Mark 9:22 “…if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us out.”
On the surface, this father’s comment is absolutely shocking. He is talking to the Son of God, and he has the gall to say, “if You can do anything…”?!? But in reality, how often have I said the equivalent in my own life? Even now, a situation springs immediately to mind where I feel He still hasn’t acted, hasn’t resolved things. Has there been lack of resolution because of my lack of faith? It’s possible.
Mark 9:23 “If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!”
One commentary I read posits, “God is no less powerful due to our fear that leads to faithfulness, but many times He holds His power in check until we surrender in faith.” That’s definitely got me thinking. I know fear is a huge hurdle for me, one that trips me up way more than I care to admit. And we see time and again in the Bible healing that is limited by the faith of the believer. What more could God do in my life, through my life, if I remove all barriers to His power, if I remove all stumbling blocks of doubt and fear?
Mark 9:24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”
Lord, Thank You for this day and for laying this matter again on my heart. I believe that You are the One true God, that You sent Your Son for my sins, that there is more to this life than this world. I believe in Your goodness, Your love, Your mercy, and Your grace. I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. Help my faith in You, always, to be bigger than my fear. Help me to trust and not doubt so that I can unleash Your mighty power in my life. Draw me closer. Amen.
Eph 6:16 …take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.