Mark 9:24 "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

Here was a poor, distracted father, around whom a great crowd had gathered. On the ground lay his son, rolling about, foaming at the mouth, possessed by an evil spirit that had tormented him for many years. Then Jesus drew near, and they brought the boy to Him. The father cried: "If You can do anything, take pity on us and help us" (Mark 9:22).

Our Lord's reply put the father's real need where it belongs: "Everything is possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23). The father saw it: "I do believe"--but not as I should. Of how many of us is this still true! Perfect faith is wonderful, but who among us has it?

Yet this is not to lead us into despair. Let us begin with what we are and use what faith we have. This was what the father did. He could not fail to see his shortcomings and His need. He did not fail to do what he should do -- seek from his Lord a stronger faith.

As we meet with him in His Word, we see anew the wonder of our Lord's power and love. Let us begin with where we are and meet with Him often even though our days may seem untroubled and calm with no cloud to darken them. We still need the Savior every hour.

PRAYER: Lord, save us from the blunder of believing that the faith we have need not be strengthened through the Gospel. Amen.

(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800 325-3040.)

Today's Bible Readings: Job 14-16    Matthew 10:1-20

To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As"