The Most Honest
Person in the Bible
By Carolyn
Hulliberger
“… (Jesus said),
‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’”
Mark
9:23 (NIV)
A
story is told in Mark
chapter 9 of a desperate father. This man had brought his son to the
disciples, seeking help for his demon-possessed son. Since childhood, this boy
would go into convulsions, even being thrown into fire or water against his
will.
This
father is going through hell on earth. Completely out of control, frantic that
his son will be killed, helplessly watching these episodes. He has tried everything, including bringing
this boy to the disciples who can perform miracles. The disciples were unable
to help. Now, he pleads with Jesus:
“If you can do anything, take pity on us and
help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus.
“Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately, the boy’s father
exclaimed, “I do believe; help me
overcome my unbelief” (Mark9:21-24,
NIV, emphasis mine).
And
with that statement, I believe this man is the most honest person in the Bible.
When
you or I are forced to watch helplessly in our own life situations, our human
faith’s imperfections come exploding to the surface. We desire with everything
in our souls to believe that an all-mighty God can sweep in to fix our
suffering, but doubt that He will choose to for us. The thought niggles in our
mind that perhaps God has forgotten about me or my loved one, or we wonder if
He is even there at all, or a dozen other wrong contemplations. The daily grind
of dealing with the wayward child, the ill parent, the dysfunctional marriage,
job stress, health or any other issue, will bring us to our knees. And our
doubts only serve to compound our guilt and frustration.
Listen
to the next part of this story. When the boy’s father cries in brokenness to
Jesus, Jesus does not rebuke him. Jesus
does not take him to task over his admission. He does not shame the man. Jesus
instead sends the demon out of the child. His grace and healing are extended,
despite the imperfect belief of the father. His grace will come to us, despite
our flaws, as well.
GOING DEEPER:
1.
When going through the dark times, consider claiming the words of Jesus and
this man into your prayer time: “Jesus, You said that anything is possible for
those who believe. I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”
2.
Be honest about your faith and doubts with God.
FURTHER READING:
Along
with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative,
serves in Oakwood Church’s Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior
high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.
