Mark 9:22b -24 – “But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” And Jesus said to him, “If You can? All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” (NASB)
How many times have I asked things of Jesus for Him to reply, “If You can?” My prayer list is long. It is for my husband. I pray for people currently suffering; whether physically or emotionally. I pray for my children and their classmates and friends. I pray for my future sons-in-law and daughter-in-law. I also pray for their parents to have the strength to raise their children in God’s will. I believe God will continue to bless the church if we heed to His calling. I have great faith in these things. These are very big picture things and very matter-of-fact to me. Yes, Jesus, I do believe!
The troublesome part of the verse is: “help my unbelief”. That’s the reaction from the “if You can” comment from Jesus. I say comment because as I read this reaction from Jesus it’s not so much a question but I hear a bit of sarcasm in it, as well. I sense the laugh and the slight rolling of the eyes. He’s thinking, “really, don’t you get it?” Then comes the rebuke (a.k.a. reminder): “All things are possible to him who believes.” Ouch! Ever thought you knew what you were asking for to only find out you were asking the wrong question?
I recently had a conversation with my mother-in-law about how she prays God will heal me from my diabetes. I have thought of this prayer request many times. I used to pray that same prayer, but then I stopped. I partly stopped because I got tired of the disappointment of unanswered prayers. In my mind I know God has the power and ability to make my pancreas begin to work again. But, He has chosen not to heal me physically. What has helped me with this “disappointment of unanswered prayers”(as I used to classify it) is the verse of “hope does not disappoint”. Listen carefully to Romans 5:2b-5: “And we exult (rejoice) in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations (sufferings), knowing that tribulation (suffering) brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (NASB)
How can God ever disappoint me? He has given me to Holy Spirit and His love! I don’t need to ask for one more thing in this life. He has provided me with His very Spirit! The Bible also tells me that God will work all things out for good. So, do I have a lack of faith for not praying for physical healing? I don’t think so. I have prayed for healing in the past and I actually think God has healed me in other ways. You see, He’s provided healing from my disappointment of having diabetes. I’ve had healing from the anger of “why me?” I have seen healing in others as they explained their child just got diagnosed with diabetes and they realized I truly understood what they were living out on a daily basis. Has God healed me physically? No, but His presence to make it through each day and His other healings have meant just as much if not more.
So, I’ve determined that if God cannot disappoint me, it’s my expectations that are disappointing me. I have found the times I ask, “if you can” to God are the times I have a preconceived idea of how God should act in my circumstance. It is in those times I struggle with unbelief. In those times I have spent countless hours figuring out plans A, B and C. But, in the times where I truly let go and let God take over I’m able to believe God can do whatever simply because He is God. Instead of me asking Jesus, “If You can”, I need to ask myself, “If I can”. Can I live my life so others can see my belief in God? Can I truly live my life as I say I believe? I don’t want my relationship with God to be only words, I want it to seep out in every aspect of my life and not simply live a life of “if you can”.
What are you asking of Jesus today that has Him replying, “If I can?” What is Jesus asking of you that makes you ask yourself, “If I can?”
© 2012 Susan M. Sims
Image courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti at freedigitalphotos.net
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Maybe what you percieve as a liability (diabetes) he is using to make you an example of hope for others suffering from the same ailment. Perhaps he understands that it is hard to truly relate to someone’s pain unless you have been there yourself. I don’t mean to say that he means to inflict pain on you. I just think that he may be using this situation to draw others closer to you, and ultimately him. Hang in there Susan…Michelle
I agree He is using this situation. I think this has been part of the healing for me. I love watching someone’s face change and relax as they realize they are not the only one out there going through something. If more people were truly open about their struggles, I think we would all be able to go through life a bit easier realizing we’re not alone.