THE PATH TO DELIVERANCE
Have you ever wondered if you are truly able to change your life? Or are we doomed to repeat our failures or addictions until they really mess up our lives?
In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, verses 14-29, Jesus encounters a boy possessed by an evil spirit. The boy's father tells how the spirit who has possessed his son since his childhood attempts to injure or kill the boy. Jesus' disciples had attempted to drive out the evil spirit, but were unable to do so.
Jesus identifies two problems that have prevented deliverance. First, Jesus challenges their faith. He calls them an "unbelieving generation." The boy's father says, "If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." Jesus challenges his doubt by saying, "'If you can'? Everything is possible for him who believes." The boy's father responds with a classic profession of faith, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
How many of us have a mixture of doubt and belief when faced with challenging circumstances, such as illnesses, job loss, addictions, or financial hardships? Jesus calls us to believe that He is able to change your situation.
The second problem Jesus points out is the disciples' lack of prayer. They were unable to drive out the evil spirit because, according to Jesus, "this kind can come out only by prayer" (Mk 9:29). It is interesting to note that Mark does not record Jesus praying for the boy's deliverance. So what is Jesus referring to? Mark has recorded several instances of Jesus' taking time to get away from the busyness of ministry to take time for prayer both prior to and following this occasion (cf. Mark 1:35; 6:46; 14:32, 39) It appears that Jesus made prayer a regular part of his life. If Jesus, the Son of God, felt the need to get away from the busyness of life for what appear to be prayer retreats, how much more do we, in our human weakness, desperately need to take time for prayer - communication with God! There will be no deliverance in our lives or the lives of those we love if we are not making prayer a notable part of our life!
Of course, these two issues go hand in hand: faith and prayer. If we have no faith that Christ can change our situation we feel we have no reason to pray. If we fail to pray, our faith loses its foundation.
When we pray, however, our faith is strengthened, and if our faith is strong, we will pray more! When we pray, we see God answer our prayers and then we are encouraged to pray more!
What challenges are you facing today? Can you dare to believe that Christ can change your situation? Do you at least have the faith of the father in Mark 9 to be able to say, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Join me today in presenting your needs to Christ with whatever faith you do have, and ask Him to help your faith to grow! Make a commitment to talk to Him daily...no special words needed...just tell Him how you feel and what you're facing. Then ask for His help, His direction.
When God answers your prayer, thank Him! And, if you happen to remember this article, send us a message to let us know how God has answered your prayer!
- Pastor Bill Crane
Publications
Faith Church of the Nazarene
Our Church Can Be Your Home
LIFE-CHANGING PRAYERS
"Search me, O God" Psalm 139:23
"Hear from heaven and forgive." 1 Kings 8:30
"Create in me a pure heart, O God." Psalm 51:10
"I offer my body, a living sacrifice, holy & pleasing to God" Rom 12:1
"Please forgive their sin--but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written." Exodus 32:32
"Open a door for our message." Colossians 4:3
"Save the city" Genesis 18:23-33
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