak faith, rather He strengthened it. Before the son was healed, the father was strengthened and comforted. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Jesus healed his son. The power of prayer does not rest on how strong our faith feels, but rather on Whom it clings. When fear threatens to overwhelm us, we simply bring it all to Jesus. Our faith, our fear, our certainty that His good will is done. Immediate strengthening of faith happens when weak sinners are met by a faithful Savior. We are strengthened and sustained by Jesus. All things are possible for Him, and all things are possible for those who place their faith in Him.
Oh, for a faith that will not shrink
Tho' pressed by many a foe;
That will not tremble on the brink
Of poverty or woe;
A faith that shines more bright and clear
When tempests rage without;
That, when in danger, knows no fear,
In darkness feels no doubt;
The Lutheran Hymnal 396:1, 3