Everything is possible for one who believes.

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Today’s message is from Mark 9:23, 「“ Everything is possible for one who believes.” I believe this word gives a great encouragement to us, the believers. Let’s look at the background of this passage. First, please read Mark 9:14-29. There was a father whose son was possessed by an impure spirit. The disciples of Jesus tried to drive out the spirit from him, but they couldn’t. Then Jesus asked the father how long his son has been like this, and he answered in verse22, “From childhood. 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.” After this, Jesus replies to him “If you can’? Everything is possible for one who believes.” This is the key phrase of today’s message.

Let’s sort this out. The disciples of Jesus weren’t able to drive out the impure spirit by themselves, so the father humbly asked Jesus “if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus’ response was “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” After he said this word, Jesus did the miracle. Do you remember that Jesus set people free from any sickness or demonic spirit? He had never had troubles of battling against demonic power. Jesus has an absolute power over demonic spirit or Satan. Jesus rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” Through this miracle, it was revealed once again that Jesus is the son of God, Christ, and He owns God’s power.
Now let’s reflect on our lives. Have you ever had demonic spirit, the spirit of fortune telling, or religious pressure ruling over your life? When we put our trust on Jesus, we will be able to see that He has power to set us free from any of these oppression.

After witnessing this miracle, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why couldn’t we drive it out ?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer. ” Matthew added two key words to this passage in Matthew 17:19-21, He replied, “Because you have so little faith. This kind can come out only by prayer (and fasting). ”The three key words here are faith, prayer, and fasting.

Paul also used the similar expression. Please read Philippians 4:12-14. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” I don’t know any believer who had more sufferings and difficulties than Apostle Paul. Just like Paul, I’d like to learn the secret of being content in any and every situation. And I want to live with this faith that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.