“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Matthew 17:19-21 NKJV
Praise and glory to God! Most of my life I have been able to achieve, secure or overcome hurdles and mountains in my life. I’ve also been able to assist many people. I like to fix all types of situations and circumstances.
You see, my parents told me when I was little that I could accomplish anything I dreamed – or at least that’s how I interpreted their encouragement. I gained this false hope that if I assist I can eventually win. I instinctively jump into scenes where I believe I can help. Unaware, I developed a God complex, thinking I can solve everything put in my path.
God complex? What is that? Well, unknowingly we sometimes think that we have the power to solve, heal, help overcome or assist in ANY SITUATION – that we are to interfere or jump into every challenge set before us.
But…what I have learned – I am not God. As much as I work, adjust, maneuver, shift, dance – there are certain situations I cannot intervene. As much as I wish and hope I can change things, it seems the problem is entrenched and unchanging.
Jesus said to His Disciples, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:21 NKJV. He basically let them know, yes your unbelief might have played a part in not being able to heal the son but – on the other hand, you couldn’t achieve that goal in this situation. Only I can heal him.
The Disciples in that 17th chapter of Matthew thought they could help the father’s son that approached them. Sure, God had utilized them before mightily, but this particular sickness/demon was out of their scope. In that moment, they had to recognize they are not God – that they could not heal this ailment. They could not intervene and solve this problem. They had to recognize who or where the solution truly comes.
We have issues and situations in life we are up against that we cannot resolve on our own. Those struggles seem impossible. Only God can bring forth relief…
We are not God. We are to yield, fast and pray about life struggles that are above our capabilities. Eventually, we have to concede and yield to God’s outcome. Otherwise we become frustrated and lose our peace – and often along with that, our witness of who God is and His rule and reign. He is the one from which our power to help originates. We are just His tool to execute His will.
I’ve now began to sing 🎶 and understand my favorite hymn even more –
“I surrender all, I surrender all. All to the my blessed Savior. I surrender all…”
lifeandgodliness 