If you can? Only by prayer!

"If you can'?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”

Mark 9:23

In Mark 9:14-29 we find Jesus and his disciples facing a scenario similar to what we may face today.  Within a crowd were religious teachers of the law arguing with Jesus’ disciples.  Jesus asked the obvious question, “What’s up?”  The argument was apparently over a boy.  The religious leaders then, as many today, argued against God’s work as available to heal our bodies and route demons.    

A man began telling Jesus about his son had been possessed by a spirit that made him unable to speak and manifested seizures.  He then told Jesus, “I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not;" then he desperately asked Jesus, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”  Jesus responded, “If you can?  Everything is possible for him who believes.”  The boy’s father cried out “help me overcome my unbelief!”  Then, disappointed in the religious crowd and his own disciples, Jesus spoke out, “How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”  Jesus then commanded the spirit to leave the boy and “never enter him again.” 

Afterwards the disciples privately asked Jesus, “Why couldn't we drive it out?”  Jesus replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” 

So, what have we learned?  By being a disciple of Christ, healing is available through prayer offered in faith.  Prayer is where you are prepared for every disease, injury, or demon that you may meet along life’s journey.  In Prayer the Spirit of God counsels and enables you—then, any and everything is possible if you believe.   

He can—I believe, I pray,

Owen <><