Day 18
Week 3, Day 18: Breakthrough in our Faith: “I believe, help my unbelief.”
Mark 9:21-24
“And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!””
There is something deeply comforting about this interaction between Jesus and the desperate father. It is one of the few places in Scripture where someone brings both their faith and their doubt to Jesus in the very same sentence, and Jesus doesn't turn him away or condemn him.
The father had likely spent years searching for healing for his son. He had watched him suffer, exhausted every option, and experienced disappointment after disappointment. By the time he stood before Jesus, his hope had become fragile. His circumstances had taught him to expect heartbreak more than breakthrough. Yet something compelled him to come anyway.
When Jesus challenged him to believe, the father didn't pretend his faith was stronger than it was. Instead, he responded to Jesus honestly: "I believe; help my unbelief.” What a beautiful picture of authentic faith.
We often assume faith means the absence of questions or uncertainty. We imagine that breakthrough comes only to those whose confidence is never shaken. But Scripture paints a different picture. Biblical faith is not pretending to have certainty or willing ourselves to have stronger faith, it is choosing to trust God in the middle of uncertainty.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly honors those who simply come to him. Some came boldly with unwavering confidence, and others came fearfully with just an ounce of hope. Yet over and over again, Jesus welcomed those who placed whatever faith they had into his capable hands.
As we fast and pray for breakthrough, many of us are carrying prayers that have been unanswered for a long time. We have prayed for healing, reconciliation, lost children, financial provision, freedom from addiction, or loved ones to know Christ. And if we're honest, disappointment can quietly shape our expectations. We may still believe God can move, but we wonder if he will.
This passage reminds us that Jesus invites us to bring our imperfect faith into his presence and allow him to strengthen it. And this is where we co-labor with the Holy Spirit.
Faith itself is not something we produce through sheer determination. Scripture teaches that faith is ultimately a gift from God, and throughout our lives the Holy Spirit continually grows and matures our trust in him. As we surrender our fears, disappointments, and unanswered questions, the Holy Spirit gently transforms them into deeper dependence on Christ. He reminds us of God's faithfulness, brings His promises to our remembrance, and empowers us to continue believing when our own strength runs out.
Breakthrough often begins long before our circumstances change. It begins when the Holy Spirit shifts our hearts from striving to trusting. Sometimes the first miracle God performs is renewing our faith before he changes our situation.
Perhaps your prayer today sounds like the father's: "Lord, I believe, but there are still places where fear, disappointment, and doubt remain." This honest prayer acknowledges that faith grows not through self-confidence, but through greater dependence upon God.
As we continue this fast, may we resist the temptation to hide our doubts or pretend we have everything figured out. Instead, may we honestly bring every question, every disappointment, and every longing before Jesus. The Holy Spirit is not intimidated by our weakness. He meets us there, strengthening our faith and teaching us to trust the One who is always faithful.
Whether your breakthrough comes today or later than you hoped, remember this: the greatest evidence of faith is not that you never wrestle with doubt. It is that, even in the midst of doubt, you continue bringing your heart to Jesus.
Listening Prayer: Holy Spirit, where have disappointment or fear quietly shaped my expectations of you? What area of my life are you inviting me to trust you with more deeply today?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for welcoming me into your presence just as I am. Thank you for allowing me to be honest with you. You know every disappointment I have carried, every prayer that has felt unanswered, and every place where fear has weakened my trust. Today I bring it all before you.
Holy Spirit, strengthen my faith where it is weak. Remind me of your faithfulness and help me fix my eyes on Jesus instead of my circumstances. Teach me to trust your character even when I cannot yet see your plan. Whether my breakthrough comes quickly or slowly, may my confidence rest in the One who is always good and always faithful. In Jesus' name, amen.
Resources: Bible Verses on Faith
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Romans 8:24-28
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Worship Song