Jesus said, “All things are possible for the one who believes.” Believes what?
Jesus and three of his disciples had gone on a retreat. While away, a man in desperation for his son came to his disciples for healing.
Jesus returns and begins a discourse with the man. “I asked your disciples to cast it out and they could not do it,” the man reported. Jesus said bring the boy to me. As the boy came, the demon began to manifest once again.
Imagine this man’s heart. His son had been sick since childhood. He thought perhaps the disciple could help him. They couldn’t. He brought the boy to Jesus, and still in front of Jesus the boy is still oppressed. So the man said to Jesus, “If you are able?” This reveals the man’s heart. Disappointment had crept in.
We have all been there. We have prayed and believed and stood for so long, that sometimes disappointment creeps in. Disappointment says things like: “This is just my life.” Maybe God is teaching me something. It’s not God’s timing.” Disappointment is a dream crusher, a hope killer. Disappointment makes us afraid to boldly ask. And this is where this man found himself. This is where we often find ourselves. Disappointed.
Jesus recognized this man’s disappointment. He had compassion on this man’s struggle. His statement was not meant to condemn, it was meant to refocus. Jesus knew the cure for disappointment is belief. “All things are possible for the one who believes!”
What do you believe this morning? Do you believe you are healed? Do you believe your child will come back to Jesus? Do you believe your marriage will prosper? Do you believe God will provide everything you need? Do you believe you hear God’s voice? Do you believe you will lay hands on the sick and they will recover? Do you believe whatever you are going through, God will work it out for your good? What do you believe this morning?
This man cried out, “I believe, help my unbelief.” His faith was not perfect. But his God was. Jesus healed his son and ended years of oppression, ended years of tears, ended years of disappointment. He will do the same for you. Do not allow disappointment to crush your dreams, kill your hope. Believe you will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living and you will. All things are possible for the one who believes. Be the one.
“Then Jesus said to him, “‘If you are able?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.””
Mark 9:23