“Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’” — Mark 9:24
There is something deeply comforting about this verse. It doesn’t present faith as perfect, polished, or unwavering. Instead, it reveals a raw, honest moment between a desperate father and God. A moment that many women quietly experience but rarely say out loud.
Because the truth is—you can love God and still struggle with doubt.
You can pray and still feel uncertain.
You can believe and still battle unbelief.
And that doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.
This scripture is not a contradiction—it’s an invitation.
An invitation to come to God exactly as you are.
The Reality of “I Believe…But”
- I believe God has a plan… but why does it hurt this much?
- I believe He hears me… but why haven’t things changed?
- I believe He loves me… but why do I feel overlooked?
These thoughts are often followed by guilt—as if questioning means your faith is failing.
But Mark 9:24 shows us something powerful:
God does not reject honesty—He responds to it.
The father didn’t pretend. He didn’t perform. He didn’t clean up his doubts before speaking.
He brought his belief and his unbelief to God at the same time.
And God honored it.
What It Means to Get Closer to God
Getting closer to God is not about becoming perfect—it’s about becoming present.
It’s choosing connection over performance.
It’s realizing that your relationship with God is not built on how strong your faith looks to others, but how real it is between you and Him.
Closeness with God means:
- Talking to Him honestly, not just respectfully
- Showing up even when you don’t “feel” spiritual
- Reading His Word not out of obligation, but for understanding
- Trusting Him in pieces, even when you can’t trust Him fully yet
Faith is not a switch—it’s a process.
How to Get Into the Word of God (Even When It Feels Hard)
Here are practical, real-life ways to build a relationship with the Word:
1. Start Small, Not Strong
You don’t need to read five chapters a day to be “close” to God.
Start with:
- One verse
- One story
- One chapter
Even returning to The Gospel of Mark 9:24 daily can deepen your understanding of faith.
Consistency matters more than quantity.
2. Make It Personal
Don’t just read—respond.
Ask yourself:
- What is God showing me here?
- Where do I see myself in this scripture?
- What part of me is struggling to believe?
Write your thoughts down. Pray them out loud. Sit with them.
God’s Word becomes powerful when it becomes personal.
3. Create a Sacred Routine (Not a Rigid One)
Your time with God doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
It might be:
- Early mornings before the house wakes up
- Late nights when everything is quiet
- Five minutes in your car before walking into work
The goal is not perfection—it’s presence.
4. Be Honest in Prayer
Stop trying to sound like the “perfect Christian.”
God already knows your thoughts.
Instead of:
- “God, thank you for everything…”
Try:
- “God, I’m struggling to trust you right now.”
- “I don’t understand what you’re doing.”
- “Help me believe what I’m reading.”
That is real faith.
When Faith Feels Fragile
Where prayers feel repetitive.
Where scripture feels distant.
Where life feels louder than God.
In those moments, remember this:
Faith is not proven by how you feel—it’s proven by where you turn.
And if you are still turning to God, even with questions, even with pain, even with doubt…
You are still walking in faith.
3 Simple Steps to Strengthen Your Faith Walk
1. Stay in the Word—even when you don’t understand it
Understanding comes with time. Exposure builds familiarity. Familiarity builds trust.
2. Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled Voices
Listen to sermons. Join a Bible study. Follow women who speak life into your spirit.
What you consistently hear will shape what you believe.
3. Give Yourself Grace While You Grow
You are not behind. You are not failing. You are learning how to walk with God in real time.
Faith is not about arriving—it’s about continuing.
Redefining What “Strong Faith” Looks Like
Strong faith is not:
- Never questioning
- Never doubting
- Always feeling confident
Strong faith is:
- Choosing God even when you’re unsure
- Praying even when you’re tired
- Believing—even if it’s only a little
Just like the father in The Gospel of Mark 9:24.
Your Personal Faith Declaration
You don’t have to have it all figured out to get closer to God.
You don’t have to wait until your life looks better, feels better, or makes more sense.
You can come now.
With your questions.
With your fears.
With your broken belief.
And say:
“God, I believe… but I need You to help me with the parts of me that don’t.”
That prayer alone can change everything.
Final Reflection
Getting closer to God is not about becoming someone new overnight. It’s about allowing God to meet you where you are—and trusting Him enough to stay.
So if your faith feels shaky…
If your understanding feels incomplete…
If your belief feels mixed with doubt…
You are not disqualified.
You are invited.
And right there, in that honest space between belief and unbelief…
Is where your real relationship with God begins.
