It Only Takes a Little
Where can people go when life’s situations become desperate? Is the body of Christ a bastion of hope and spiritual power as God has called us to be? Recently we mentioned the story of the father who had a demon-possessed boy. He had brought the little boy to the disciples, but they could not cast the demon out. Desperate for answers and help, the father brought the boy to Jesus and asked him to heal him. Here’s what happened.
Mark 9:21-27 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”
“From childhood,” he answered. 22“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately, the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently, and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
Jesus’ response to the father’s desperate words (But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us) was, “If you can? Everything is possible for the one who believes.” He did not say; everything is possible for me because I believe – NO! Power is available for ANYONE who believes! The gospel of Matthew recording the same story relates how the disciples came to Jesus in bewilderment, wondering why they could not cast the devil out – here’s what transpired.
Matthew 17:19-20 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out? ” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
Don’t you find it interesting that small faith was all that was necessary to cast the devil out, and the disciples did not have even that? Apostle Paul states that the very same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is available for those who believe. (Ephesians 1:18-23)
How many times do people pray without really recognizing the reality of God all around them and within them? Yet, the beginning of true prayer is the recognition of God’s presence. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God for those who come to him must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.” Those who come to him must believe that he exists! God is everywhere present – but do we believe him?
How desperately the world needs people who believe God! The faith to do powerful things is not far from you or me! Yes, it is available even to little children! It’s not about how much knowledge you have but what you genuinely believe! Romans 10:17 states, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”
My dearest friend, it is of utmost importance that we learn to recognize the mighty presence of God within us and all around us at all times! We must get a hold of our thoughts and make them line up with the truth of the Word of God! Take this thought with you today; power is available when faith is in operation, and…
It Only Takes a Little