Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Help thou mine unbelief

One of the great stories in the scriptures is of the man whose son has had a devil his whole life. His son is severely handicapped as a result and does crazy things such as jumping into fires. Through tears, the man begs Jesus to help his son. Here's the story from Mark 9:

20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit atare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have acompassionon us, and help us.

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things areapossible to him that bbelieveth.

24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine aunbelief.

25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, hearebuked the bfoul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and alifted him up; and he arose.

At times, all of us are like this man. We have great need for help. We believe God can help us, but considering how difficult the problem is, we have a bit of doubt as well. We think, "how could anything solve this issue? It is so hard." So, we beg for help, and perhaps even acknowledge our lack of faith in asking for it. Luckily for us, God is compassionate. This man did not have to have perfect faith, but instead, desire to have enough faith for his son to be healed, and that was enough.

I appreciate the honesty of this man and the compassion of the Savior. I have had so many experiences showing he cares about us, but occasionally I have my own doubts and questions. As I turn to him to ask for help in overcoming this doubts that come, he does not rebuke me but strengthens me. I love him for this.

Have a great week.

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