No "If's" Allowed

For our staff devotion today, I read from Mark 9:14-32. I am reading through The Message translation this year and I really enjoy the unique manner in which Peterson translates the scriptures.

The story is familure; a father brings his troubled son to be healed. Jesus and 3 disciples are on top of the mountain (literally and figuratively) being transformed! So the remaining 9 disciples at the foot of the mountain are responsible to deal with this issue. In short, it becomes a heated argument between "religious scholars" and the disciples. The tragedy is the troubled boy is still troubled.

When Jesus comes down the mountain, he hears the commotion and asks what's going on. This is one of the very few times we see Jesus humanity in vivid color. From the ecstasy of the mountain, he now plunges to the frustration of the valley. "How long do I have to put up with this?" "When will you guys get it?" Jesus is clearly agitated with the lack of power from the disciples.

No one could help the boy.The father sees Jesus and gives one more plea. "IF you can help me, please do it now!" Jesus returns the question, "If?" "What do you mean, 'if'? All things are possible to those that believe!" The dad cries out, "I do believe, just help my doubts." What an honest man!

The story climax's with Jesus calling the boy over and commanding a demon to leave him. With great screams and convulsions the spirit exits, leaving the boy for dead. Jesus picks the lad up and hands him back to his father. Healed, delivered, save.

As we enter into Life's Healing Choices, can I encourage you to please stir up your faith. Not 'if' something is going to happen. Not 'if' someone is going to get healed and set free, rather "when God's love and power moves among us ----such and such is going to happen."

My prayer is that God will deliver us from the limited power and frail thinking of our own resources. I pray that we will tap into the real source of power and see God supernaturally break down the wall and strongholds that bind us. God wants to heal us and set us free! Not "if," but "Thank you Lord!"