When Faith Feels Fragile

“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” Mark 9:24 (NIV)

I believe God can do miracles. But is the miracle I want His will?

My questioning stems from past heartbreak. I witnessed a miracle when God healed my 10-month-old baby. Yet, shortly after his first birthday, God took him home. Now, when I pray for others’ healing, I pray for a miracle. Yet I wonder: What if healing isn’t God’s plan? What if God’s plan entails a time for death?

After all, the Bible tells us “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2).

Perhaps you, too, have had questions that made your faith feel fragile:

Why did this happen?
Why isn’t God answering my prayers?
If God is good, why is He allowing this?

If so, you are not alone.

Tara Cline recently wrote these words in an Instagram post: “Some days, faith feels powerful and confident. Other days it sounds like the little engine climbing the hill saying, ‘I think I can… I think I can…’”

Having fragile faith is nothing new. The Bible tells many stories of people who asked questions when their faith wavered.

Moses questioned his ability when God called him to go before Pharaoh and ask for the Israelites’ freedom (Exodus 3:11, 4:10–13).
King David wrote psalm after psalm, pouring out his pain, confusion, and cries for help (Psalm 22:1-2).
Elijah fled from Queen Jezebel, hid in a cave, and prayed for God to take his life (1 Kings 19:1-5).

Despite their doubts, God used every one of these people in powerful ways. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. King David led Israel with courage. And God revealed Himself to Elijah, giving him renewed purpose and assignments to fulfill.

Friend, our doubts do not diminish God’s power. This truth is beautifully illustrated when Jesus heals a boy possessed by an impure spirit (Mark 9:14–29). Because the disciples had tried and failed to heal the boy, his father questioned whether Jesus could help. Yet the man did not let his doubts keep him from bringing his son to Jesus.

Listen to their conversation. “‘But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.’ ‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes’” (Mark 9:22–23, NIV).

Rather than feeling ashamed and walking away, “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:24, NIV).

The father’s unbelief did not stop him from honestly telling Jesus what was in his heart. Nor did his fragile faith stop Jesus from helping the boy. At Jesus’ command, “The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out” (Mark 9:26, NIV).

God is not disappointed when we have questions or when our faith feels small. He invites us to come to Him honestly and bring what is truly in our hearts. Faith is not pretending everything is fine. It is turning to God when our faith feels fragile and trusting Him enough to be honest. Our questions do not weaken our relationship with God, but our silence and distance can.

Sometimes faith looks less like certainty and more like surrender. It looks like coming to our Father in prayer and admitting our fears, questions, and uncertainty.

So, friend, when your faith feels fragile, do not pull away. Draw near.

Dear Heavenly Father, You know every question in my heart and every moment when my faith feels fragile. Thank you for loving me and acting on my behalf despite my doubts and struggles. Help me bring my fears honestly to you instead of hiding them or turning away. Strengthen my faith and remind me that your power is always enough. When I do not understand your plans, help me trust your heart. Like the father in Scripture, I pray, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” In Jesus’ name, Amen. In Jesus’ name, Amen.