Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Prayer, Fasting & the Power of Jesus
By Elin Henderson

“…This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
Mark 9:29b (NKJV)

Ever come upon a problem that is so vast, so impossible, and despite your greatest spiritual endeavors, you are unable to affect it? Jesus’ disciples came upon such a circumstance as this in Mark 9:14-29. It wasn’t like they were at a spiritual low. They had just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration! If that wasn’t a literal and metaphorical spiritual high, I don’t know what is?!

They were equipped, sent out, and were on “active duty.” But, then they came upon this insurmountable situation. A boy possessed by an evil spirit was brought to them. Who knows how long they tried in vain to deal with this spirit, long enough for a large crowd to form and for the father of the child to become very frustrated! Jesus comes upon this scene and immediately the crowds turn to Him. He listens to the problem and intervenes, freeing the boy of his bondage and healing him fully.

I can only imagine that as soon as the disciples could get Jesus alone, they frustratingly cried out, “Why couldn’t we do that?” His reply was succinct but impactful. “Some issues can only be dealt with by prayer and fasting” - - and the unspoken but evident power of Jesus!

There are situations that we face that are way beyond us, even if we are walking in the light and power He has given us. Do you have any of these in your life right now? Someone you love that is SO far from the Lord that you wonder if they will ever turn back? A relationship so devastated that it seems no recourse is possible? Someone so beyond healing that you wonder if they will ever be whole again? We actively try and help but then, nothing happens. Jesus reminds us here that some of these really heavy situations are only dealt with by prayer, fasting and the power of Jesus! Our part is the prayer and fasting, but the real work is through the power of Jesus! He alone can set the captive free and heal the sick and wounded. Let’s not grow weary, but continue on, praying, fasting and believing that He is able!
           
GOING DEEPER:                                                       
1. If you have identified a situation in your life that would fit into this category, what are some ways you can apply this principle?
2. Are there others you can ask to join you?


FURTHER READING:


Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to fourteen-year-old Callie and twelve-year-old Elias.