"And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.'" Mark 9:23
Mark tells us the story of the father of the demon-possessed son coming to Jesus. After explaining the dire situation, he says, "But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Clearly Jesus challenged the "if" in his request, for it showed the man's lack of faith. The reply Jesus made to the father was not that he should have more faith that the miracle could be done. It was to believe in Jesus; to place his faith in Him. He was to be the object of the father's faith.
In the previous verses we find that the disciples were not able to cast out the demon, and Jesus informed them that only prayer could cast it out. It was not the prayer itself, but the Object of their prayer. For only God could accomplish the task, and it was through prayer that He would oblige.
Getting back to the anxious father for a moment, I find so much encouragement from his words to Jesus in verse 24: "I believe, help my unbelief!" This is a wonderful example for how we should deal with doubt or fear. Jesus is the Object of our faith, and the Sustainer of it. He is the Source from which we draw the faith that overcomes unbelief. It's all Him.
Today's music video With God All Things Are Possible by Gospel Chants is a precious reminder that we all things are possible through Christ. Praise the Lord!
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
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