“..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 and oppressed you 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, this I pray in Jesus’s name!
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29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
