“..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!
Related upcoming events
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20/04/2024 - 21/04/2024 All day“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Cor 16:13)
Tourists who happen to visit Bukingham palace will be expected to notice the King’s royal guards. Dressed in colorful often red uniforms and adorning tall black helmets they stand on guard and no one dare cross them. Elsewhere in life we find guards in all manner of places quite firm on deterring any intruder wherever they may be.
For us Believers being on constant guard is a calling we must permanently observe. And why? Once in the course of his work, “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Mathew 16:23). Peter had just protested that he would not deny Jesus only to be sported out!
There is something for us to note here. Satan had penetrated the ranks of Jesus and was going through his closest disciple. It is clear that Peter was not even aware that he was being used. Anyway, he found his target, Jesus, was on guard. Immediately Satan was sent packing.
No Believer is immune to attacks from Satan. After all when once the Lord asked Satan his whereabouts: “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Job 1:7). Clearly the guy is out there 24/7 looking for whom to devour. “Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you have warned us to be on “guard” help me ever to be on the watch out for the attacks of the enemy and with your word rebuke Satan, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
