correcting the problem
"I have faith! Help my lack of faith!" —Mark 9:24, our transl.
A father had a very serious problem. For years, his son had been possessed by a "mute and deaf spirit" (Mk 9:25), who threw the son into convulsions in which he ground his teeth, rolled on the ground, foamed at the mouth, and became rigid (Mk 9:18, 20).
Jesus challenged the father to look at this situation in a new way. The father had been looking to others to rescue him and his son. Jesus challenged the father to take responsibility for the continuation of his problem. He challenged the father to accept correction, admit the weakness of his faith, and pray for greater faith (Mk 9:23-24). Jesus had just admonished the crowd for being "an unbelieving lot" (Mk 9:19). Later, He would correct the disciples for their lack of prayer (see Mk 9:29).
If you have problems,
- take responsibility,
- take correction from Jesus,
- admit the weakness of your faith, and
- pray for greater faith.
Prayer: Father, help me see my problems in a new way — Your way.
Promise: "The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace." —Jas 3:18
Praise: Louis repented, placed his trust in Jesus, had his vasectomy reversed, and accepted the five additional children God gave.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Developing a Deep Personal Relationship with Jesus, order, listen to, or download our CD 52-1 or DVD 52-CH. 1 at presentationministries.com or order our tape on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 6, 2015
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