Belief makes all things possible

In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9 verses 14 through 29, there is a story of a man whose son was experiencing tremendous problems.

Scripture records that the son was possessed.

This troubled father came to Jesus searching for help.

He found himself in a very difficult situation.

Most likely, he agonized on a daily basis with stress and concern over the condition of his son, who was ill from childhood.

Through the years, he must have stood by helpless and hopeless as he watched his son’s awful condition continue without any visible change, each day having a little less hope and faith as the struggle persisted.

Obviously there was no one thus far who was able to help this family through the agony, otherwise the situation would have been different.

This despairing feeling, one of being overwhelmed with urgency and anxiety to the point of losing hope, caused this man to search out the Lord Jesus Christ.

He surely heard of lives touched, ministry taking place and somehow within himself regained a sense of expectation.

He was a father standing before Jesus hoping for a miracle and trying to believe that the years of torture his son experienced could possibly become a thing of the past.

He wanted to have faith that Jesus could and would make the significant change in the precious life of his son.

This father says to Jesus, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us!”

The answer from the Lord is immediate, “If you can? All things are possible to him who believes.”

Frantic, the father immediately cries out, “I do believe, help my unbelief.” Many of us have been or are in the same place as this father.

Perhaps it is a child or spouse who is ill and the condition has continued for years.

As we stand and hold on to the Lord by faith believing for a miracle, we are waking up every day to the same situation.

Our hope is that maybe tomorrow, it will be better.

Maybe if we do things differently or go to another doctor, life will improve for our loved one.

These chronic conditions of life can cause us to remain in a place of hopelessness because it becomes all about survival – surviving another day and hoping for the best.

If we take our eyes off of the Lord, the circumstances will appear bleak.

And in reality, life can produce these tremendous trials that evidence futility.

Some are fainting in the battle and feel that it is pointless to fight through.

There are a number of days that can be difficult, and it is understandable.

These burdens are not light, but leaning on Jesus will help us to overcome.

On Christ, our hope and sure foundation is secure, regardless of the situation.

Regardless of the condition, all things are still possible with the Lord.

Yes, our hope and wish is that we get through this struggle quickly and things change for the better right now, but life does not always work out as we so desire.

It is our faith in God, experienced daily and in a personal relationship, that will enable us to believe beyond our finite sight and reach out to him for the answer and the needed miracle.

For some, making it through another day is a miracle.

Maybe you are one reading this article today and you have children or a family member struggling with addictions.

For you, just surviving the days and nights of ongoing concern for their wellbeing is a tremendous burden.

It takes faith, trust and confidence in the Lord to entrust them into his hands, believing that with God, all things are possible.

His assurance will provide us with what we need each day, hour and moment.

Praying, “Lord I do believe, but please help my unbelief” is a prayer of acknowledgement and surrender.

God is able to set a person free and do what is best in their lives and ours.

Only the Lord can transform an impossible situation, a rebellious heart, a stubborn spirit, and heal a shattered life.

He can and will do the impossible, making all things new, in his time and for his purpose.

There was never a doubt that Jesus would have pity on this child and father and he was already prepared to answer the earnest appeal of this parent.

God knew that it took courage and faith for this man to step out and believe for a miracle.

He wanted life for his son.

This was their day!

A day where all of the years of sadness and sorrow would be gone and life would be restored.

A father’s plea was honored by the Lord and in compassion and mercy the son was returned to his father healed.

The impossible situation you may find yourself in today is an opportunity for a miracle.

If the struggle has been long and you are discouraged, please reach out to Jesus.

He will never disappoint!

Today, he answers your cries for help, “If you can? All things are possible to you who will believe!”

Patty Scahill of Austintown, who is a conference speaker, author and hospice chaplain, attends Christian Life Church in Canfield.