No If's, Ands, or Buts!

Thursday September 23, 2010

Today's Passage: Mark 9: 17-24
Memory Verse: Mark 9:23

Many times in life we're faced with some improbable situations.  Situations that seem to leave us powerless as to what to do about them.  Ever had your back against the wall?  Did you know what to do?  Life can deal us really some harsh blows.  Blows that shake our faith to its very core.  Whether its divorce, bereavement, loss of a job, or betrayal, believers seem to have their limitations too.  But should we?  Should we be moved by the trials of life, or should we still be able to stand and believe?  Who do we say Jesus is when we allow our faith to be stripped just because we're scared or desperate?

In Mark 9, a father comes to Jesus for healing for his son.  He tells Jesus his son falls into violent seizures.  He said his seizures are so bad, they often throw him into fire or into the river almost causing his death.  There is nothing more painful for a parent than having to watch their child suffer.  Sickness, addiction, behavior problems, it doesn't matter.  They all seek to destroy our children and slowly wear down the faith of their parents.   Maybe it's not your child.  Maybe it's your spouse, or your sibling.  Whoever it may be, if you believe, the impossible can be instantly made possible again.  The man had brought his son to the disciples, but they failed to cast out the demon that was plaging him.  After bringing the child to Jesus, do you think he believed? Let's go back to the passage.  In verse 22, the man tells Jesus "If you can do anything, do it.  Jesus says "if"?  There are no if's among believers".   Did you hear that?  There are no IF's among believers.  There is no doubting God.  No matter what the situation is, there's enough faith within us to send God's power into activation.  Ever see a fire emergency device on a wall?  It always says "in case of emergency, break glass".  Well that's kinda how faith is.  When in an emergency, break the Word over your situation, and (because of your faith), God will snuff it out.  After Jesus said those words, The man replied "I believe but help my unbelief".  The man literally wanted to be "healed of unbelief".  What a novel idea!   

The challenge today is to believe God.  That's it...Believe that He will do just what He said He would do.  If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, God says you can move mountains.  He says you can overcome anything if you only believe....So believe!

Prayer:  Father You are able to do all things.  I trust You with every aspect of my life.  Even when I seemingly lack things I want or need, I take comfort in Your capable hands.  You are in control, and I like it that way....in Jesus' name, Amen.