All things are possible

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This week marks one year that I have been posting Biblical insights online. "Thank you" to each of you that have read, commented, shared, or have otherwise been encouraged in your faith. As a way of commemorating the first year, I have decided to post some of the most popular posts of 2013, chosen by your interactions with them. I look forward to many more years of encouraging and equipping believers in the Word.
"… And Jesus said to him, 'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes.'" (Mark 9:14-29, emph. v.23, NASB)

   The issues of faith and prayer intersect in the passage of Scripture in such a transparent way that it is difficult to find another passage like it in Scripture. Notice how the story plays out. First, the father brings his demon-possessed son to the disciples, who are unsuccessful in bringing relief. He then brings him to Jesus, who has words of rebuke for both the disciples and the father. However, Jesus has no difficulty in delivering the boy. After the dust settles, the boy is free and all those around learn an incredible lesson on faith. At the end of this brief account, we are left with several thoughts to chew on.
   The disciples were empowered to expel demonic spirits, for Jesus has already given them the authority (Mark 6:7). However, there was some barrier they encountered in this situation. Jesus points it out for them: prayer. Depending on how you look at the verse, it could imply that they were attempting to cast out the demon without any prayerful connection to the Father. It could also mean that spiritual intervention of this magnitude (and I would argue any magnitude) takes ongoing prayer, or a lifestyle of prayer. I think it is a combination of the two. Our effectiveness in spiritual matters is a direct result of our prayer lives. If we want to see greater things done, then greater things must be done in prayer, in secret (Matt. 6:6).
   Another thought comes right from the father's mouth, "I do believe, help my unbelief!" (v. 24) I believe it is entirely possible to have faith, and have doubts at the same time. I realize that some of you may balk at the idea, but I dare say all of us have faithfully prayed for a terminally-sick individual, but on the inside had doubts about their healing. I read a poster a while back that said, "Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the courage to stand in spite of it." I believe faith can be like this. Sometimes, it takes us standing up and saying, if not to ourselves, "I am believing for this in spite of what my mind says and my eye sees." Faith is not denying reality, it is staring reality in the face and daring to believe otherwise. The father acknowledged his faith crisis, and Jesus responded powerfully.
   In Matthew's account of the same story (17:14-19), along with prayer, Jesus is quoted as included fasting into the mix. Fasting is an often misunderstood (and unpracticed) spiritual discipline. When a believer fasts, they are choosing to deny the body to prosper the spirit. Fasting is saying, "Lord, I need food to survive, but I need You more." It is not a matter of getting God's attention, but of God getting ours. Fasting is a way of reminding ourselves that God is our source, not our stomach. However, fasting is not prayer, although they walk hand-in-hand together.
   A final thought, after all these, is exactly how much faith and prayer work together. God can do anything He wants, at any time. However, in many cases, He chooses to partner with His people. Matthew records, "And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief." (Matt.13:58, NASB) For some explicable reason, the lack of faith in the town showed up in the lack of miracles by Jesus. Was Jesus' ability to heal restricted because of their lack of faith?  NO!  Jesus did not need their faith to heal, for He is the HEALER. However, their lack of faith certainly denied them the opportunity for miracles. Prayer and faith work together. If we are going to pray for something, but not have faith that God will respond, then why pray in the first place? If we are going to have the audacity to talk to an unseen God, why not have the same audacity to believe Him to respond?
   The overall lesson is simple: All things are possible to them that believe. It's the application of this lesson that is difficult. Just remember, faith is a journey, not a destination.

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