Uriah: I Believe - Help My Unbelief

My name is Uriah. My home is in Nain, six miles southeast of Nazareth. My son Ben, who recently turned twelve, has been possessed by a demon since he was a small child. Whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid from head to toe. I have prayed to Jehovah for years for Ben's deliverance, but He has not seemed to hear me.

Almost every day the boys in the neighborhood gather for a game of throwing around a sheepskin ball that has been stuffed tightly with wool and sewn shut. The other boys have shunned Ben because his seizures frighten them. This has been especially painful for Ben and for me because, other than the seizures, he is just like any other boy.

When I heard that Jesus was in the nearby countryside, I knew I needed to find Him and ask Him to heal Ben, for stories were widespread that He had healed other children. Taking Ben with me, I followed those on the road to the foot of Mount Tabor where we found a crowd surrounding nine of Jesus' disciples. Holding Ben's hand tightly, I pressed my way through the crowd so that I could talk to the disciples. I asked them to heal Ben, but none were able.

About that time I could see four men coming down from Mount Tabor. Still holding tightly to Ben's hand, I hurried to stay at the front of the crowd which was swarming towards the four. I explained to the people why I needed to ask Jesus to heal Ben. Others argued with me saying that their need for healing was equally as urgent.

The one in the front of those approaching from the mountain, a tall, broad-shouldered man, appeared to be the leader. When He reached those of us at the front of the crowd, He asked, "What's all the argument about?"

I stepped forward to say, "I have brought my son for you to heal of a dumb spirit. I begged your disciples to cast out the demon, but they couldn't do it."

Jesus looked directly at His disciples and said, "Oh, what tiny faith you have; how much longer must I be with you? Bring the boy to me."

Jesus knelt down so His face was at the same level as Ben's. His eyes were friendly, and His expression was kind.

Then, as if the demon was to have the last say, it convulsed Ben and threw him to the ground. As was normally the case with Ben's demonic attacks, the crowd shrank back in horror.

Jesus' eyes met mine as He asked, "How long has he been this way?"

"Since he was very small. Sometimes the demon makes him fall into the fire or into the water. Oh, have mercy on us and do something if you can."

"If I can? Anything is possible if you only have faith."

"I do have faith; oh, help me to have more faith!"

Jesus turned back to Ben saying, "O demon of deafness and dumbness, I command you to come out of Ben and enter him no more!"

The demon convulsed Ben one more time then left him lying limp on the ground.

Whispers in the crowd could be heard saying, "He is dead."

Jesus' eyes stayed fixed on Ben. His face radiated compassion. Then Jesus took Ben gently by the hand and helped him to his feet. Ben looked over at me as if to get approval then shyly hugged this One who had delivered him from his torment. Jesus smiled as He reached down and tousled Ben's hair with His large hand.

The only one experiencing more joy than I, was Ben. With his young face framed by a wide smile, he said, "Now I can play ball like all the other boys." It was then that I knew that Ben would never be troubled by demons again.

Based on Mark 9:14-27; Matthew 17:14-18.

Copyright 1997 by John C. Westervelt