Mark 9:22-24 (NRSV): The Necessity of Faith
“But if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Christ can lift us up and create us anew in this world if we act on and develop the gift of faith. There are many incidents in the gospels that point to the necessity of faith in the person receiving Jesus’ healing. Conversion, repentance, forgiveness and healing are all the result of Jesus’ power met with the faith of the repressed. The father in the above story realizes, at the point of his son’s suffering, that he needs the gift of increased faith and cries out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
In our times of need and moments of doubt are we, too, willing to cry out the same, humbling ourselves in prayer and asking God to increase our faith? The increase doesn't strike us like lightning; it requires cooperation and commitment on our part -- prayer, self-sacrifice, humility, devotional reading of Scripture, community, and loving God and neighbor.
Please join me in praying that Jesus Christ enter into our hearts, guiding us by his Spirit, to love, give, and be witnesses to him in every moment of our day. And that through the grace of God's love, our faith increase transforming our lives and the lives of those we encounter.
May the peace and love of Christ be with you all.
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