Read Mark 9:14-29

Help My Unbelief!

The disciples faced a challenge in the healing of a child possessed with a mute spirit. This spirit caused the boy to have seizures, foam at the mouth, gnash his teeth, and become rigid. The boy’s father sought help from the disciples, but they were unable to cast the spirit out.

Enter Jesus. The man complained that the disciples had failed, then pleads, “But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us” (Mark 9:22). When no one else could help, he turned to the Lord.

How often do we seek help from others before turning to God? How often do we consult the philosophies of man without consulting the God who gives wisdom to all who ask? We have trouble in our relationships and we run to some therapist who has no grounding in the truth, but rather gives worldly advice, and we wonder why our problems remain unsolved.

Let’s be clear: therapists have their place especially those rooted in Christian principles. They can be extremely helpful to those in need, and their expertise should not be minimized. But if we are not putting in some work outside the therapist’s office by seeking help from God’s Word, the hours we spend with that professional will not reach their potential.

No matter who you turn to for help, you should put forth some effort yourself by comparing their advice to God’s advice and making sure they are in agreement. Hearing the same advice in two different ways can help our understanding.

What the man in this text faced was a problem of faith. Jesus lamented, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you?” (Mark 9:19). There was a problem with the heart of the people, with a lack of trust in the Almighty. So when the man said, “If You can,” Jesus responded, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23).

Do you believe, or do you doubt? Perhaps you answered yes to both parts of that question. Perhaps you, like the father of the possessed boy, need to pray, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

Day 77/260: Read Mark 9

Who is hurt by our sin? You may have heard someone say, “Let him have his fun. He’s not hurting anyone but himself.” But is this true?

Do we not influence those who are around us? And do the things we do (or neglect to do) have an impact on others? Your sin will not only cost you in eternity, but may influence others to miss out on God’s blessings as well.

Jesus warns, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” You may not realize it, but you are setting an example for others—in the home, in the church, at work, and on the internet. Take care what kind of example you are setting.

Is there a specific temptation with which you are dealing, that is preventing you from obeying God fully? Get rid of it! Uninstall the app that is causing you to stumble, don’t talk to people who make it easy to gossip and slander, and stay away from the places that lead you into sinful activities.

Hell is for eternity. Three times, Jesus says, “Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.” Unbearable, but avoidable. Obey the gospel and live faithfully.

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

Mark 9:50. “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Pray

Pray for opportunities to set a proper example for those around you.