Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

6 March 2025

Reading From Mark 9:1-29

“So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. 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!”

When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.”

—Mark 9:20-27

     What a horrible life this young boy had when he was oppressed by this evil spirit.  I am so grateful that our Lord Jesus has power over all the universe and that by faith we can see His deliverance in our own lives and those around us.  The boy’s poor, desperate father did not know where else to turn to and I can certainly identify with wanting my child to be helped.  I remember feeling that way when one of my sons needed surgery and the outcome was uncertain.  We believed that God would protect and heal him, but how our faith did grow through that difficult season of our lives! 

     Notice that the boy’s father truly did believe, but that he still struggled with unbelief.  How true is that of us today.  Even as genuine followers of Jesus Christ, we occasionally struggle with doubt and at times our faith is small and weak.  But God can help us overcome our unbelief, see His wonders at work in the world around us, and bring glory and honor to Him.

“Wonderful Jesus, we believe in You.  Please help us overcome our unbelief.  We humbly ask You to increase and strengthen our faith and trust in You.  Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy You show to us as You help us grow and mature in You.  In all things we want to honor You.  Thank You Jesus.  Amen.”

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.

—II Thessalonians 1:3