Earlier this week, I posted on Instagram about the father who brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples for healing. After the disciples were unable to provide healing, the father then begged Jesus for help.
Mark tells us that after the healing took place, the disciples privately asked Jesus why they weren't able heal the boy themselves. They previously had many successes of healing before this so there is no doubt in my mind that they had indeed attempted but failed.
Jesus responded “This kind (demon) cannot come out by anything but prayer.” (Mark 9:29)
Friends, the most vital part of our faith and subsequent freedom is prayer. It is what breaks chains and casts out demons. It is what turns our hearts and minds toward Jesus and away from our circumstance. It is what reminds us who we serve and whose we are.
And there are some strongholds in our life, some idols that we've held for so long that it's going to take a little something extra to break them down.
Prayer is acting on belief.
Prayer is being obedient when we'd rather not.
Prayer is an act of submission.
Prayer is recognizing that God is God and, well, we are not.
Prayer is saying, "I trust you, Lord" even when we have no idea what He could possibly do to heal the situation in front of us.
Prayer is saying "I believe" when we still struggle to believe.
So let me ask you this.
Do you believe that God can take your circumstance and make it good?
Do you believe that He is capable of making all things new and mighty and wonderful?
Do you believe that He is for you and not against you?
Do you believe that He is sovereign and providential and will give you all the desires of your heart when you surrender to His will?
If you believe all those things, choosing to declare His promises over your life and your situation no matter how discouraged you might feel at this very moment, let me promise you this : When we pray, especially in our disbelief, God shows up.
God did these things for the Israelites. We have seen Him do these same things for countless believers before us and He will do the same for countless after us. rciful and kind, compassionate and good, and sometimes we do not have because we do not ask.
So if you're struggling to believe today, pray. If you're struggling to feel God's goodness, pray. If you're struggling to have faith, pray. If you're struggling to trust God, pray.
And most especially, if you're waiting for a miracle, pray.
God tells the Israelites through Isaiah,
“I will lead the blind by a way they do not know,
In paths they do not know, I will guide them.
I will make darkness into light before them
And rugged places into plains.
These are the things I will do.”
God did these things for the Isrealites. We have seen Him do these same things for countless believers before us and He will do the same for countless after us.
He will do the same for you.
I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good!
I have seen God move mountains before me.
I’ve seen people spiritually dead brought back to life.
And although I am often full of doubt, I will choose to believe that God will do it all over again.
Won’t you believe with me too?