The Helper of Unbelievers

“‘If You can?’ echoed Jesus. ‘All things are possible to him who believes!’”

— Mark 9:32

Dear Pastor,

What do you feel in your heart when you read this promise from our Savior:  “All things are possible to him who believes!” 

I imagine for most of us there was a time when reading this promise stirred an expectancy in our hearts. Our soul rose with brimming faith and cried out with William Carey, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God!” With such a promise from such a Savior, who can hold back from giving our all for the Savior’s call? Why not boldly believe and do the impossible!? 

Maybe that is where you are today. Ready to believe our Lord and see the dead raised, the mountains move, the demons flee. If so, rejoice and boldly declare His word!

But I suspect not all who read this promise feel such elation, such inspiration. There are times when I don’t. You may be one to whom this promise feels like a millstone around your neck since the promise comes with a condition - believe. Sure, the impossible is accomplished by those who believe, but…what if I can’t believe? 

The scholars seem to be uncertain about the translation of the first part of Mark 9:32. And we are completely out to sea on the emotion and intonation of Jesus’ voice here. What do you hear in his voice? 

Is he incredulous that this father would question his abilities? “If I possibly can?!” 

Is he deflecting the burden of healing back onto this fearful father, with a commanding, “If you can!”?

Is it a gentle and slightly humored restating of the father’s limited vision, “If you can…?” 

The struggle in reading this passage is the same struggle many people find in walking with Jesus every day. They are unsure of the tone of his voice. They are uncertain of his heart, his intentions toward us. Is he frustrated? Is he incredulous? Is he demanding? Is he disappointed?

Were these questions racing through the father's mind as he stammered out through his tears, “I believe! Help my unbelief!”

If we doubt the tone of his voice in these verses, we can fall back into the faithfulness of his actions. As the father wet the earth with his tears, Jesus, with no hesitation, delivered his son. Where the father doubted, the Savior believed. He is faithful when we are faithless. He is the helper of unbelievers.

The disciples, having failed where Jesus succeeded, asked, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” 

Jesus’ reply? “Your lack of prayer.” 

Friend, if you can’t believe Him, spend time with Him. Belief is not something you find within yourself or work up through some religious exercise. It is found in His presence, in His gaze, in His kindness toward you in the midst of your unbelief. Let his faithfulness to you plant in you the seed of belief that will grow and accomplish the impossible in your life. 

Take a walk with Jesus today. Come to Him with all your brokenness, fear, and unbelief. He is not frustrated or incredulous. He is kind, strong, and faithful. He will help you.

Grace and Peace,

Delton

Artwork: “Woman at a Window,” Jozef Israëls