Overcoming Unbelief

Text: Mark 9:22–24

Theme Scripture: “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, 'Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.’” – Mark 9:24 (AKJV)

By: Pastor Leo T. Mukumba

Introduction

Unbelief is not always loud or large doubt, bold defiance; more often, it is often a quiet, desperate cry buried beneath disappointments, religious routines, and unanswered prayers. It is a war many believers fight silently. Some express it through theological frustrations, others confusion, others through emotional burnout or a numbing sadness that slowly erodes their confidence in God’s power. It often lives in the hearts of those who once believed strongly but now limp through faith due to disappointments, unanswered prayers, or life’s unrelenting weights. For many, it is the gap between what they know about God’s power and what they actually feel in their lived experiences. It is the silent battle within the Heart and hard to express.

This internal conflict is not the absence of belief but often faith in crisis. In Mark 9, we encounter a father whose son is possessed by a tormenting spirit. He brings his child and his fragile faith to Jesus. His raw plea, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief,” reveals the kind of honest faith God responds to. It is here that we learn one of the most vital lessons of the Christian journey: God does not demand perfect faith; He honors honest faith.

From the Mountain to the Valley

Context matters. The scene in Mark 9 opens with the Transfiguration, a glorious revelation of Jesus’ divine nature witnessed by Peter, James, and John. Yet, immediately afterward, they descend into chaos: a demon-possessed boy is suffering, a crowd is arguing, and the disciples are powerless to help.

This sharp contrast reminds us that mountaintop experiences often precede valley tests. Moments of great spiritual glory are followed by real-life battles. We must not be disoriented by this pattern, it is the rhythm of faith and life.

The Greek word for “unbelief” in verse 24 is apistia (ἀπιστία), meaning not merely ignorance but an active resistance or distrust. This deeper understanding sheds light on the kind of internal conflict the father was experiencing.

A Desperate Father and Flickering Faith

“But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us,” the father says in verse 22. This man is not a theologian. He is not reciting creeds or defending doctrine. He is simply a hurting father who has watched his son suffer since childhood. He is discouraged—perhaps not because he doubts God's power, but because hope has been bruised by disappointment.

His words, “if You can,” reveal a theology cracked by pain. He has a sliver of hope, like someone with 1% phone battery still trying to make an emergency call. That flicker of faith, however small, is still precious to God.

Lesson: God is not impressed by religious performance, but He is drawn to humble honesty. He does not reject weak faith, He meets it with grace.

Jesus Responds: A Divine Challenge and Invitation

Jesus’ reply in verse 23 is telling: “If you can? Everything is possible for one who believes.” In the original Greek, the phrase To ei dynē carries a tone of gentle correction: “What do you mean ‘if I can?’” Jesus shifts the conversation from ability to belief, not because faith is magical, but because faith connects us to the God who is all-powerful.

This moment becomes a turning point. The father immediately cries out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” This is not contradiction; it is confession. It is an act of surrender, not strength. It is as if he is saying, “Lord, I’m trying. Don’t turn me away. Meet me in my struggle.”

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Understanding Unbelief: Its Types and Consequences

Types of Unbelief:

1. Ignorant unbelief – A lack of knowledge of the truth (Romans 10:14).

2. Rebellious unbelief – A willful rejection of known truth (Hebrews 3:12).

3. Practical unbelief – Professing faith but living without its reality (James 2:17–18).

Consequences of Unbelief:

• It limits divine activity and miracles (Mark 6:5–6).

• It hardens the heart against God’s voice (Hebrews 3:19).

• It breeds instability in thought and life (James 1:6–8).

Unbelief is not harmless. Left unchecked, it erodes spiritual vision, numbs prayer, and distances the heart from the presence of God.

Steps to Overcoming Unbelief

1. Bring It All to Jesus

The father didn’t hide his doubts; he brought them to Jesus. Likewise, we must come as we are, with our questions, fears, and weariness.

John 6:37 – “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.”

2. Confess It Honestly

Confession opens the heart to grace. Pretending we are strong when we are not hinders healing.

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

3. Pray Through the Struggle

Faith grows when nurtured by prayer, even when answers feel delayed. Prayer aligns the heart with divine truth.

Jude 1:20 – “Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”

When circumstances overwhelm us, we must learn to say: “Lord, I believe. Help me believe again.”

Testimonies of Transformed Doubters

Throughout Scripture, we see imperfect faith transformed:

• Thomas refused to believe until he touched Jesus’ wounds, yet he declared, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

• Gideon asked for signs and reassurance, yet God used him as a mighty deliverer (Judges 6).

• Peter sank in doubt on the water but was later restored and empowered (Luke 22:32).

These testimonies prove that God doesn’t wait for perfect belief, He honors surrendered hearts.

Encouragement for the Struggling Believer

If you are in a place of doubt, let this be your comfort:

• You are not the first to struggle with faith, even spiritual giants have wrestled with God.

• God honors honest prayers over polished ones.

• Faith is not a destination, it is a journey.

Isaiah 42:3 – “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out.”

Your flickering flame is enough for God to work with. He will not crush you. He will lift you.

Conclusion

In conclusion I want to know that Faith That Begins with a Cry. Mark 9:25 reveals the result of this encounter: Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit, and the boy is healed. But something deeper also happens, the father’s faith is restored. His cry of desperation becomes a declaration of faith.

If you are walking through doubt today, don’t stay silent. Cry out:“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” He is not offended by your honesty, He is moved by it. Let that cry mark the beginning of deeper intimacy with Christ.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where in your life have you silently said, “If You can…”?

2. What area of your heart still wrestles with unbelief?

3. Are you willing to bring that struggle to Jesus?

Surround yourself with Scripture, church community, and prayer. Faith will grow again.

• Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for...”

• Matthew 17:20 – “Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.”

• Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

• James 1:6–7 – “He who doubts is like a wave... unstable in all his ways.”

• 2 Timothy 2:13 – “If we are faithless, He remains faithful...”

Let your cry be the beginning of a deeper walk with God. You overcome unbelief not by denying it, but by surrendering it at the feet of Jesus.