Good morning, here is your Friday fry up
Get Rid of Your Ifs, Buts and Maybe’s!
Mark 9:22-24 (NIV)
"From childhood," he answered. 22"It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." 23" If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." 24Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Jesus comes across this man who had a very desperate situation with His son who was being demonically tormented. He asks about the situation and the man fills him in with all the history of the problem then says to Jesus, “If you can do anything, please do”. Jesus had great compassion for this man and his son and helps them, but before He does, He focuses in on one of the words the man had used in His request and that word was “If”. When you read this account this is the moment that you would see Jesus look over His glasses, if he had worn them, and say slowly, “Sorry, did you say if?”
Jesus then shares an eternal truth with the desperate man-- all things are possible to those who believe! The man then immediately responds with honesty and great sincerity saying,“ I do believe but I know there is room for improvement. Please help me with that!”
Look at this same verse in The Message translation:
Mark 9:23 – 24 (The Message)
Jesus said, "If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen." 24 No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, "Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!"
What a great statement, there are no “ifs” among believers, as we journey with the Lord (Christianity) we should be ever losing our “if’s” and discovering our “I believes”. There is a massive problem if we have more ifs now then when we started!
We often refer to ourselves as believers and that being the case, it is fundamental that we remind ourselves what believers do . “They believe”. Here’s the question, “Are you believing?” Are you a believing believer? What I love about this account is that there is room for honesty. If you still struggle with Ifs, why not do as this man did and ask the Lord to help you because there are no ifs, He will!
Have a great day.
Andy
A devotional by Pastor Andy Elmes to inspire you with a godly thought to start your day well. God’s word is indeed the breakfast of champions.
Great Big Life
Empowering People
Andy Elmes
Pastor & Leadership Coach
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