“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (Mk. 9:24, KJV)

Behind this verse is a desperate father whose son had suffered from an unclean spirit since childhood. Jesus’ disciples had been unable to deliver the boy. We hear the father’s uncertainty when he asks Jesus for help:

“If thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.” (Mk. 9:22, KJV, excerpt)

In many ways, I see myself in this father. Although I have been deeply blessed by what the LORD has done in my life, I cannot confidently say that, if my own son were suffering like this, I would approach Him without fear or doubt. I would want to trust that He was in control, but I would also be desperate to know when—and how—He would answer.

I believe suffering like this is one reason so many people struggle to believe in God.

Why does God allow suffering? Why does He allow His people to be persecuted and murdered around the world? Why would He allow a child to suffer from an unclean spirit since childhood? These are painful questions, and they deserve more than a quick answer.

This passage does not tell us why the boy’s suffering began. But it does show us how Jesus responded when the father brought his uncertainty to Him:

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” (Mk. 9:23, KJV)

The father answered with the words that opened this post: “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” He did not pretend to have perfect faith. He brought Jesus both his belief and his struggle to believe.

And Jesus delivered his son.

In this encounter, we see Jesus’ authority and compassion. We see a father turn toward Him in his weakness. And we receive a testimony that continues to strengthen believers today—including me.

Could things have happened differently? What if God had never allowed the suffering?

I cannot know what would have happened. Scripture does not tell us that this suffering was the only way the father or his son could have come to faith. What it does show us is that their suffering was not beyond Jesus’ power, and the father’s uncertainty did not keep him from asking for help.

That gives me hope, even when I do not understand what God allows. I am learning to trust Him without pretending to know all His reasons:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa. 55:8–9, KJV)

Scripture describes God leading Israel “unto a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex. 3:8, KJV). It also speaks of seasons of trial, in which faith is tested and patience grows. Walking with God includes receiving His provision and trusting Him through hardship:

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (Jas. 1:2–4, KJV)

This does not make suffering easy or mean we must pretend it does not hurt. It gives us hope that God can work within our trials, strengthening our faith and bringing us toward maturity.

As Job asked in the midst of his own suffering:

“What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10, KJV, excerpt)

Here, “evil” means adversity or calamity. Job’s words express trust amid loss, even though he would go on to grieve deeply and ask difficult questions.

So, what keeps you from believing in God? Is there a question burning in your heart? Is there a tragedy you cannot reconcile with His goodness?

I do not have an answer to every question. But this father’s prayer reminds me that we can bring our questions and our weakness to Jesus honestly: “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

If you feel comfortable, please share in the comments. I would love to hear your story and pray for you.

Until next time, and as always, stand firm in Christ.