“Lord, I Believe—Help My Unbelief”

There’s a man in the New Testament who has become one of my personal scriptural heroes.

I don’t know his name.

I don’t know anything about his background.

But I know his heart — and I think many of us can see our own faith journey in his words.

His story shows up in Mark 9. He’s a father in deep distress, bringing his suffering son to Jesus. He had asked the disciples for help, but nothing changed. And finally — exhausted, desperate, out of answers — he turns to the Savior Himself and says:

“If You can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.”

Jesus responds with a phrase that has echoed across centuries:

“All things are possible to him that believes.”

And then this father — in one of the most honest moments in all of scripture — blurts out:

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”

I love this good man.
He is me.
And maybe he is you too.

This father doesn’t pretend to have perfect faith.
He doesn’t hide his questions.
He doesn’t pretend to be stronger than he is.

He leads with what faith he does have — and then openly admits where he struggles.

“Lord, I believe… help my unbelief.”
Faith and doubt — mixed in the same breath.

A mentor of mine once said something that has stayed with me:
Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.

In other words, hold onto the ground you’ve already gained.
Start with belief, however small.
Lead with faith, even when it’s flickering.

This father had enough belief to come to Jesus — enough belief to ask — enough belief to hope for a miracle.

And Jesus met him right there.
Not in perfect faith.
But in honest faith.

That encourages me SO deeply, especially in seasons when I feel like this father — knowing God can do anything… but still wrestling with how or when or what the outcome will be.

I believe — I really do.
I just need help in the places where the belief feels thin.

Maybe you’ve been there too.

Maybe you’re there right now —
in parenting, in marriage, in finances, in health, in business, in decisions you’re praying through.

If so, take heart from this unnamed father.
You don’t need perfect faith — you just need to bring what you have to Jesus.

Lead with belief.
Acknowledge your fears honestly.
And trust that God can meet you in that space.

Belief is not pretending.
Belief is reaching.
Belief is saying, “I know You can… help me trust You while I wait.”

Now, if like me - you’re walking through a season where you’re saying,
“Lord, I believe… help my unbelief,”
there’s another powerful scripture that pairs beautifully with this story:

“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.”
— Jeremiah 29:11

It’s why we created our new BibleSock design called “God’s Plan.”

Not just because it’s a meaningful verse, but because sometimes we need a gentle reminder — right there at our feet — that God’s plans are still good…even when we’re not sure how everything will unfold.

Faith doesn’t mean having all the answers.
Faith means trusting the One who does.

So today, if you’re somewhere between belief and unbelief — you’re in good company.

You’re walking with one of the great heroes of Scripture, and you’re walking with a God who meets you where you are.

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”

A prayer He always hears.