From the Gospel of Mark chapter 9 Jesus’ disciples encountered a demon possessed boy and they could not cast the spirit out of him which resulted in quite an uproar among the crowd who had gathered around them: it was the teachers of the law; they were arguing with Jesus’ disciples. The question was asked by Jesus in verse (16) “What are you arguing with them about?’ The boy’s father stood up and answered. Verse (17) “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.” Verse (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.” Jesus’ response, verse (19) “O unbelieving generation, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me?” Jesus asked the boy’s father, verse (21) “How long has he been like this?” From childhood, he answered. Verse (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. Jesus responded with the question. Verse (23) “If you can? ‘Everything is possible for him who believes.” The boy’s father humbly exclaimed, verse (24) “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” Jesus saw a crowd running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. You deaf and mute spirit, he said, ‘I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The defiant spirit response. Verse (26) “The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out of him.” Those who watched thought the boy was dead.’ The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” Verse (27) “But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.” Verse (28) “After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” Take note of Jesus’ reply from verse (27) “This kind can come out only by prayer.
Thought For Today:
Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in our lives. Effective prayer needs both the attitude of complete dependence and the action of asking. Prayer demonstrates our reliance on God as we humbly invite Him to fill us with faith and power. There is no substitute for prayer, especially in circumstances that seem impossible.