REFLECT: “…often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. ”Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9: 22-24
APPLY: The Dad was at his wits end. Nothing and no-one had been able to help his child. So, here he was again, asking for help from yet another holy man. Word was that this rabbi was different, that he was doing what no-one else could do. He really wanted his son’s deliverance, but his son so far had proved to be an impossible case. Now here he was again, hoping against hope, that this healer might be able to help….
To be fearful rather than of faith-ful is nothing new. Two thousand plus years ago, this desperate dad was was focused on the enormity of his problem. He was impressed by the fact that all previous attempts had failed. He believed from experience that the situation was intractable. He doubted that Jesus could help.
He believed – i.e. he had faith – that his son – again – would not be healed. Indeed he probably feared that his son would never be healed. The saving Grace was that Jesus called him on this, on his doubtful fear. Jesus gently highlighted the Father’s doubt – his misplaced confidence in the difficulty of the situation – revealing that it was misguided, and needlessly delaying the sought relief.
Once he grasped this, the Dad wasted no time in transferring his confidence from the problem to The Healer: he also had the humility to appeal for help in maintaining his stance (help me to believe – rather than not believe – that you can do this).
What will it look like for you to put your faith in God instead of your fears? This is a fighting matter, so you will need a weapon that is armed and ready to go. Your artillery of choice is scripture, and the sharp-shooter is you:
- First, clear away any spiritual cobwebs that whisper that you are vulnerable and in this by yourself. Remind yourself that anyone who attacks you is asking for God’s trouble, and that the Ones with you (God’s warrior angels), are more than the enemy’s hordes (2 Kings 6: 14-17). Recall that you are INVINCIBLE because God is for you (Romans 8:31, 37)
- Next, load your weapon: memorize (or have to hand) fighting words: specific verses of fierce scripture that you will confess – shoot out – in response to attacks. You are going to take this enemy out!
- Finally, fix your mind on the truth that you are protected – solidly – and rebuff every spiritual attempt to encroach upon your assertive, confident position.
- Ready….Aim….DECLARE (Fighting Words)!!!!!
- Repeat as often as needed.
PRAY: Father, please help me keep my mind stayed on you, in trust, so that I can live in the peace from fear, that only You can give [Isaiah 26:3]. Enable my retentive memory and guide my aim, so that I can extinguish every fiery dart, and vanquish my fears. I am relieved that with Your Words and Your guidance, my aim is true and my victory sure. Thank You for the victory in Christ Jesus, Amen.