​Jesus Promises Power in Prayer – Part 2

Mark 9:19-24 “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “'If you can'?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
 
OUR Lord is frustrated with his people. These are mainly the Jews, who had been given God’s promises from Abraham. The LORD had worked mighty miracles to form them, favor them and protect them even in his judgments. He had personally come to show his grace and goodness to his people. The apostle Paul wrote there was no excuse to be ignorant of God: Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Even the generation who watched the Lord personally display his power would not believe in him. Perhaps the boy’s father summed up their hearts with, “If you can.”   
   Are we any different than those faith-challenged people? We can easily connect with the desperate father, who cried (prayed?), “Help my unbelief!” For many years he had witnessed the perils of his son’s disease. Then he heard about Jesus. The miracle accounts ignited a hope in his heart he had never known. But when he found nine of Jesus’ disciples. Where was Jesus? But surely his disciples could heal his boy.
   But they couldn’t. What happened? Is it possible the disciples relied too much on Jesus’ presence? Did they not realize their gift was to heal in the Spirit’s power? Maybe they became watchers instead of doers and did not trust the Lord’s power was in them.
   So then, how would you react to the disciples’ inability to heal your son? When your prayers produce no visible results, is it appropriate to say to Jesus, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” The father had few, if any expectation Jesus would respond.
   And it’s true, isn’t it, that these words may echo in your heart? We experience many broken circumstances that appear beyond repair. And we wonder if God cares. What do with our doubt or even with unbelief?
    The father’s prayer, “Help me overcome my unbelief.” is a prayer that begins to turn our heart to seek God’s assurance he will do what he promises. With humility and submission, we realize we must talk to God to begin to build our faith.
   We must remember God is One who Speaks. He has granted his creation very personal access to him. The Bible records the many times God spoke to his people when they where mired in unbelief. He gave many unbelieving generations the opportunity to know him. That is the way to effective prayer. Jesus will help our unbelief when  we speak to the God who speaks to us. He will help your unbelief when you hear from him as you pray. You will begin to grasp the depth and breadth of his power that extends through the ages.  
   Next: God’s Word triumphs.