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Jesus talks so much about believing and having faith…Asking Lazarus’ sister, Martha, if she believes in John 11. Asking the two blind men in Matthew 28 if they believe that he’s able to heal them. Telling the bleeding woman in Mark 5 that her faith healed her. Telling the blind man in Mark 10 that his faith healed him. And, all throughout the book of John, Jesus asks if people believe.
I find it interesting that Jesus tells us to be like children in how we believe and how we “receive the kingdom of God”. Children are quick to believe, have simple and great faith, and are humble – they’re not afraid to say they’re in need.
I find it interesting and so very refreshing that in Mark 9, a father with a sick son struggled with believing. He didn’t hide it. In humility, he laid it out right before Jesus, begging him to help him with his unbelief. Faith like a child. Humility like a child. Asking for help, telling the Lord he needed help. And, Jesus met him right there.
The Lord doesn’t need us to never feel sad or confused or mad or scared as we believe in Him. If we weren’t human, that would be simple. But we are human, with emotion, a whole lot of it – that’s just how he made us to be and that’s okay.
You know how Jesus wants us to come to him? Raw, honest, open, truthful, telling Him we are in need of Him. Looking away from the struggle, and looking straight to Jesus instead. He will help us, we just need to ask Him.
Going back to the story, the father said, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Then Jesus healed the boy.
Jesus didn’t say, sorry you messed up, you’re not good enough, you didn’t say the right words or feel the right way. Instead, he honored the father’s raw and vulnerable heart that recognized he was so in need of Jesus.
I don’t think the Lord longs for us to come as a perfect package to him (which is impossible by the way), but rather, He longs for us to come in humility, bringing our broken pieces to Him, so He can make us whole.
We are whole in Jesus. Jesus is the One who brings full life, eternal life, joy, healing and hope to us.
If you are struggling like this father, be encouraged that you also can cry out to the Lord, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”. And, the Lord will meet you, right there in that moment, right where you are, and He will rescue you.
If you’re tired, ask the Lord to lift you up. If you want to be present with your kids, ask him to help you.
If you want to be less rushed, ask him to help you slow down.
If you want to be calmer, ask His Spirit to settle you. If you don’t know if you can take that next step, ask him to step in.
If you need community, ask him for it.
If you feel discontent, ask him to be your peace.
If you need joy, ask him for it.
If you are in need, God will help, just ask. 
“COME TO ME all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” – Jesus
Linsey Driskill 