Monday 27 July, 2015
Mark 9:14-29
In this passage, a father brings his possessed son to Jesus for healing as he has struggled to have faith in the past. Jesus exclaims, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you?” (vs 19). The father cries, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (vs 24). Jesus is displeased that the people have not yet understood what it means to put their faith in God in all circumstances. Jesus cast out the evil spirit by prayer as an example of faithfulness.
This scripture really challenges me, as it leads me to think about the situations in my life where there is unbelief. As much as I would like to think that I’m always full of faith, I can often approach things from a place of both faith and fear. Jesus’ love casts out all our fears (1 John 4:18), and we are to place all our faith in Him alone. We achieve this through the key message of this passage – prayer (vs 29)!
God, I Thank You that You hear my prayers and respond to my faith. I ask that You would help me to approach all the situations that life brings in faith rather than fear. Amen.
Written by Laura Samperi
Thanks Laura, I’ve heard a lot of complicated thoughts on this passage before, but you have brought it back to the most simple and powerfully application, prayer to God conquers the dark and prayer conquers lack of faith. Amen