“O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me!” Mark 9:19 ESV
Think of it; here, nearing the end of three years walking, talking and living with Jesus, they still did not get it! How obtuse or lacking in faith they must have been!
How often have any of us used such language (even if only in our minds) directed toward another disciple of Jesus? We, as a group (the church) far too often do ‘shoot our wounded’ instead of coming alongside them to support and encourage.
21 And He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:21-23 ESV

24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” Mark 9:24 ESV
I do feel that I have failed a test, but how Jesus spoke to the father with his mixed message prayer is very reassuring to me. Whenever any of us pray, it is often with a measure of unbelief. Jesus can take that small bit of faith (mustard seed anyone?) and work with that. For that, I am grateful to my King whose beneficence is beyond our understanding.
The journey continues.