“So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. ‘How long has this been happening?’ Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, ‘Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.’ ‘What do you mean, “If I can?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”’” (Mark 9:20-23 NLT)
What “impossible” situation have you found yourself in? What is it that you believe you most need? A healing? Money? Shelter? A job? A break? Freedom from your oppression? Whatever it is, as long as your focus is on “that”, whatever “that” is, you’ll never find your answer. Impossibilities only become possibilities when they’re committed into the capable hands of the Savior.
The boy’s father in the story from Mark 9 (above) had come to his end. Surely, he thought, the disciples of the great Jesus could heal his son, but to no avail. They were powerless, but why? Were they not counting on the holy Name of Jesus to empower them? Probably, but for whatever reason, it wasn’t enough. This demon needed to be confronted by the powerful presence of the Son of God Himself.
That’s what we need in our “impossible” circumstances, but how? Steven Furtick gives us a clue when he writes: “Accomplishing the impossible is all about seeing the invisible.” Yes, of course, Jesus, at least for now, is “invisible” to the human eye, but certainly not to the eye of our heart. Just as the human ear can’t hear His voice, the untrained, undisciplined, and unexpectant eye cannot see the presence and power of the invisible Savior. So, what do we do? How do we learn? How can we allow the Spirit to train us to understand that He is mindful of us and will allow us by His grace to become more and more mindful of Him?
Prayer is the only way! And by that I’m not implying the reciting of words, I’m seeking to convey an attitude of our heart that doesn’t doubt but has allowed the Lord’s Spirit to so shape our heart and mind that we’re always filled with expectation as to what the Lord is going to do in and though our lives. He has no limits and by His grace, neither do we. Yes, of course, we have many physical, emotional, financial, and other human limits, but not in the Spirit. As the eagle soars to heights other birds can’t attain, the Spirit allows our spirits to soar in ways humanly unimaginable except for those whose trust is in Jesus.
“Oh, but that’s for the ‘Super Christians’!” I hate to break it to you, but there is no such thing. There are only Christians and non-Christians, those who believe and those who don’t, nothing in between. Those who trust in what they see and those who learn to trust the One who is invisible. Let’s close today with this beautiful prayer from Ray Majoran entitled Mindful of Us. Let Ray’s thoughtful words help us to open our heart to our invisible Father.
Majestic Lord, Your glory fills the earth, and the heavens display the work of Your hands. You established the moon and stars in their appointed places, and even as the moon passes into shadow, it remains under Your sovereign rule (Psalm 8:1, 3). When we consider the vastness of what You have made, we are humbled by the brevity and smallness of our lives. Yet You are mindful of us and care for us, though we have done nothing to deserve Your attention (Psalm 8:4). Thank You for creating us in Your image and giving our lives dignity and purpose before You (Genesis 1:27).
Father, please forgive us for searching for significance in our accomplishments, possessions, and the approval of others. Help us to turn from the pride that exaggerates our importance and from the unbelief that tells us our lives are unnoticed or without meaning. Teach us to live as people who are continually mindful of You.
When we look upon the heavens, lift our thoughts beyond creation to the One who made it. Help us to be humble beneath Your majesty, and faithful in the responsibilities You have entrusted to us. May our lives proclaim that Jesus is crowned with glory and honor, and may everything we do direct attention to Your excellent name throughout all the earth (Psalm 8:9).
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 