WHEN THE IMPOSSIBLE BECOMES POSSIBLE

"If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23).

While Jesus was being transfigured before Peter, James, and John, a man with an oppressed son asked Jesus' other disciples to help him. Because of their unbelief, they were not able to benefit him. Later, the man came to Jesus, telling Him of that occasion. He told the master a spirit often threw his son to the ground, causing him to foam at the mouth, grind his teeth, and grow rigid.

As soon as the boy was brought to Jesus, the evil spirit cast the lad to the ground. There, in a pitiful convulsion, the boy wallowed on the ground and foamed at the mouth. Jesus asked the father how long this had been happening. The father answered "from childhood." Sometimes, the evil spirit even threw the boy "into the water." In desperation he cried out to Jesus, "But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." A pitiful situation, indeed, and one requiring great faith and mercy! (Mk 9:17-22).

The Lord Jesus replied, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believe." With an immediate response only faith can produce, the man cried out, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Verses 23-24). Jesus then commanded the evil spirit to depart and never again enter the lad. In one final display of malice, the spirit caused the boy to convulse so greatly the people thought he had died. But Jesus simply took his hand, lifting him up to freedom.

This man faced something that was impossible–with men. However, faith, or believing God, lifts us out of the realm of impossibility. Jesus said "all things are possible to him that believes!" That is not, however, a simplistic situation. The man with the oppressed son knew this. He acknowledged he did believe, yet wrestled with unbelief. He did not abandon what faith he had, but asked Jesus to help his unbelief–to help him get rid of it. Jesus did!

In spite of the controversy that has surrounded this text in some circles, there is no word from God that remotely suggests the word of Jesus to this man has become obsolete. Those who question, or even deny, that "all things are possible to him that believes" have affirmed their own unbelief. That affirmation excludes them from the promise. To them, nothing is possible, for they do not believe.

Things impossible become possible when we believe. But that is not a mere intellectual exercise. Such faith requires Divine involvement, and there is every reason to expect it will be given when it is humbly sought.

Many a soul has forfeited the great working of God because they were content to keep their unbelief. They sought for solutions, and were not zealous to seek a dominating faith. Why not follow the example of this father, asking the Lord to help your unbelief? You have every reason to be optimistic about the results.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, help my unbelief!

-- MONDAY: WHAT OF THOSE NOT LED BY THE SPIRIT? --