Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 01, 2022: SOAP #4716: Psalm 121; Mark 9-10

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 9:20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “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.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

OBSERVATION:  The dad was desperate.  His son needed more help than he was able to give.  But he had heard about Jesus.  Maybe Jesus could help his boy.  

The father challenged Jesus’ ability and willingness: “if you can do anything…”   I hear Jesus saying, “My ability and willingness is not in question!”  “Your faith needs to be lifted to a new height!” 

Jesus challenged the father’s faith. Jesus said, “Everything is possible for him who believes!”  Those words from Jesus expanded the faith in the father and he immediately exclaimed, “I do believe!”  Jesus responded to the faith in the father.  He had enough faith to bring his son to Jesus and now faith to confess that He did believe.  He had faith to confess his weakness. 

APPLICATION: Jesus challenges my faith too.  My faith is present, but sometimes I find that unbelief is also present.  I must mix the faith I have with the word.  The Word is my faith expander.  It is my faith developer.  God’s Word says, “Everything is possible!” Which causes me to exclaim, “I do believe!”

PRAYER:   Lord, thank you for responding to my faith.  Overcome my unbelief brings me to confess with you, “EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE!”   Amen

Pastor Leon
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