This is the October writing challenge from Five Minute Friday. This is the second year I’m participating in this outstanding writing community. The plan is to successfully post everyday. We write for five minutes (unedited and that’s a challenge) and stop. Visit FMF to see more posts. http://fiveminutedfriday.com/community/

Go –

In Mark 9:14-24, in the story of the boy possessed by an impure spirit (NIV), we learn that all things are possible through prayer:  ²¹ And He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. ²² It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” ²³ And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” ²⁴ Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” 

The young man had struggled with seizures that threatened to destroy him. Even Jesus’ disciples could not cast out the spirit causing them.  They tried but couldn’t — why? Jesus told them it was because of their lack of faith, calling them an “unbelieving generation” (vs 19), then telling them that “this kind cannot come out by anything but prayer” (vs 29). The father, who wanted his child freed when Jesus asked if he believed, said he did and then asked for help in his unbelief (vs 24). What a confession! I assume the man believed Jesus was the messiah but, in his humanity, couldn’t understand how Jesus could heal his son. It was just such a big ASK!

Today we have the benefit of the whole Word of God, recapping the many miracles of Christ. We have consistent reinforcement of the power of prayer. But…there are days when I still ask God to help me in my unbelief; it’s there sometimes, lurking in the shadows. I have trouble believing I can measure up to God’s plan. A writer – really?

WAIT–snap out of it. The truth is that I don’t have to measure up, because He already has. He won’t call me to anything, for which He hasn’t already equipped me to do. I need only BELIEVE that I have his power (2 Tim 1:7), and exercise it by replacing “I’m afraid” with “YES, I WILL”.  Why doubt the power of God? If He if for me then who can be against me (Rom 8:31)? Only me.

The good news is that He understands, and if we ask with a sincere heart, He will help us in our unbelief.

Until tomorrow –