This is the first time I've been able to post a new topic, so I thought I would put some thoughts out there on the scripture reading. I was reading last night in Mark 9, and in verses 20 to 25 there is one of my favorite stories about encountering Jesus. It is really brief, but resounds with me. A man had a son who had been tormented by a demon from the time he was a child, and he came to Jesus to ask for help. He asks "... if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." I love Jesus' response because it hints at a little sarcasm, and for some reason that makes this story a little more relatable to me, he says "if you can?", I imagine just enough pause for the man to realize that the 'if' was not the greatest posture to bring with his request but not enough to make him sorry he asked, and then "everything is possible for him who believes". Then it says "Immediately the boys father exclaimed "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" I love how a conversation with Jesus, just a couple of sentences really, cut to the heart of this man's struggle. He realizes that he wants to believe despite his experiences and takes the step that he can. He enthusiasticly commits the faith that he has, simultaniusly acnkowledges its lack, and recognizes that Jesus can be a source of faith that he doesn't have yet. Now there is a significant difference in the posture of his request. Jesus just leaves it at that, and heals the boy. He meets this man's small amount of faith with his own, and drastically reverses the struggle in this man's life, as well as his son's.
For me it is powerful to see that Jesus does not punish us or look down on us for lack of faith, or discouragement, but if asked to supplies the faith and courage we lack!