Yesterday, many people involved with various ministries were lead through a very inspiring seminar by Russell Johnson. Over thirty people from Kouts Christian were present for this and at one point during this session, Russell asked everyone to share what we as a church would like to eliminate, what we would like to preserve and what we would like to create. What was interesting about this was how many answers were similar from group to group. One common theme in the “want to eliminate” category was “fear and doubt.” As a body, we seem to have general consensus that we need God’s help so that our prayer would be more effective and that our faith in our Savior would increase.
When Jesus encountered the demonic forces in this world, He reinforced the truth that the power of God is so significant that the power of darkness really is nothing in comparison. Demons often shrieked when they saw Him coming. They knew their time was up. But notice what Jesus said when the father of a demon-possessed boy said to Jesus, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us,” [Mark 9:22]: “IF YOU CAN?…” It was as if Jesus was saying, “Do you really think darkness is that strong compared to the power of God? You really don’t understand what God is capable of doing, do you?” He actually said, “Everything is possible for him who believes!” But I find the response of the father very interesting in this situation: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” This man was reminded that God can do anything, and he acknowledged that. But he also acknowledged that he struggled with unbelief and he needed to overcome it…
Later, Jesus’ disciples asked why they couldn’t cast the demon out themselves. Jesus responded that the only way this kind of demon can come out is through prayer… If we struggle with unbelief, it is probably in direct correlation with the strength of our prayer life. If we spend a lot of time in prayer, then we KNOW that God can do all things through Christ Who gives us strength. But if we doubt, we need to humbly admit that we struggle with doubt –with one another and before God. Sometimes our pride is our worst enemy –even more threatening than Satan himself. If we try to maintain a façade of spiritual strength when, in reality, we’re struggling with unbelief, then we stumble and fall and feel powerless. But if we humble ourselves before God, as we did during the seminar with Russell, and admit that we struggle with doubt, and admit that our prayer life as a church could use some serious improvement, and call out to God for help, then God will lift us up and He will teach us to believe in His Almighty power to save. Let the words of Jesus resonate with you this Sunday, “IF YOU CAN?” Of course, God can. We look forward to a VERY encouraging Message this Sunday morning by Russell Johnson. Be prepared to believe… and pray…
Amazed by His power to save!
George