Ask Boldly and Believe
17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”
19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21 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.”
23 “‘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!”
-- Mark 9:17-24
God can do anything. We know that. The real question is this: Do you believe that God will do anything?
Ah, there you go. That causes a pause, doesn’t it? Because even though we know God can grant our requests, we’re really not sure He will.
I’ve begun preparing to lead a new study on prayer. The writers ask us to list seven things we’re committed to pray for every day. Sounds easy. But think about it. Really think about it. What do you really want? What do you need? And what would bring God glory?
Yeah. That’s right. God glory. Not you. Not me. God. That big fine house in a fancy neighborhood probably won’t bring God glory. Inviting the elderly widow to supper just might. Do you see the difference?
God always hears our prayers and He always answers. Sometimes He takes a while, teaching us patience and perseverance. Sometimes He says no, reminding us that He has something better up ahead for us. And sometimes God rewards our faith by giving us exactly what we want.
So what do you want to pray about? Get specific. Do you need a job? Do you want your child to love Jesus? Do you want to spend more time volunteering? Do you want to create fun family experiences?
Then go boldly before God’s throne. Ask Him, believing in His power and His love for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment