Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
When we express our doubts to God, he will come alongside us to help grow our faith.
Key Points:
- This verse is from the Gospel of Mark which is one of the documents that talks about the life and ministry of Jesus. The author of the book is unknown but evidence suggests it was written by John Mark, and that Mark was summarizing the gospel message the Apostle Peter often preached.
- Mark traveled with Peter and other disciples recording things that were happening. The book of Mark talks about miracles a lot and showcases at least twenty of Jesus’s miraculous works.
- The context for the verse itself is a father came to the disciples asking them to cast out a demon from his son. But the disciples were unable to do it. The father approached Jesus and essentially questions if Jesus had the power to cast out the demon. Jesus responded by asking the father if he believed that Jesus had the power to heal his son. This is where the verse comes into focus. The father said he did believe…kind of. He had heard about Jesus and his previous miracles so he knew it was possible, but he wasn’t sure if it would happen.
- For Jordan, this verse speaks volumes. The father was admitting his doubts to Jesus! And, Jesus didn’t get mad at him for it. He goes on to heal his son.
- Jordan holds herself to a high standard and has feared that God would be angry with her if she didn’t measure up all the time. This story helps to remind her that God is gracious and patient and we don’t need to feel a pressure to “perform” for God. We can be honest in our times of struggle.
- This lesson has been especially true for Jordan as she has adjusted to life with a newborn. Things haven’t gone as planned and Jordan has struggled physically and emotionally. Instead of pretending that she had it all together, she went to God and asked him to help her to change her perspective. Instead of struggling on her own, she felt God told her to seek counsel and advice from others.
Quote This:
Mark 9:24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Describe a tough situation you’ve faced or are facing that has rocked your faith.
- Read Mark 9:14-22. Put yourself in the shoes of the father. What emotions do you think he was feeling? Have you ever felt like the father in the story who sought healing but didn’t see results? Explain.
- Read Mark 9:23-27. Why do you think Jesus responded with a question to the father? What do you think the father meant by his response? How do you relate to the father’s cry of needing help with unbelief?
- Why is it important to know that we can be honest with our doubts before God? What does that say about his character?
- Jesus has the power to cast out demons. In what areas of your life do you need to see more of God’s power on display? How will you approach God with those things?
- Read Hebrews 11:1. This verse gives us the definition of faith. It’s choosing to be sure and hopeful even when we can’t see or touch God. With that in mind, how can we still grow in our faith even when we don’t get the answers we want?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
This is part of the Life Verses for Women series.
