Help Me Daddy

“The father instantly cried out, ‘I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief.’”
Mark 9:24 (NLT)

The story here in Mark 9 tells of a father bringing his son to Jesus for healing.  I can never read this short scriptural exchange without praising and thanking our awesome God.  This encounter also shows the true human condition and the challenges of life.

Hopelessness
We have a desperate need for God and relationship but often feel alone, vulnerable and excluded. During such times we ask ourselves if it is all worth it, what’s the point, etc. The words of Solomon seem to ring true about the futility of life. There is one crisis after another, highlighted in the story that precedes the heading scripture containing the suffering of an innocent. Nothing causes as much anguish as when someone we care about is suffering and we can do nothing.

Humility
Jesus gently chides the distraught father encouraging him to have faith and believe. Then, modelling the humble response we all desire, the father says those immortal words, “I believe, please help my unbelief.”

Hope
Yet in our suffering, confusion, rebellion or whatever we are thinking, our Lord reminds us that while there is life there is hope.  Implicit in this exchange with the child’s father is that Jesus is the source of life and hope.  He reminds us that he is our reality no matter what we may be seeing, feeling and experiencing around us.

Healing
Our compassionate and  merciful God in a demonstration of His power chose to restore the child—verse 27 says, “But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.”  The father gave the resolution to God, as we should, not knowing if the desired outcome would be today or at Christ’s return. He needed faith to accept the decision even if it was death.

This profound story demonstrates the importance of faith, relationships and love. In it we see the redemptive nature of our struggles and our labours of love.

Prayer
Thank you Lord that you draw us to you and never turn us away. Help us in our times of uncertainty, vulnerability and despair to see Your Son’s outstretched hand. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen

Study by David Gibbs

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About the Author:
David Gibbs in an Elder and on the Pastoral Council in the Birmingham Congregation of the Worldwide Church of God UK.

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God Birmingham
All Saints Church
George Road
BIRMINGHAM
B23 7QB

Meeting Time:
Saturday 1:00pm

Local Congregational Contact:
David Gibbs
Mobile: 07777667635
Email: david_gibbs@wcg.org.uk