Flickering Faith
I believe; help my unbelief. (Mark 9:24)
Every Christmas season the Armistead family gathers to watch the classic 1947 drama, Miracle on 34th Street. It’s the story of a mother and daughter who, together, rediscover the joy and hope found in belief.
As the movie reaches its climax, the young daughter is forced to make a choice - will she believe, against all odds, a promise that has been made to her? As she sits alone in the backseat of the car, she quietly repeats to herself the words, “I believe, I believe, I believe.” Her tone is not exactly optimistic; her expression doesn’t reflect much hope. But in the end, her belief is rewarded, her hope fulfilled.
Belief is a lot like that. It’s not found in feelings. It’s not wrapped in strength. It often appears weak. A flicker of hope, nothing more.
That is the faith of the father in the story Mark describes in his gospel. His son is possessed by a demon. The demon often seizes him, casting him into fire or water in an attempt to kill him. The father, in a desperate attempt to see his boy healed, brings him to Jesus, saying, “if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”.
Jesus responds, “If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.” That is when, much like the little girl in the movie, the father responds, “I believe, help my unbelief.” His faith was but a flicker. His belief a tiny spark. But that was all that was needed.
Don’t imagine that faith always appears strong and unshakeable. Often it seems weak and worthless. But faith is found when we, like that father, take those things most precious to us, however sick and broken they may be, and lay them before Jesus.
What do you in your weakness need to lay before Jesus today?
In Christ,
Dan