How can we support others struggling with faith, inspired by Mark 9:20? Seeing the Struggle (Mark 9:20) “So they brought the boy to Jesus. As soon as the spirit saw Him, it threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground, rolling around and foaming at the mouth.” Jesus meets a desperate father, a tormented child, and a faith-struggling crowd. Their need is obvious—and so is ours when doubt overwhelms those we love. Enter Their Pain with Compassion - Notice before you diagnose. Like Jesus, observe the turmoil rather than dismiss it (Romans 12:15). - Approach gently; the possessed boy’s violent display didn’t repel Jesus, and another’s doubt must not repel us (Jude 22). - Validate the reality of their struggle without minimizing it. Authentic empathy opens hearts to truth. Speak Faith-Building Words - “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) - Offer Scripture naturally in conversation, not as a lecture—short, relevant verses that spotlight God’s character. - Replace clichés with truth: instead of “Just have faith,” say, “Jesus understands your battle with unbelief (Mark 9:24).” Bring Them to Jesus Together - The father took his son to Christ; we escort friends through prayer, study, and worship gatherings (Hebrews 4:16). - Suggest reading a gospel together; let them encounter Jesus firsthand. - When possible, invite them to serve alongside you—obedience often ignites faith (John 7:17). Stand Firm on the Word Yourself - Keep your own Bible open; doubters sense whether Scripture anchors you. - Share how specific passages steadied you during past storms (Psalm 119:105). - Live the Word you quote—integrity amplifies credibility (Philippians 4:9). Persist in Intercessory Prayer - The disciples’ later question, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” led Jesus to stress prayer’s necessity (Mark 9:29). - Commit to daily, specific petitions for their heart, mind, and circumstances (Colossians 1:9). - Trust God’s timing; some breakthroughs are gradual. Model Patience and Hope - Doubt rarely disappears overnight. “Let us not grow weary in well-doing.” (Galatians 6:9) - Celebrate small steps—attending a study, voicing honest questions, praying aloud. - Refuse to condemn setbacks; instead, gently restore (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Live Out Authentic, Joyful Faith - Consistency in trials shows that Christ is real. - Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness but keep them Christ-centered, not self-centered (Revelation 12:11). - Invite them into your everyday life so they can watch faith in action at home, work, and church (1 Timothy 4:12). Trust Jesus for the Outcome - Only the Lord can cast out the “mute spirit” of unbelief. We plant and water; God gives growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). - Rest in His promise: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it.” (Philippians 1:6) - Keep your eyes on Christ, confident that He still transforms disbelief into vibrant faith. |
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