Mark 9:14-29 tells the story of a boy with an evil spirit. His father brings him before Jesus, hoping that there may be deliverance from this awful affliction which has been torturing his son so long. Jesus tells the man, “Everything is possible for him who believes.” (Mark 9:23b, NIV) His response is a very human one: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (verse 24b)

I identify with the flawed faith of this desperate man.

There are a thousand reasons (rational and irrational) why I believe; still, I sometimes wonder if everything I believe is, in fact, the one and only spiritual truth for all humankind. When I put my limited mind in charge, doubt sometimes obscures faith. Trying to carry the burden of proof has kept me up nights.

Fortunately, “he who watches over (me) will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:3b)

My translation: God stays awake so I don’t have to!

That’s good news. More good news: Jesus healed the boy despite his father’s imperfect faith.

That’s the Heavenly Father I believe in–a bringer of health and peace even for the doubting Thomases among us. Doubters like me.