If You Can?

“If You Can?”

Mark 9:17-27

We’ve all experienced moments when our problems seemed too great; our burdens too heavy; our situation too far gone for us to expect a positive outcome.

There are simply moments when life places circumstances before us that seem impossible... even beyond hope.

And that’s where we find a desperate father in Mark 9 today. His son was suffering, and it’s easy to imagine the father had taken his son to every doctor; every “healer” imaginable; because it’s what we would do.

We know for certain this man brought his son to Jesus’ disciples for healing... but the disciples were unable to help. But finally, this father had the opportunity to approach Jesus himself... filled with hope, and a fair amount of hesitation. You can hear it in his tone of the words he used: “if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

There’s that pesky little word again: “If.” For such a tiny word it holds huge implications... because in the context of this “out-of-options” father’s situation, “if” pre-supposes doubt!

Yet, Jesus answered him in a way that was both convicting and encouraging: “If you can? Everything is possible for the one who believes.”

John Calvin’s commentary on this verse, reminds us: “The first foundation of faith is to embrace the boundless power of God; and the first step to prayer is to raise [our prayers] above all opposition (ie, doubt) BY the firm belief that our prayers are NOT in vain.”

Doubt, or unbelief, effectively closes our hearts to God’s blessings; while faith allows us to receive whatever it is that God graciously gives.

Of course, the issue was never whether Jesus was able. The issue was whether the father would trust Christ to do what was best, and perfect, and good.

This does not mean that faith gives us the power to make God do whatever we desire. Biblical faith is not confidence in an outcome; it is confidence in God.

Sometimes God changes the circumstances. While other times (and maybe even MOST of the time) He changes us in the midst of the circumstances. Sometimes He gives us the answer we desperately seek, and sometimes He gives us grace to endure an answer we don’t understand.

But in every circumstance, God remains faithful.

This exasperated father gives us one of the most honest responses in Scripture: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” — Mark 9:24.

Charles Spurgeon, the great Reformed preacher of the 19th Century, believed this father’s response to Jesus, is actually a prayer, “Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.” It’s a model for us to emulate: because it combines profession of faith, with confession of weakness. And even a weak faith, is still an effectual faith when it rests upon a strong Christ. After all, that’s the whole point of faith, right?

Remember, when Jesus’ disciples asked for more faith... Jesus replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you could move mountains.” (Matthew 17:20). In other words, it’s not the size of the faith that matters, it’s the size of the God who has given us faith, that matters.

Of course, having faith does not mean, nor does it imply, the absence of struggle, and difficulty, and even doubt! Faith, in fact, often leads us to struggle with our doubts... and when that struggle leads us to Christ, that faith proves effectual.

- We don’t need perfect faith.

We need (and have) a perfect Savior.

- We don’t need to know everything God is doing.

We need to know that God is faithful.

- We don’t need to control the future.

We need to trust the One who holds the future.

“I believe, help thou my unbelief!” What an encouraging prayer! This father believed, yet he recognized his weakness. And instead of hiding that weakness from Jesus, he brought it directly, boldly, confidently to the Savior.

And you and I are called to do the same.

When your faith feels small, bring it to Christ.

When doubt overwhelms you, bring it to Christ.

When the future is uncertain, bring it to Christ.

When you can’t imagine a way forward, remember that God knows and sees things you could never know or see in this life.

Our faith never requires us to understand everything God is doing. Our faith simply calls us to trust that what God is doing is best.

May we bring what needs to be healed to Jesus... praying, “I believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” No “ifs” about it.

For this is the Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God. Amen.