We all face situations where a gap exists between the faith we have and the faith needed to release God’s power into a situation. Like the father who begged the Lord’s disciples to evict a demon from his son. The evil spirit would trigger convulsions and try to kill the boy by throwing him into water and fire. The father pleaded with the disciples to cast out the evil spirit but they couldn’t.

A Faith Gap

In that moment the disciples faced a faith gap they couldn’t bridge.

In the midst of the commotion Jesus suddenly entered the scene with Peter, James and John—they had just walked down from Mt Hermon where Jesus was transfigured into his resurrection glory. The despairing father pleaded with Jesus “If you can do anything take pity on us and help us!” (Mark 9:22).

I understand the father’s uncertainty. The disciples, as the Lord’s emissaries, had proven impotent. Like him, our own failures and fears sometimes lead us to question Jesus’ power?

Jesus Isn’t Limited by Our Limitations

But our limited faith doesn’t limit Jesus. He told the father, “If you can! All things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23).

The father’s desperate response is touching: “I do believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).

Upon hearing the man’s answer Jesus took his limited faith and filled the gap between the faith he had and the faith needed to free and heal his son (Mark 9:25-37).

Jesus Fills The Gap

No matter how impossible your situation, or repeated your failures, or limited your faith—bring the faith you have to Jesus and allow him to prove he is the God of the gap. Let him fill the gap between the faith you have and the faith needed to release God’s power into your impossible situation.