The disciples must have been confused.

Jesus had chosen them, given them authority over evil spirits and sent them out. They preached to people, and healed and delivered many.

Only three chapters later, in the ninth chapter of Mark, they hit a wall. A man brought his son to them and asked them to drive out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.

The man took his son to Jesus, explained the problem and said, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”

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

The father must have believed that Jesus could help, otherwise he wouldn’t have taken his son out of the house and into public view, but he admitted to some doubt.

The whole time this conversation is going on, the boy is on the ground, rolling around and foaming at the mouth. Instantly, Jesus healed the boy and I believe the father’s doubt disappeared.

Thomas, the famous doubter in the Bible, refused to believe Jesus had risen from the dead until He appeared and Thomas was able to put his hands in Jesus’ wounds.

Jesus’ reply to him is recorded in John 20:30, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

I think of those two stories whenever doubt rises in my heart. When prayers don’t get answered the way I thought they would, when bad news hits and when the script I’ve written for my life takes a plot twist.

Like the father in Mark 9, I ask for help to overcome my doubt and remember that I am blessed when I believe without seeing.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.