I often wondered what the disciples were arguing about with the religious leaders in Mark 9:14. Maybe they argued on they didn’t lay their hands just right, or they didn’t say the right words to cast out the demon. Sometimes we go through life, and we wonder how we can get rid of our bad habits. For some maybe it is the demon of alcoholism. For some maybe it is the demon of pornography. For some maybe it is the demon of substance abuse. These are the chains which bind us to unbelief and lead to arguments of how to rid the chains.
It is interesting that Jesus had asked, “how long as the boy been like this?” First, we need to look at the conditions we are in. How long have you been in the state you have been in? How long have you been depressed? How long have you been doubtful? How long have you been drunk? How long have you been possessed in looking at pornography or substance abuse? Looking at how long can also reflect a problem to which we need to address. We try and try repeatedly to find that job and to no avail, we lose our motivation. We try and try to quit the very thing we don’t want to be in, and we lose our hope. How long have you been angry with God because you lost someone?
It is interesting how sometimes we go through life saying, “if you can”. Lord, if you can, please provide me a job quickly, so that I can feed my family. Lord, if you can, take my depressed feelings from my heart, so that I can feel joyful again. If is a word, that destroys our faith and beliefs of the possible and no action of making things happen, when action is needed to get rid of the state you are in.
Your mind is the same as your body. In order to get the best use from your body, there has to be an exercise. Exercise your mind by putting the positive thoughts and rid yourself of the negative thoughts. When Jesus said, “how long shall I stay with you”, is showing His patience to all mankind. All you have to do is seek Him to overcome your unbelief. It is easier said than done. Doing it is the hard part, living it is the easier part.
Finally, we can’t do this alone. Notice the disciples tried and they couldn’t, but in Luke 10:17 they rejoiced because they did. This is something they encountered, but this one is different. When we encounter things in our lives it serves a reminder, we can’t do things on our own. It takes prayer to move the mountain and to overcome the impossible. Exercise your faith through prayer. It is a baby step at first. Soon you’re running the race that is set before you. If you need a prayer, contact me. There are prayer warriors within my congregation who believe in a God, who can help you overcome, a Savior, who can help bring you through, and a Spirit to comfort you in your times. You are not alone in your depression. I have been in depths and snares of darkness. My chains are broken and I have been set free. Pslams 16:16
