There is a prayer Jesus honors even when faith wavers. It does not come from strength. It comes from honest humility.
A father stood before Jesus with a need he could not fix and a belief he could not complete. He did not pretend. He did not perform. He spoke about his condition and placed it in Jesus’ hands.
What follows shows how Jesus responds when belief and unbelief meet in a divided heart. This passage gives us a pattern to follow that shows how unbelief grows into great faith. Let’s get started.
A father came to Jesus and said, “Lord, help me overcome my unbelief.” Notice how Jesus responds. More importantly, notice what the father does and does not do.
Step one: While a crowd gathered to see if Jesus would help, Jesus spoke to the issue. This is our first challenge. Before expressing unbelief, trust Jesus’ words.
Step two: The spirit shrieked. This was a voice of opposition. Wailing and words of woe are aimed at terrifying and tearing down faith. Ignore negative reports and utterances.
Step three: The spirit shook the boy. When words fail, the opposition uses signs. What we hear and what we see carry weight. In faith, look past what you see. Wait with expectation.
Step four: The spirit left, but the boy appeared dead. Do not accept the worst. What appears to be the end is not the final verdict. Believe Jesus’s words instead.
Step five: The father kept silent. This is where everything turned. Here, unbelief became belief. In surrender, stillness, and silence, we receive. Stand firm, and watch unbelief become great faith.
Step six: Jesus lifted the boy to his feet. Trust in Jesus gives Him permission to bring life where death appears. God cannot go against our will. To see our miracles, we must ask and expect His will to be done.
Step seven: The boy stood healed. In victory, testify to God’s goodness. Jesus’ blood and our testimony give us victory over the devil.
When faced with a problem, walk these seven steps with Jesus and watch unbelief turn into faith.
Thank God it all rests on Jesus and His blood and not on me.