If You Can?

A man came to Jesus' disciples to cast out a demon tormenting his son. His disciples couldn't dispossess the enemy. Jesus turned to the man baffled, "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." (Mark 9:23 NIV). The man couldn't deliver his son, but he could believe in the One who had the power to deliver.

Everything is possible to those who believe God is more than willing and able to do as He promised.

To the man drinking alone in a dark, cold alley who groans under the weight of regret and sin. He once had a decent job and a warm home, but it was all wiped away after his marriage failed. His children are no where to be found. If he can, freedom is available, when he calls upon the Lord. If he believes God, He will pick him up and turn his life around.

To the man in Europe tonight who longs for a father only to find himself in dark places, searching and hungry for a touch. He wakes in the morning in a strange place with an unfamiliar face. Just a whisper away is a Father waiting to hold him, reassuring arms to protect him, if only he can believe God can save him.

Or a young, married woman in Asia, who for just one moment looks up at sky, tears course down her face. If only she had peace from this awful thought of losing her husband. If she believes, Jesus will walk through the prison of fear and release her from bondage.

Even now there are many throughout the world Jesus is meeting in alleyways and roadsides and in homes and prisons who simply took Him at His word. We might not hear of these stories but on that day around the throne, nations of people will praise the Lamb. Through the blood of Jesus, they overcame. These are the ones who said, "I can't stop drinking, but I can believe God will help me." Or "I don't know how to stay sexually pure, but God can give me power to refuse temptation. I believe He has made a way of escape."

When we believe Him we move from the realm of impossibilities to the possible in Christ. Some changes are dramatic and other changes require time and patience, but still God is faithful to His word. It's not about will power or making promises to do better.

Just a simple honest prayer, "Lord, please help me to believe that you have a different life for me. I don't know even know if I want it, but I'm dying inside and want to live again. I want to live. Please help me."

This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles (Psalms 34:6).

Only believe Him.