July 16th | Mark 9

There have been times when I have struggled to have faith, and other times when I have felt that I could move mountains. There have been times when I have experienced mountaintop highs and other times when I have experienced devastating lows. Are we supposed to live like this? Can’t we just have mountaintop experiences and full faith all the time?

Even Jesus knew that a mountaintop experience was not meant to last forever. In Mark 9:2-13, Jesus ascends a mountain with Peter, James, and John and is transfigured. His glory is revealed, and Moses and Elijah accompany him. Peter responds by saying, “Can’t we just stay here forever?” But Jesus knew He couldn’t stay on the mountain forever. There was more work to be done, a cross awaited Him. 

Upon coming down from the mountain, Jesus and the disciples encounter a boy possessed by an unclean spirit. This demon had ravaged this boy his entire life, and the father came desperately to Jesus. 

Mark 9:22, “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.”

The man came to Jesus and wondered if Christ could heal his boy. Jesus’ response is shocking. 

Mark 9:23, “23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 

Jesus was telling this man that it wasn’t a matter of whether Jesus could do something, but the question was whether this man would have enough faith in Jesus. Anything is possible for those who believe. The man’s response is also surprising. 

Mark 9:24, “24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

The man wanted to believe, but he had little faith. He needed help with his doubts. This begs the question, “How much faith is enough faith?” Well, Jesus told us the faith of a mustard seed could move mountains (Matt 17:20). In his commentary on Mark, Dr. Akin said, 

“The key is not the depth of our faith but the direction of our faith. What is important is not the potency of our faith but the Person our faith is in. A little faith in a great savior gets amazing results!” (Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Mark, Akin, 188). 

Do not feel that you have to muster up enough faith to see Jesus work in your life. Sometimes we have a mountaintop experience and are filled with faith, and other times we are weak and questioning whether we have enough faith to get through the day. The problem isn’t how much faith you have but where you are directing your faith. The man’s son was healed because he was looking to Jesus, not to the world. Even with a small faith, he was able to see Jesus work. Today, if you are weak and feel like you have “little” faith, don’t worry! Direct that “little” faith at Jesus Christ and watch Him do incredible things!