20 May 2013 - getting re-situated

20 May 2013 - getting re-situated

“‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.”
Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!”

He has some faith.  He is able to ask Jesus for help, but without confidence.  He knows there is a possibility of healing.  But he still has a hard time believing it.  This demon has afflicted has son for so long.  It really just seems like it will never change.  Faith in a healing like this is much harder after having lived with the suffering for so long.

That is why Jesus says, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”  The prayer is not only to cast out the demon but to allow growth in faith for those who are trying to help.  It allows for a growth in relationship with God and confidence in his power and good will.  It is the only thing that can keep our broken pasts from setting precedents that dictate our futures.

We need more than the bravado of new disciples charging in to cast our such spirits.  We need wisdom to see the deeper truth of such situations

Before all things else wisdom was created;
and prudent understanding, from eternity.

With wisdom will we recognize when situations will only get better through prayer.  We often rush to act without preparing the way through prayer.  Sometimes we can still be somewhat effective but there are situations which only get better through prayer.  We need wisdom to recognize these. Since none of us are as wise as we ought to be we should seek wisdom from the only one who has it in fullness.

There is but one, wise and truly awe-inspiring,
seated upon his throne:
There is but one, Most High 

And we should seek confidently because "he has lavished her upon his friends" and he calls us friends (cf. John 15:15).

Wisdom and prayer will open our eyes to more perfectly behold God.  See him more as he is we will be able to approach him in great confidence.

The LORD is king, in splendor robed;
robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.