Biblical faith is not perfect; it is often limited. It encompasses a range or degrees of belief in God. It can be compartmentalized, situational, and evidenced by lapses of trust in God to intercede in specific ways to shape human affairs. It is often formed and restricted by the perceptions one has of who God is, how God interacts with creation, and how one sees one’s self in relation to God and the rest of creation.

Biblical faith is a link between God and humankind that unlocks barriers that hinder one from fully experiencing God’s love and amazing grace. One who has biblical faith possesses complete confidence in God’s existence and God’s love. However, one may not fully trust God in every situation. That lack of trust no matter how brief is an example of limited faith.

Limited faith shows up when one is fearful, confused, or uncertain. The strength of limited faith is it allows one to acknowledge the gaps in his or her faith with the confidence that God will honor the admission and respond with loving- kindness.

One of the best example of limited faith is depicted in Mark 9: 21- 24. In the passage, a father demonstrated limited faith when he said to Jesus, “help us if you can (v. 22).” Jesus seized the opportunity to show that the love of God operates despite limited faith.

Jesus responded to the man’s gap in faith by replying, “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” “Anything is possible if a person believes.”

The father replied, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Jesus honored the man’s gap in or limited faith by healing his son.

God, like the father in the text, we pray for you to help us overcome limited faith!