“..the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” - James 5:16 (NIV)
In his travels here on earth there was once a case that was brought to Jesus. It was about a boy who was crippled with a dark and malevolent spirit that left him paralyzed. Jesus asked the boy’s father, how long he had been like that.
“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!” (Mark 9:21-22).
Jesus wondered if the boy’s father had belief. “If you can,” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes” (vv 23). The boy’s father asked Jesus to help him overcome his lack of belief.
Soon after Jesus rebuked the spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said. “I command you come out of him and never enter him again” (vv 25). After the spirit had left the boy and he was well, the disciples asked Jesus why they could not have casted it out too.
“He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer” (vv 29).
In this passage we come across three important lessons. First, we realize this boy had been tortured by a dark spirit since childhood. There are cases when a matter brought on by the evil one, Satan, can trouble or oppress us for years. Secondly, is belief. Jesus pressed on to the father of the boy if he believed he could heal him. “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” pleaded the father.
And then there is prayer. This dark spirit that had oppressed the boy for years could only be overcome by prayer. As he drew to the disciples’ attention, Jesus is here telling us that we have keys that can give us a break through. Those keys are prayer.
Today, whatever it is, a condition that has persisted for years, and seems of such nature that all attempts to score success are futile, of course you should not give up to the enemy’s delight! Have belief that Jesus can deliver you. And start with prayer.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the powerful name of Jesus, that you bring me victory in that situation where I have done everything and now only you can bring success!
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
