Belief and Prayer

N. T. #386 “Belief and Prayer”

Sept. 9, 2024

Mark 9-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW 

It was hard to accept-the death of my mother. We had just moved back 6 weeks earlier. I prayed for healing, yet she died anyway. I felt cheated of my time with her that was taken away. We had lived away 17 years, only visiting her once or twice a year. Mom was so excited that we finally were having time to be together. Yet, the Word says there is a time of birth and death determined by God, not me. It was her time. I was blessed to have a few precious visits with her before her home going. God knew it was time for mom to go home and I was allowed to be there for it. (I was not there when dad passed.)

How about you? Are there prayers unanswered? Does it make you bitter or better?

All things are possible to him who believes. (Verse 23) Jesus was omnipotence in human flesh, so He could do anything He determined to do. His activity is contingent upon the belief of the one in need. That is, trust and confident. We surrender our will to His trusting that God knows best. God’s kindness and mercy doesn’t change. 

Why could the disciples not drive out the demon? It took prayer. The disciples list their sense of dependence on Jesus. Prayer is focusing and directing of faith in specific requests to God. Spiritual power is in God alone. 

How is our faith and prayer life? So we ask and then leave the results in God's hands? Or do we thry to manipulate it?

LET IT GROW 

Here are 4 questions Swindoll has for us:

1. Do you believe God can do anything?
2. Are you willing to leave “anything “up to God?
3. Will you stop worrying and interrupting, cease striving, and simply pray?
4. Will you accept the answer He chooses to give?

When we get there, look for God to work in amazing ways. Granted, sometimes God's answers are no or wait. We are here to do His will, His way. 

LET IT GO

Help our unbelief, Jesus. 

How faithful You are!