When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” Mark 9:14-18 NIV
I can’t imagine what this man had gone through, watching his son tormented by this evil spirit but I give him credit for knowing it was Jesus who had the answer. I’m guessing he was disappointed when he couldn’t find Jesus but was still hoping some of his disciples could provide the help he so desperately needed. But as it turned out, the disciples could not provide the help he needed. I’ve found in my own life, that many times God provides the help I need through other believers. That’s the way God often works, But, nonetheless, going to people, even strong Christians, is never a substitute for going to Jesus. Though He often uses His children to help one another, He, and He alone, is the One who can overpower the enemy in our lives!
“You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 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. Mark 9:19-20 NIV
The enemy is never a match for our God! Never! As soon as he sees Jesus, he falls to the ground. Never lose sight of that! Jesus has full authority over everything evil. Whatever attack you are under today, whatever impossible situation you face, God has the power, the ability and the wisdom to solve it!
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “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.” Mark 9:21-22 NIV
No matter how long you’ve struggled through a difficult situation, or endured an attack from the enemy, God can bring you victory and can turn the situation around! God is stronger than the enemy you face!
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24 NIV
I love this father’s answer. He knew enough to bring his son to Jesus, so his actions demonstrated some level of belief, but he was smart enough to know that he needed to go even deeper in his faith. We all need to go deeper in our faith! Lord, help us overcome our 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. Mark 9:25-27 NIV
Perhaps you need Jesus to command the enemy to back off and step out of your life today. You may be so shaken by the enemy’s attack that like the boy in this story, people are ready to write you off as dead, or your situation as hopeless. But if that’s you today, don’t give up! Reach out for the hand of Jesus and let Him lift you to your feet. Stand up, and let the world see that nothing is too hard for the God you serve!
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.” Mark 9:28-29 NIV
If you’ve hit road block after road block, pray, pray and pray some more! Prayer is not the “go-to” when nothing else will work. Prayer is the very foundation of every solution! Keep praying and trust God to defeat the enemy in your life! For the enemy is no match for Jesus!