[Boy with an evil spirit that Jesus’ disciples could not cast out.]
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
What is it that blocks me in my relationship with Jesus Christ? How can I connect with him more regularly, on a heart-level?
Many times I think it is easy to overcomplicate walking with God. He requires a few things of us: 1) That we seek him with a pure heart. This requires repentance of sin and the humility of a child that is eager to learn and correct their ways. 2) That we spend time dwelling with him in prayer. And 3) that we believe and obey his word.
This man came to Jesus’ disciples out of desperation. They could not cast out the evil spirit from his son. Now he comes to Jesus and his faith is shaken a bit. Jesus calls him out on this weak faith. And the man responds (and how I love his response): “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” This is so honest. He believes but understands that his belief is weak. And then he does the one thing I believe Jesus was waiting to hear: He asks for help in believing from Jesus!
This man was incredibly humble in his faith. He knew he needed help to believe. So he just asked for it. Simple enough!
What is it I have a hard time believing God for, or asking him to help me with? How about you?
Lord, you love me like a Father. You want to help me, and enjoy it when I ask for help. This is because I will receive your help better if I recognize my need for it. So I am asking for help today. You know the immediate areas I need help with. I lay them at your feet and I humbly ask for your help!
