Help Me Overcome My Unbelief (Imperfect Faith)

“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.’”

Mark 9:24 NIV

“No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, ‘Then I believe. Help me with my doubts.’” Mark 9:24 MSG

The theme of faith saturated Jesus’ entire ministry. For example in:

 (Matthew 9:22) “Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

 (Matthew 15:28) “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed”.

 (Mark 2:5) “Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”

 (Mark 10:52). “And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road

This morning let us clearly understand that the prerequisite to becoming a Christian is faith, “for without faith it is impossible to please God.” Ultimately, the Christian walk is a faith walk encumbered with many turns and curves. For as often as we travel the faith path, we will encounter detours, speed bumps, curves, and even some mishaps. These detours will often play upon one’s faith, one’s belief system in God’s presence and power. However, the Apostle Paul declared in Romans 3:3 (the English Standard Version of the Bible), “What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?” In other words, because man doesn’t believe doesn’t mean that God isn’t trustworthy. People trust in many things and some even trust in God. However, one’s level of trust is expounds based on one’s diligent walk with God. See, Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God. They even believe the stories in the bible about Christ’s miracles. They believe Christ was born of a virgin, endured affliction and brutality, crucified on the cross, resurrected from the grave, and ascended to His Father. Yet, often it is hard for them to believe that Christ will resurrect their dreams, heal their diseases, open their eyes, and put pep in their steps. In this life, faith is never perfect; belief and unbelief intertwine often. John Ankerberg, author of Assurance for Today hope for Tomorrow, stated, “Faith is sort of like a muscle-it grows strong with usage but degenerates when not used. The measure of faith given (Romans 12:3) grows when used. But the important point is that biblically, faith is never perfect, meaning that our initial faith in Christ-or trust, surrender, submission, commitment-whatever word one uses, is never perfect, nor can it be. However, the smallest amount of genuine faith or trust or commitment is fully sufficient to save us.” Ankerberg speaks of saving faith but God desires that we grow in faith and not retain at the level of faith upon salvation. So, God tries our faith that we may try His faithfulness. There are moments in our lives that our faith is so weak because of the pressures we face.

• You tried one doctor after another

• You tried radiation

• You tried chemotherapy

• You tried medication

• You tried surgery

• You tried changing diet

• You tried curtailing spending

• You tried the marriage counselor

• You tried the laying of hands

• You tried honesty but the dishonest prosper

• You tried being compassionate towards others only to be mistreated by them

• You tried, you tried, & you tried! Yet, nothing changes, the situation remains the same.

So the question is “How do we overcome unbelief (imperfect faith) when the warfare is never-ending and how do we trust a God who sees imperfections but doesn’t stop them?”

I’m glad you asked. Church, I’m here this morning to tell you that uncertainty and doubt about God’s promises and presence are a way of life. We are human beings; it is quite natural for us to struggle, to doubt, to question, to wonder about God’s presence and promises at various times. Whereby, we find it difficult to maintain our faith in who is to be a “Perfect God” when imperfections crush and overwhelm us. However Church, we must still have faith in a perfect God when imperfection is all around us? How do we do this? We follow the blueprint in God’s Word in Proverbs 3:5-7, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths.” This is what this father did when whispered a prayer to God, “Lord, I believe but help me overcome my unbelief.” We should immolate the father’s example. We are to put aside, cast down imaginations and strongholds, that is, all of our thoughts, ideas, and beliefs that are contrary to the Word of God. Know that doubt sees the obstacles while faith sees the way.