September 17

After Jesus had gone into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” — Mark 9:28 BSB

The disciples struggled and failed that night while Jesus was away from them.

When a father brought his son, possessed by a demon, to them for healing, they were unable to cast it out.

We are strong only when Christ is with us; when He is absent, we are weak. But the disciples didn’t need to fail in their attempt. Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith. The father, too, showed little faith when he said, “If You can do anything, help us.” Jesus responded, “If you can? All things are possible to those who believe.”

The father’s weak faith hindered his son’s healing.

Our lack of faith can also keep blessings from others. This should be a sobering thought—that our unbelief could prevent someone else from receiving a blessing. Our prayer should be like the father’s: “I believe; help my unbelief.”

With faith, Christians can do what seems impossible.