S – The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes. The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Mark 9:22-24 CSB

O – “If you can.”  This is the turning point in the moment.  Jesus challenges the father not out of anger but out of compassion.  The father has seen a lifetime of “will this work?”  moments ending in disappointments.  The father recognizes this is the moment when God is ready to work through the man’s faith in Him.

A – We all go through moments of doubt and unbelief.  Our faith is a growing part of our relationship with God.  Like a muscle, the more we use it, the more it is likely to grow.  The less we use it, the less it grows.  Like the father in the story, we need to continue to move from unbelief to belief.

R – Heavenly Father, we surrender to you today.  We invite your Holy Spirit to lead us today in all situations, conversations and moments.  Challenge us to grow our faith when our unbelief can move to belief.  Give us the courage we need to take the next step.