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:
- 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.”
- 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 as a Community Group
leader and a High School home group leader.
