Doubt is a part of human nature. It is so integral a part in fact that it is arguably inescapable. Often times Christians are told over and over they must believe without any doubt or they will find themselves in danger of losing salvation. In Mark chapter 9, Jesus’ disciples find themselves unable to cast a demon out of a boy because of their lack of faith. Christ calls his disciples a “faithless generation” (Mark 9:19 KJV) in harsh rebuke for their doubts. The boy’s desperate father approaches Christ and begs that Jesus will cast the demon from his son. Jesus gives the man a very simple answer saying to him “If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth,” to which the man cries out with tears “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief,” (Mark 9:24 KJV). Jesus responds by rebuking the unclean spirit and casting it from the boy.
While Christ rebuked his disciples for their doubt, he rewarded this man by granting his request. The disciples’ error was not in doubting. Their error was in not wanting to believe the simple truth of the power of God. When you find yourself doubting, remember the man’s plea to Christ, “Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief,” (Mark 9:24 KJV) and trust that the mercy of God will suffice for the rest.
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