If You Can

And Jesus said unto him, If thou canst!  All things are possible to him who believeth.  Mark 9:23 (ASV)

The father of the boy who was suffering under terrible spirits of seizures, asks Jesus for help.  But the way he says it sparks a reaction in Jesus.  He asks Jesus saying, “If you can, please help.”  Jesus is obviously taken back at this form of requesting help from the Lord.  Who would possibly ask the Son of God, the Prince of the Universe, if it was within His power to perform a miracle?  We have come all this way to Him to ask for His favor.  Why would we doubt if it is within His ability to perform what we are asking?

Jesus brings the man´s attention to his lack of faith.  He lets the man see that it is obvious that he is not showing much belief in the power of the Lord.  Then he gently tells reminds us.  “All things are possible to him who believes.”

It is to the man´s credit that he immediately recognizes his lack of faith.  He desperately tries to declare that he believes.  He sees that it is not enough.  He quickly and earnestly asks Jesus to help him to have more faith.  This honesty, this kind of approaching Jesus was what Jesus was looking for.  Jesus knew that the man did not know He could heal the boy.  What He is asking of the man is that he steps out in faith.

Faith is believing and setting one´s hope in the Lord.  Faith is entrusting something to God even when we lack the ability and knowledge to support ourselves.  We let go of control.  We stand on nothing but our hope.  We stand on nothing but Him.  We say, “It is You Lord!”  “You have power and might!”  “We look to You!”  We must also ask as the man did in the story.  We must petition His help where our sight and strength of heart are not enough.  Then, the grace of God is opened to us.  Faith is given!  Miracles of healing can now happen!  We can be restored to Him!

Satisfied with the man´s new attitude and petition, Jesus quickly commands that the boy is healed.  He sends out the evil which was afflicting the boy.  A good reaction from a man in faith brings the desired healing from above.  A petition in humble hope places the seeker completely in the hands of God.  The man had to let go and bring hand over to Jesus any and all outcome.  This is beautiful.  This is what we should see too.

Is it time that we look at our faith?  Have we become complacent in our walk with the Lord?  Are we standing back and withholding our trust in Him?  Are we concealing doubts that our Savior can move in a powerful way today?  We need to step out on our faith in Him.  We need to let go.  We need to leave no other way than to lean upon Him.  It is impossible for us.  So we need to ask Him to help us with our lack of faith.

Dear Jesus, please help us believe in You.  We believe.  But our belief is with limitations.  We try hard but it is difficult to let go.  It is difficult to see how You will work Your miracles today.  Please show us how to lean on nothing but You.  Strengthen our faith, our hope and our trust.  When You see a correct attitude in our hearts, let Your Spirit enter us too.  Let Your Spirit strengthen us and help us leave all behind.  Let us step forward in Faith.  Then let us see Your mighty arm at work today.  Let the healing begin!

Amen