Lia London - Help Thou My Unbelief

Help Thou My Unbelief

Lia London

Citations in this book come from the canon of scripture known as the Standard Works in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These include the King James Version of the Holy Bible, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine & Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price.

2017 Lia London

All rights reserved.

Other books in the Latter-day Testimony Series

1 ~ Help Thou My Unbelief

I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life

~John 8:12

T he man shouldered his way through the throng of people towards the sound of raised voices in the middle. Clutched to his chest, his son wriggled with increasing agitation the closer he got. All at once, the man broke into an open space and gasped at the sight of Jesus turning to face him. Around him, people murmured and grew still, but he kept his eyes fixed on Jesus questioning expression.

His boy squirmed, and the man felt the urgency of his quest. Swallowing his fear, he took a step. He closed his eyes for a desperate sigh of a prayer and hugged his boy tighter. Please, O God, let this work. He cleared his throat and spoke. I have brought unto Thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit.

Jesus eyes flickered to the boy, but He did not answer.

Trembling, the man continued. Wherever the spirit takes him, it tears him. He faltered, feeling the boy writhe in his arms. How do I explain the horror of my sons condition? And he foams, and gnashes with his teeth, and pines away. The man searched the surrounding crowd for familiar faces. I spoke to Thy disciples that they should cast the spirit out, but they could not.

Shaking His head, Jesus glanced at those who had gathered with Him and muttered, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you?

The mans eyes filled with tears, and he shifted his sons position in order to control the now twitching legs. He wont do it. He wont help us. But Hes the only one who might be able to save my son.

With compassion in His eyes, Jesus looked again at the man and stretched out His hand. Bring him unto me.

The mans heart leapt with relief, and he began to ease the boy to his feet. Suddenly the child convulsed, his body lashing out in a wild spasm. Tumbling to the ground, he wallowed and foamed at the mouth.

Jesus observed this calmly, as if unaware of the crowds frightened reaction. How long is it ago since this came unto him?

How long has it been? The man tried to remember, but could only offer, Of a child. He choked on a sob and knelt beside the boy, trying to quiet his thrashing limbs. Often it casts him into the fire, and into the water, to destroy him. He caught the boys wrists and held them firm, noting the scars that marred the young flesh. Surely, he has suffered long enough. My poor child! Huddling over the boy, both to protect him and to show deference, he cried, If Thou can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.

He felt a warm hand on his back. If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believes.

A surge of hope rushed through him, and he sat upright, looking deep into Jesus eyes. Lord, I believe! Beside him, the boy whimpered, and doubt crept into the mans heart. His disciples believed but could not save him. What if...? He felt his faith crumble as fear gripped him. Grasping Jesus arms with both hands, he begged, Help thou my unbelief!

Jesus nodded, and the man felt courage bloom within his bosom.

The crowd rippled with whispers of anticipation. Everyone drew closer as Jesus stood and looked at the tortured boy. Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

The boy let out an anguished cry and collapsed in a wilted heap.

Hes dead! shouted a woman. More voices echoed the news.

The man gazed down at his son, his heart broken, but then Jesus reached down and took the boys hand tenderly. The childs eyes fluttered open.

His eyes are his own! The spirit is gone! The man yelped for joy as Jesus lifted the boy to his feet.

Two miracles took place in that scene (based on the account in Mark 9:17-27). That Jesus saved and strengthened a childs life everyone can see, but there is another that touches me even more. It is one of my all-time favorite stories in scripture because of what took place in the fathers heart. He believed, he wavered, then he prayed with desperate might, Help thou mine unbelief and the Lord gave him enough faith for his son to be healed.

Which one among us, even those with strong testimonies of Jesus Christ, does not occasionally doubt during times of great stress? We are in the final days of testing, and times are hard all around the world.

Not long ago, I received a message from a devout Christian friend experiencing a crisis of faith. Angry with God and her fellowmen for allowing so many bad things to happen, she didnt know what to do. Her heart echoed the words of Alma: O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions (Alma 31:31).

This book is for those who, like my friend, have believed, but who find themselves faltering due to the heaviness of the burdens they bear, be they physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. It is for anyone who needs a miracle, but who first needs to have the faith that precedes it.

As a man pressing his way through a crowd to find the Master, it can sometimes be difficult to find hope, but the Lords promises remain true. It is my humble prayer that this book will help every soul look to the Lord Jesus Christ for strength and solutions. He is always the Answer.

2 ~ The Voyage in the Storm

Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; and none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost

~ Doctrine & Covenants 50:41-42

W hen life feels like a sea of confusion, conflict, or despair, it can be hard to find a point of reference, a lighthouse to offer hope. If the storm rages on long enough, we sometimes even abandon hope of reaching our goal and just try to survive the day.