Mark 9:24 - Inconsistent Unbelief

I've been teaching an online college class in World Religions. One student in particular is devout in their faith but also struggling: what is worthy of belief and what is not?

I often find myself struggling with those two issues: belief vs. unbelief. Whom to trust, or not trust. Do I trust God to be both strong AND kind all the time? Consequently, I regularly pray, "I believe, help my unbelief."

That prayer comes from an encounter Jesus had with a distraught father. The man had a demonized son who, since childhood, would have seizures. The demon would throw the boy into fire or into water "to destroy him." (Mark 9:22) The man explained the terrifying situation then said to Jesus, 

“'But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!' 23 And Jesus said to him, ‘ “If You can?” All things are possible to him who believes.’ 24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, 'I do believe; help my unbelief.'” (Mark 9:22b–24, New American Standard Bible, 1995)

Meanwhile, the boy was writhing on the ground, foaming at the mouth, and a crowd of gawkers was gathering. So Jesus cast the demon out and the boy was healed. 

Jesus did two things:
He called out the man's doubts in saying, "If you can." But it was inconsistent unbelief.
In compassion, Jesus honored the man's imperfect faith and healed the boy anyway.

"Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer"
(From "What a Friend We Have in Jesus.")

Lord, sometimes it seems so easy to believe. Especially when circumstances have been going our way already. Give us the humility to admit the unbelief we hold on to during tough times. We believe, help our unbelief. In the name of Jesus we ask these things, Amen.