Proper 19B, 2024
Text: Mark 9:14-29
Title: Help My Unbelief
+ INI +
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.
Lord, I believe. I believe that You’re real. But it would be nice to have some proof, something that is sure and certain, that I can point to and know beyond a doubt that there truly is a God. It can be hard to believe in something that you can’t see. Help my unbelief. Help me to listen to Your Word. Help me not to trust in my own understanding. Help me to remember that faith is Your work that You create in me through Your Holy Spirit, and that it’s not up to me to create my own faith.
Lord, I believe. I believe that You made me and all that exists. But science class is hard. I don’t want my teachers or my classmates to think I’m dumb. I see the fossils and the rocks, and everything seems to be millions of years old. How could You have made it all in six days? Help my unbelief. Help me to know that all things are possible with you. Help me to see the beauty and the order in all that you have made. Help me to see that I am made in Your image, that I am not the result of millions of copying mistakes, but that I am your handiwork.
Lord, I believe. I believe that there’s a right and a wrong. I believe that You know what’s best and have given us Your law for our good. But sometimes it doesn’t seem fair. I have friends and family who are gay. I know people who are living together apart from marriage. What about them? How could a loving God say what they are doing is wrong? Help my unbelief. Help me to understand that just because something feels good and right doesn’t make it so. Help me to recognize that following You means denying myself. Help me to love the people in my life who are living in open sinfulness, without compromising on what you say is right and wrong.
Lord, I believe. I believe that You have called me to give generously to You as You have given to me. But money is tight. I’ve got lots of bills. And I like to have nice things, to take nice vacations, and to give good gifts to my loved ones. And so it’s hard to tithe. It’s hard to give to the church. Help my unbelief. Help me to trust that You will take care of me, no matter what. Help me to give You my first and my best, as You have given to me. Help me to not love money and possessions more than I love You.
Lord, I believe. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and that I have forgiveness in His Name. But what about the Muslims and the Buddhists and even those who never heard the Gospel? Some of them are good people, too. Help my unbelief. Help me to see that no other Savior offers eternal life, apart from you. Help me to believe that Your death and resurrection are for all people. And help me to be bold in speaking your gospel to these people in my life. Help me to trust in the work of the Holy Spirit to change their hearts and bring them to faith, too.
Lord, I believe. I believe that all things work together for good. But I can’t see the good in suffering. It’s hard to believe in you when my loved ones are in pain. How could you allow all the bad things in this world to happen? Can’t you, won’t you do something to stop them? Help my unbelief. Help me to trust in You even when people I love are suffering, even when I am suffering. Help me to realize that You suffered, too. Help me to trust that You can work good even out of the most difficult situations. Help me to be drawn closer to you, to trust in you more when life is hard.
Lord, I believe. I believe that You hear my prayers. But I keep praying and praying and praying, and it doesn’t seem to change anything. I wonder if it’s even worth the time and energy. Help my unbelief. Help me recognize that You will answer my prayers in Your time and in Your way. Help me to be patient and not look for simple or easy solutions. Help me to continue praying, knowing and trusting that You are truly listening.
The struggles of faith are real. And it’s important that we talk about them. Just as you continue to struggle with sin and living a godly life, you will struggle with faith and trust in God.
There will be days when life is good, when you can see God at work, and everything makes sense.
That was the story before today’s gospel.
Just before today’s story, Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John, had been on the Mount of Transfiguration. The veil was pulled back, and these disciples could see Jesus in all His glory. Moses and Elijah had appeared on either side of Him. The bright cloud of God’s presence had enveloped them, and the voice had proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.”
In that moment, on that mountain, there was no doubt that Jesus truly was the Son of God. Life was good. Faith was easy.
But in today’s story, everything is different. There is no more visions of glory, just the suffering of a poor boy afflicted by a demon. The boy’s father expresses doubt that Jesus can help. “If you can…” he says.
Down here in the valley, life is bad. Faith is difficult.
You’ve had days like this, too, as you’ve wondered if Jesus is truly there for you and can help you. You can identify with this frustrated father who prays, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”
Jesus helps you, even when you struggle. He didn’t wait until this man had a stronger faith before He would heal His son.
Nor did He wait for the world to believe in Him before He died for us. Jesus says, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you?”
Jesus knows that His time is short. He has begun His journey to Jerusalem, where He will be rejected by all, and yet die for all.
Your doubts, your wavering, your struggles to believe are all forgiven through Jesus’ death on the cross.
And because of Jesus’ death for you, there will come a day when you don’t need faith. You won’t need faith, because you will see for yourself.
You will see God and His goodness. Your mind will be opened to understand Him. Your sinful flesh will be sanctified and holy.
So don’t give up. Keep struggling. Keep praying. Recognize that faith is not and will not be easy. Listen to Jesus and His Word. Trust in Him. He has given you your faith. And He will help your unbelief.