Monday, May 1, 2023

It is my prayer that these two weeks of prayer for our young loved ones struggling with their walk with Christ is working toward God’s goal for their lives. Let us continue to sow these good seeds, for in due season we will reap if we faint not.

He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.”

Mark 9:19

In this passage of scripture, a man–this father–takes his son, who is possessed by a spirit and has robbed him of speech to Jesus. The father describes his ailment by saying that the unclean spirit throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. This dad took his son to the disciples and they could not drive the spirit out.

Jesus makes it clear that it is their lack of faith that was the issue. He calls them an unbelieving generation and verbalizes his frustration with the lack of faith. Then, he asks them to bring the boy to him. This demon has the nerve to throw him into a fit in the presence of Jesus. The dad explains that the boy has been that way since childhood, but he implores Jesus to have mercy on him. Jesus then says that all is possible to him who believes (Mark 9:23).

Can you imagine how helpless that dad must have felt? He had seen this thing happen repeatedly from the time his son was a child. He thought he had help when he took his son to the disciples, but they were ineffective. He finally brings him to Jesus. Jesus then tells him that the power is in his faith. Can you imagine where that man’s faith was at the time? He was probably worn out from the years of pain, concern, and worry. Despite all of that, Jesus tells him to JUST believe.

What has discouraged you about your young loved ones? Have they engaged in some self-destructive behaviors that have left you feeling helpless and hopeless? Take a moment and read this entire passage, if you relate to this father. The answer is in your faith. If you don’t have faith, ask the Lord to help your unbelief.

PRAYER: Lord, help my unbelief. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.