I love the relatability of so many people in the Bible. One of my favorites is the father with a demon possessed son that went to Jesus seemingly as a last resort. Now, let’s cut him some slack. First, it’s a human who thinks he’s asking another human to perform in essence a miracle. At the time I’m pretty confident this desperate father was grasping at what he thought was probably straws.

I credit this man for even asking. I wonder how much we miss because we don’t think we can or even should ask. What gives us the right? Even so, James tells us we do not have because we do not ask (James 4:2) and we often ask with the wrong intentions, our wants rather than God’s best.

Look: he says, “But if You can do anything…”. How often do we minimize our asks? Or HIS ability? How often do we approach the throne and say, “I know I’m just *fill in the blank* but if it’s not too much trouble…” What, do we think He’s not capable? Does this sound at all familiar? You know I’m right…Evangelicals everywhere have stood in prayer circles for millennia beginning prayers with, “Lord, we just ask…” Can I get a hallelujah? 😉

Here’s the thing: He is authentic. It is honest. He’s just been told by a man he thinks is a teacher, maybe a prophet, probably not the Son of God, that deliverance was possible for those who believe. He brought his authentic need to the feet of Christ and HE ASKED, even in his doubt. When Jesus pointed out it was possible if he believed, he didn’t fake belief in order to heal his child. He was vulnerable and real; a great risk if you think about it. He didn’t know if his “partial” belief was enough, but he spoke truth about his faith AND his doubt…and experienced Jesus’ healing.

My point: We don’t have often because we don’t ask. This man didn’t have it all together…AND DIDN’T PRETEND TO. Jesus blessed his authenticity with healing. This instance was physical, but certainly, faith increased that day.

Lord, please increase our faith today. We do a lot of posturing in a world that makes us feel not quite adequate, often covering our doubt thinking we need to hide it from you. Instead, please show us you’re safe to share our doubts with, you see them already, and you have love and compassion for your daughters, your sons, as we trust you with our hearts and fears. As you grow my faith, please show me how to encourage others so they can experience the joy of being in increasing relationship with you too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.