The Lord's If
Today’s Verse:
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. ~Mark 9:23-24
What is the one thing standing between you and God’s blessing? What is the one thing standing between you and failure? Yesterday, we looked at the lack of power in the lives of Christ’s disciples. This morning, we are considering some vital lessons about a man in desperate need, and the Lord mercifully helping this man. We are looking at something we tend to fail in, but also how the Lord makes a loving correction.
We see the problem of DOUBT.
This man’s son was controlled, harassed, and dominated by demons. This man felt powerless and weak as he watched his son suffer every day for many years. To make matters worse, this man was disappointed that the disciples could do nothing to change this situation. So, this man went to Jesus and said, “If thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.” He wasn’t sure if Jesus could do anything to help his son. He had doubts about Jesus’ authority and ability. Doubt and unbelief are the factors that keep God from answering our prayers and doing great and mighty things. Doubt is when there is a minimum of 1% uncertainty on our part. Doubt is the barrier that hinders God’s power working through and for us.
We see the power of DECISION.
Jesus responded to him by saying, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” The Lord turned the “if” factor back on the father! The problem is not if the Lord is able to perform. The problem is if you can and will believe with all your heart. Previous to this, the man placed his hope in all the wrong reasons and motives. He did not come seeking help from God. Jesus just confronted the man with the question of, “Can you trust me without reservation?” The power of decision is when we decide that the Lord is more than able to help us. The power of decision is letting go of our fears, uncertainties, and unbelief. “If thou canst believe:” will you believe?
We see the prayer of DEPENDENCE.
“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” This man was convicted by the Lord’s revelation of his doubt and unbelief. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” This man placed his entire dependence, trust, and confidence in Jesus! He cried out, “I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” He was saying, “I have faith, but please help forgive me for unbelief.” “I believe, but help me for being so weak and little in my faith.” This man teaches us the importance of complete dependence upon the Lord.
Immediately the Lord went into action and expelled the demons out of the boy. The man saw Christ’s power at work. What he saw would forever be inscribed in his heart. This man got his son back, free from demonic possession. His home became a happy home. His home had the peace of God in it. He realized that day that the problem of doubt was keeping the Lord from doing great things for him.
Are we like that man, where we doubt the Lord’s authority and ability? Let us decide that we must confess our sin of doubt and unbelief before the Lord, Who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.
Have a doubt-free God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Deuteronomy 8-10