The Power of a Father’s Faith 

Fathers and men, we honor you not only for what you do but for who you are. Your love, strength, leadership, sacrifices, and life of faith carry eternal weight. 

In a world that is desperate for godly fathers, your example shines brightly. Whether you’re raising children in your own home, mentoring spiritual sons and daughters, or simply standing as a pillar of integrity, you reflect the heart of our heavenly Father. 

Your influence spans generations. The love you nurture in the lives of others will echo throughout eternity.   

In Mark’s gospel (Mark 9:17-27), we encounter a story about a father desperate for his son’s healing.  

The story illustrates how one man’s faith, although imperfect, influenced his son and possibly future generations.  

Did this son marry? Have children? It’s possible. Regardless, he most likely retold the story of his dad’s faith and certainly about Jesus! 

A Father’s Faith Leaves a Lasting Impact 

My dad and maternal grandfather impacted generations through their dedication to God. They weren’t perfect, but their faith influenced my life.  

Fathers may not be perfect, but their faith leaves a lasting legacy. Although my dad and grandfather had their flaws, they were vital to my Christian upbringing.  

They ensured we regularly attended church during my formative years and worked to uphold Christian values. 

Numerous studies indicate that when a father actively leads his family spiritually, the likelihood of his children following in faith increases significantly. This is especially true when the father regularly attends church or is the first to embrace faith.  

According to data collected by Promise Keepers and Baptist Press, if a father does not attend church, even if his wife does, only 1 child in 50 will become a regular worshiper. Conversely, if a father attends regularly, regardless of the mother’s attendance, between two-thirds and three-quarters of their children will attend church as adults.1 

Here’s the great news, men: Jesus doesn’t call the perfect; He perfects the called! It’s never too late with Him to start fresh! God’s mercies are new every day! 

In this inspiring story from Mark 9, we meet a father who, while not perfect, had a faith that truly moved Jesus. Let’s explore three powerful truths that emerge in this father’s journey. 

First, A Father Who Brought His Child to Jesus 

“Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit…” Mark 9:17 NKJV 

He recognized his child’s needs; the father acknowledged his son’s suffering and did not ignore it.  

Fathers, recognize that some of our children and grandchildren are suffering. Don’t deny their pain—it’s real. Our world is complex, and our children need care and nurturing. 

God’s heart embodies tender love, compassion, and mercy, inviting people to engage more deeply in nurturing and caring for others.  

Paul would say to Timothy,  

Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 2:1 NLT 

Paul said to the Corinthians,  

You may have ten thousand mentors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. I gave birth to you in Christ Jesus through the gospel,” 1 Cor. 4:15 CEB.  

Teaching is one thing; parenting is another. Paul had a father’s heart for the church in Corinth—for a city! Our hearts must remain tender toward our children, our spiritual sons and daughters, and those in our cities. Many are suffering and hurting. They need to see Jesus in us and experience Him through our lives. 

The father in Mark 9 knew where to turn: he brought his son to Jesus—this was an act of faith. Faith requires action, even when we struggle or feel overwhelmed. Reach out to Jesus!  

He didn’t give up when others failed; the disciples couldn’t heal his son, yet he persevered and sought out Jesus.  

It’s easy to feel upset or offended when others are unable to help or when they struggle in their efforts. Don’t take offense! Press into Jesus! He is the author and perfecter of our faith!  

The pressures in society often exceed the support provided by government aid, non-profit assistance, or even the church. Therefore, it is imperative that we closely follow Jesus and seek Him first. 

Fathers, you are the spiritual gatekeepers (if married, along with your wife) of your home. While you may not be able to fix everything, you can guide your family to Jesus. That’s the most powerful move you will ever make. 

Secondly, A Father Who Was Honest About His Struggles 

In Mark 9:23, Jesus told the man with the tormented son,  

“If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” NKJV 

The word “believe” comes from the Greek word pisteúō, which means to be firmly persuaded, confident, and forward-leaning. It represents a faith that anticipates an answer. 

Jesus does not refer to mere intellectual belief or agreement but rather to a heartfelt conviction that embodies true faith. Only Jesus can impart this kind of faith; it resonates with the heart, not just the mind.  

When Jesus is at the center, and when we live and move in Him, our faith will grow! 

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’ Mark 9:24 NKJV 

This prayer stands out as one of the most honest in all of Scripture. He believed, yet he struggled and did not hide it. His cry was sincere and came from the heart.  

He had enough faith to bring his son to Jesus but lacked the faith necessary for a miracle. Essentially, he asks Jesus for a gift of faith—the faith of God. 

Faith that brings answers and moves mountains begins with the belief that God hears your prayers. God is always present, all-knowing, and attentive to your prayers. He is always beside you! 

Jesus didn’t rebuke him; He responded with compassion and power, not judgment! 

Men, Jesus looks at us with compassion and care. Can you hear Jesus say, like Paul, “My dear son…”? He is for us, not against us! On our worst days, Jesus still draws near. He still hears our prayers. He continues to fight on our behalf. Your faith is powerful—believe it! 

Guys, your family doesn’t need you to be perfect; they need you to focus on Jesus. Your honesty with the Lord invites God into your weaknesses. 

It is essential for your children and grandchildren to witness your faith in action during both good times and challenging times. Perhaps one of the best acknowledgments to others is, “I don’t know how God will move in this situation, but I know that He will.”  

Understand that even weak faith in Christ is sufficient. “If you have faith of a tiny mustard seed…” Jesus can work with “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!”  

Nineteenth-century pastor Charles Spurgeon said,  

“Sometimes faith is little more than a simple clinging to Christ in a sense of utter dependence…always cling to what you know…cling to Jesus, for that is faith.”2 

Lastly, A Father Who Witnessed God’s Power 

“Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.” Mark 9:27 NKJV 

Jesus healed the boy, restoring a broken situation to wholeness. Jesus is still in the business of restoration and healing! This occurred because a father had enough faith to bring his son to Jesus. 

His faith led to deliverance and restoration. In this hour, God is turning the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers! 

Fathers, having faith and acting on it opens the door for God to work miracles in your home and in our cities. 

For instance, a father who prays with his family every night may not see the results immediately, but someday that seed will flourish.  

The Legacy of a Father’s Faith 

Consider the legacies of these three men: 

Abraham trusted God even when asked to sacrifice Isaac (Gen. 22). 

Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Jos. 24:15 NKJV 

Philippian jailer: Believed in Christ, and his whole household was saved (Acts 16:31-34). 

Fathers, you don’t just raise children; you are shaping legacies that impact future generations with the love and power of Jesus Christ! 

Final Thoughts 

Fathers, will you bring your family to Jesus, even when it’s difficult? When you’re tired and facing work pressures, financial stress, sickness, and more? 

Will you be honest with yourself and the Lord when your faith is weak? Then lead by faith as God guides you? 

Will you stand in the gap for your children and pray without ceasing? For the children of your city? 

Men, the Lord spoke to me this week that He wants to release courage to lead, believe, and act on what He reveals! Surrender your heart anew to Him and dedicate your family to Him once more today. Say like Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” 

FootNotes

1 https://nickcady.org/2016/06/20/the-impact-on-kids-of-dads-faith-and-church-attendance/#:~:text=According%20to%20data%20collected%20by,the%20children%20attend%20when%20grown. Accessed June 5, 2025 

2 Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning, (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1984), 80, 295. 

Bob Sawvelle

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