You have to really WANT it!
“If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (NIV) Mark 9:23
Bible reading: Mark 9:14-29
The news seems more bleak day after day. There are bombings, shootings, kidnappings, murders, government shortcomings, terrorism, wars, etc. Do you know of anyone who has a happy and peaceful confidence about the future? Not without a strong and dynamic faith.
We certainly live in perilous times and perilous times demand a strong faith. But a strong faith just doesn't happen accidentally. It begins with an honest recognition that one's faith needs help coupled with a strong and abiding desire for a stronger faith.
Mark 9 records the story of a man who brought his demon-possessed son to the Lord to be healed. Jesus' disciples had already tried and failed. One can imagine the desperation in his voice when he asked the Lord, "But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us" (Mark 9:23). The Lord replied, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." The father's tearful reply was, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"
One has to admire the brutal honesty of this father. Even though he believed, he realized he was still contending with doubts. He was being as honest with the Lord as he possibly could. He had a measure of trust in the Lord, but he knew that it could be stronger. He didn't do what many end up doing, to fake one's faith. Which is worse, to fake one's faith or to have a faith that might occasionally be filled with doubts?
The father in Mark 9 is to be commended because he admitted his faltering faith and then sought a stronger faith. The Lord then cast the demon from his son permanently. He didn't chasten him and tell him to come back when his faith was stronger. He responded the way He always does to a sincere and humble request for a greater faith.
I read recently the amazing story of an African impala. It is truly an amazing animal. It is capable of jumping nearly 9 feet into the air, although it is a very small creature, only about 3 1/2 feet tall. Yet, did you know that any zoo can keep the impala confined to a yard with a stone wall only 4 feet high? "Why" you might ask. Because the impala will NEVER JUMP anywhere unless it can see the place where his feet will land! Sound familiar? "Lord, I believe. Please help my unbelief!"