Peace of Mind: Help My Unbelief!

·31 min·3 clips

Zach describes panicking in the hospital as his wife went into labor, wondering how childbirth could possibly work.

The episode begins with church announcements, including thanking volunteers for Journey Hoops and praying for students returning from a retreat. Zach then introduces the sermon topic by sharing a personal memory of doubting Kentucky would win a basketball game, illustrating how doubt gradually overtakes confidence. He reads Mark 9:17-25, where a desperate father brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus after the disciples fail to heal him. Zach provides context, noting this occurs after the Transfiguration, with doubt arising in the 'valley' rather than on the 'mountaintop.' He outlines five key elements from the text: a desperate parent, a doubting generation, a defining question from Jesus, an honest confession from the father ('I do believe; help my unbelief'), and God's power in healing the boy. Zach recounts a modern story of a mother fighting for her daughter with severe epilepsy to emphasize parental desperation. He references biblical examples of doubt, such as the Israelites in Deuteronomy 32 and Exodus 17, and lists miracles the disciples witnessed yet still doubted. Personal anecdotes include Zach's anxiety during the births of his sons, Knox and another due May 30th. He discusses how religious arguments can distract from suffering, similar to the crowd in the story. Zach applies the father's prayer to various struggles, like unbelieving spouses or financial stress, and challenges the lie that faith must be perfect, citing Jesus' teaching on faith as small as a mustard seed. He mentions the story of Peter walking on water to show 'little faith' is still faith. Zach admits he doesn't know answers to big questions about evil and suffering but testifies to Jesus transforming his life. He shares the story of hymn writer Fanny Crosby, who faced blindness and loss but wrote thousands of songs. Zach reflects on his own ministry doubts and dependence on prayer, urging the church to impact central Kentucky despite doubts. The episode ends with an invitation to pray 'God, help my unbelief' and receive prayer from the care team.

As heard by us

A sermon where childbirth panic, religious argument, and one honest prayer make room for faith's uncertainty.

Help My Unbelief treats doubt as something that can return even after faith has seen relief before. It moves from church-life gratitude and prayer for students into the speaker's memory of panic before his sons' births, where a baby's cry briefly turns fear into relief.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a sermon where hospital-room panic, old doubts, and a baby's first cry become the way into one honest prayer.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Journey Church Versailles, KY