The Challenge to Believe
Mk.9:17-24 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not. “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So, they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.”
Can you imagine the desperation of this father? He and his family had been wrestling with their son’s horrible and painful demon possession since his childhood. Imagine repeatedly explaining to others why their son was uncontrollably convulsing and the tormenting fear that this could possibly be the seizure that would end their child’s life?
When things are going well in our world it is much easier to say “I believe” in God’s power to do the impossible. It is a very different matter and challenging when you are at the end of your rope in search for solutions or deliverance from suffering. It is also difficult when you are the one who is sick. It is hard to muster faith when you are in pain and can hardly move or you are holding a receptacle to vomit in. It is for these reasons we all need people who will step into our pain to lend their persistent and believing prayer, just like the example of this faithful father.
In reading this story the word desperate comes to my mind. Desperate meaning, I will do anything to find healing or secure deliverance for my son. Desperation carries the idea that I will sacrifice everything for a solution. It is desperation that causes families to search for physicians or treatment centers anywhere in the world who can offer hope for someone suffering.
The world of medicine has made unbelievable strides and hats off to all of the medical community, to the scientists, physicians and caregivers alike. Thank you for caring and giving of your life for so many people.
In this story there was no medical cure for this man’s son. The only possible hope for this father was the prayer of the disciples. When that did not yield healing the father did not stop there. He then pursued Jesus. He had heard of the miracles Jesus had performed and he needed one for his son. What did he have to lose? Desperation can motivate us to take risks we would not normally take. He had no guarantee of a miracle, but he was willing to take a risk. That was believing, that was faith!
When the father said the words, “If you can,” Jesus replied with, “everything is possible for one who believes.” There is nothing impossible for Jesus. There is no disease too big and hopeless. With God all things are possible. The impossible happens when we choose to risk and believe that God is able to meet any and all of our needs.
I so appreciate the fathers transparency. He said, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” The word believe means to have faith, to entrust, and to commit. This man did believe but he was very aware of his struggles in overcoming his haunting unbelief. He took a step of faith hoping Jesus would have pity on his son.
My friend, there is much to say about the subject of faith and believing. My encouragement to you is to courageously trust with as much trust as you have and ask God for a miracle. Embrace people and the things that build hope, faith, and courage. Avoid people who, though meaning well, steal your trust and confidence in Almighty God.
The same merciful God who healed this father’s son can meet you or your loved ones need. Miracles still take place. God has not changed! Risk believing and trust God with everything you have. There is no question if God can perform a miracle, the question is, do you believe he can and he will?
Can you imagine the desperation of this father? He and his family had been wrestling with their son’s horrible and painful demon possession since his childhood. Imagine repeatedly explaining to others why their son was uncontrollably convulsing and the tormenting fear that this could possibly be the seizure that would end their child’s life?
When things are going well in our world it is much easier to say “I believe” in God’s power to do the impossible. It is a very different matter and challenging when you are at the end of your rope in search for solutions or deliverance from suffering. It is also difficult when you are the one who is sick. It is hard to muster faith when you are in pain and can hardly move or you are holding a receptacle to vomit in. It is for these reasons we all need people who will step into our pain to lend their persistent and believing prayer, just like the example of this faithful father.
In reading this story the word desperate comes to my mind. Desperate meaning, I will do anything to find healing or secure deliverance for my son. Desperation carries the idea that I will sacrifice everything for a solution. It is desperation that causes families to search for physicians or treatment centers anywhere in the world who can offer hope for someone suffering.
The world of medicine has made unbelievable strides and hats off to all of the medical community, to the scientists, physicians and caregivers alike. Thank you for caring and giving of your life for so many people.
In this story there was no medical cure for this man’s son. The only possible hope for this father was the prayer of the disciples. When that did not yield healing the father did not stop there. He then pursued Jesus. He had heard of the miracles Jesus had performed and he needed one for his son. What did he have to lose? Desperation can motivate us to take risks we would not normally take. He had no guarantee of a miracle, but he was willing to take a risk. That was believing, that was faith!
When the father said the words, “If you can,” Jesus replied with, “everything is possible for one who believes.” There is nothing impossible for Jesus. There is no disease too big and hopeless. With God all things are possible. The impossible happens when we choose to risk and believe that God is able to meet any and all of our needs.
I so appreciate the fathers transparency. He said, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” The word believe means to have faith, to entrust, and to commit. This man did believe but he was very aware of his struggles in overcoming his haunting unbelief. He took a step of faith hoping Jesus would have pity on his son.
My friend, there is much to say about the subject of faith and believing. My encouragement to you is to courageously trust with as much trust as you have and ask God for a miracle. Embrace people and the things that build hope, faith, and courage. Avoid people who, though meaning well, steal your trust and confidence in Almighty God.
The same merciful God who healed this father’s son can meet you or your loved ones need. Miracles still take place. God has not changed! Risk believing and trust God with everything you have. There is no question if God can perform a miracle, the question is, do you believe he can and he will?
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