By Jordan Miller
Mark 9:21-23
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”
“From childhood,” he answered.
“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.”
“‘If you can?’” said Jesus.
“Everything is possible for one who believes.”
I’ve seen some unbelievable things in my life. Being a third generation Chicago Cubs fan, I never thought they’d win a World Series in my lifetime. But in 2016, after 108 years, they did it! Despite many doubters, the team united around the phrase: “We Never Quit.” They believed they could win. I certainly have had my share of doubts in the lovable losers known as the Cubs, but what about in Jesus?
In today’s miracle from Mark 9, many people were at a loss for how to help a boy who was mute and truly suffering because of an impure spirit. The boy’s father was desperate. He thought he believed in miracles, but was unsure now that the teachers and Jesus’ disciples were unable to help his son. Enter Jesus. Jesus cast out the evil spirit and saved the boy but had a very interesting interaction before he did so.
The boy’s father asked Jesus to help if He could. To which Jesus noticed the slight level of doubt and questioned the boy’s father: “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for one who believes.”
It can be easy for us today to believe in objects we see, teams we support, or things we want to happen. Ultimately those things can and will let us down. What would it look like if we fully trusted in Jesus? He has never failed us and never will. Learn from this miraculous account that Jesus is God, and He is able to do all things. There is nothing impossible for God. So let’s put our full trust and belief in Him.
Pray with me…
Heavenly Father, there is nothing that is impossible for You. Thank You for sending Jesus, for the many miracles He performed, and for the miraculous things that He is still doing today. Lord, help our unbelief. Help us not only believe in ourselves or things of this world, but to trust in You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.