Devotional: Trusting Jesus in Impossible Moments

Devotional Mark 9:23 Trusting Jesus

Scripture Focus

They brought the boy to Him. When he saw Him, immediately the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth. And He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. “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!” And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” (New American Standard Bible [NASB95], 1995, Mark 9:20-23)

Devotional

In this devotional based on Mark 9:20–23, we meet a father who is desperate for his son’s healing. His son has been tormented by a violent spirit since childhood, and now he stands before Jesus, pleading for compassion and help. The father’s words reveal his desperation but also his doubt: "If you can do anything..." It’s a moment where faith and fear collide. He knows Jesus has power, but his circumstances have worn him down to the point of uncertainty. Can Jesus really help? This account reminds us that even in our impossible moments—when fear and doubt threaten to overwhelm us—Jesus is both able and willing to intervene. He sees our struggles, hears our cries, and responds with compassion and power.

Assess

What thoughts fill your mind when you face an impossible situation? Like the father in this story, it’s easy to let fear and doubt creep in: "Can Jesus really help me?"

1. What are your desires in these moments?

2. Do you desire control over the situation instead of trusting Jesus?

3. Are you longing for relief but doubting His ability or willingness to intervene?

   
   

What do you love most when life feels out of control? Is it comfort, security, or certainty? These misplaced affections can distract us from trusting Jesus fully in our lives. In this passage, the father’s affection is understandably focused on his son’s well-being—but his plea reveals a wavering trust in Jesus’ compassion and power. We are reminded to set our affections on Christ, who is both able and willing to help us in our deepest struggles.

Faith in Action

What step of faith can you take today to trust Jesus more deeply?

1. Surrender your doubts through prayer.

2. Choose faith over fear by recalling God’s past faithfulness in your life. If you can't think of any, start a journal for blessings now for these moments down the road!

3. Encourage someone else who may be struggling with their own doubts.

   
   

Worship

This passage invites us to thank Jesus for His authority and compassion. Jesus is not only able to intervene but also willing to meet us in our desperation. Praise Him for being a Savior and great High Priest who sees our struggles and responds with power and love.

Prayer

"Lord Jesus, thank You for Your compassion and power. Help me surrender my doubts and trust You completely, even when life feels impossible. Align my thoughts, desires, affections, behaviors, and worship with Your truth today. Amen."

Reflection Questions

1. What doubts or fears are you holding onto right now? How can you surrender them to Jesus?

2. How does this passage challenge you to trust in His authority and compassion?

3. What step of faith can you take today to show your trust in Him?

Closing Thoughts

Even when life feels impossible, Jesus invites us to trust Him completely—not just with our circumstances but with our hearts as well. Let’s bring our fears, doubts, and desperate situations before Him today, knowing that He is both able and willing to help us.