God Thought 10/14/26

Upper Room Devotional

Scripture Reading: Mark 9:14-29

The father said, “If you are able to do anything, help us! Have compassion on us!” Jesus said to him, “If you are able! All things can be done for the one who believes.” - Mark 9:22-23 (NRSVUE)

A few months ago, I was trying to resolve large debts. Then my situation was exacerbated when my car was stolen and insurance did not cover the loss. I was frustrated and desperate, lacking the resources to cover everything. I prayed for answers on how to manage things, but I thought I was in charge and looked away from the true Provider — God.

One day I was reading the story in Mark 9 about the boy possessed by a spirit. I focused on Jesus’ response to the boy’s father: “All things can be done for the one who believes.” The words were profound for me because of my situation. My frustration had led to spiritual blindness and a disbelief that God was in control. However, in that crucial moment I began to understand that more than the money, my problem was my lack of faith. This shed new light on my perspective, and I echoed the response of the boy’s father: “I believe; help my unbelief!” I began to pray more earnestly. The following week, I began to feel better about my circumstances.

We are not exempt from enduring difficult and distressing circumstances, but in those moments God refines our understanding and strengthens our faith.


Prayer: Thank you for loving us, heavenly Father. Help our unbelief and increase our faith so that we will always turn to you, in good times and bad. Amen.