Faith Makes the Impossible Possible
Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him whobelieves.”
Mark 9:23 NKJV
By the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus of Nazareth went about doing good, curing every disease, and freeing everyone under the devil’s control. His goal was not merely a “quick-fix” physical remedy for the moment but a “long-term” spiritual healing with eternal ramifications. The cure of the boy tormented by demons is a remarkable illustration of when Jesus was contacted by those desiring healing, and he also made sure to address the “faith” issue.
The Lord Jesus had just been transfigured in front of three awestruck disciples on a mountaintop. Then He descended to a valley where a distraught father had unsuccessfully sought treatment for his child tormented by demons. These three individuals had witnessed the celestial realm but returned to the harsh reality of a groaning universe, life’s seemingly endless troubles, and their inadequate comprehension, which devastated their spirits.
A distressed father requested Jesus to heal his son. All Christ’s followers had been granted the power and authority to heal the ill and cast out devils, but when they attempted to treat this man’s kid, they were utterly unsuccessful. In their hearts, they rejected God’s capacity to cure and weakened this man’s faith, causing him to doubt Christ’s healing power.
Christ descended from the glory of the transfiguration to the desperation of a failed healing and the wavering confidence of His chosen disciples. As Jesus approached, the saddened man rapidly recounted everything that had transpired. The man emerged from the crowd and approached Him: “Teacher, I have brought my kid to you,” he implored. It is his spirit that prevents him from speaking. Wherever it seizes him, he has spasms, falls to the ground, foams at the lips, clenches his teeth, and becomes rigid. So, I requested Your followers to expel it, but they were unable to.”
What a sight! “But if You can do anything, have mercy on us and help us,” pleaded the father in a heartbreaking plea. The same men who were to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel and who were empowered to do mighty miracles in the name of Christ and preach the gospel of the kingdom were unable to cast out this dumb spirit, and so their Master rebuked them severely for their lack of faith.
But Christ’s sympathetic heart instantly turned to the man and his silent son, and Jesus gently picked up on the man’s shaky confidence and cautious prayer: “If You can?” “Whoever believes, ALL things are possible” was His mild reprimand.
Christ’s capacity to cure was not an issue, as He created all things, and all things are held together by Him. The man’s faith in CHRIST had been badly compromised. His faith was what Jesus needed to repair. By God’s grace, however, he was able to cry out, “LORD, I believe; help my unbelief,” and as a result, his kid was healed, and his faith grew.
Whoever is ready and willing to trust Him in all circumstances, surrender to His plan, and not allow mountainous issues or seemingly impossible situations to diminish their faith in God’s abilities will experience wonderful things in their lives.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and His capacity to heal the brokenhearted, cast out demons, set captives free, make the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the dumb speak, has never lessened. Because, as Jeremiah reminds us, “Nothing is impossible for You.
Reflect
Have you ever had someone tell you that something was impossible, or have you said those words to someone else? What can you do to encourage yourself or someone else to stay in faith and not become bogged down in doubt and unbelief?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray I never forget that Your ability to heal and assist in any situation is as strong today as it was when Jesus cured the sick and transformed
water into wine. Through grace and faith in Jesus, I can approach the throne of grace for compassion and find help in times of need. Keep me from doubting Your Word. Strengthen my faith in the days ahead, and keep me from being swayed negatively by the mountainous difficulties I appear to be facing. I believe in you, Lord. Increase my love and faith in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Upcoming Connect 21 Events
- Saturday Morning Prayer (Jan 21st @ Latimer Hall – The Way United Methodist Church)
- Sunday Morning Service (Jan 22nd @ 10 am at River Ridge High School)