05-01 Devotional for Mike By Gloria Barotta (Aunt Glo)

Jesus Can and Will

Mark 9:23-24

“IF you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”


Maybe over the course of the last couple of days you have become skeptical of the fact that Jesus really can heal hearts and give crowns and take back the world from evil. Maybe you don’t believe the promises of God. Or maybe you believe them for other people or for the saints of the Bible but not for you because following Christ just “isn’t working out for you the way you had hoped.” That’s ok. Everyone doubts what they don’t immediately see. That is why God gave us these precious promises (see 2 Peter 1:4). Remember, yesterday Jesus promised trouble. Today Jesus gives us some evidence that Jesus can do all things, and that, through Him, all things are possible.

I invite you to read this account of the healing of a boy with an evil spirit recorded in Luke 9:14 – 24. It’s one of my favorites. While Jesus and his friends were up on a mountaintop visiting with Moses and Elijah and hearing the voice of God, the rest of his friends were in town performing miracles—casting out demons (yes, they really do exist), healing people from diseases, etc. – you know, the usual. Jesus comes down from the mountain to face a frustrated father whose son is suffering from an evil spirit. The father basically asks Jesus to heal the son if He can. In my mind, when I read Jesus response (our verse today), I hear Jesus saying “If I can? Are you even kidding me! Evil spirits are no match for me!” The point Jesus is making is that His power is available to those who believe, who trust that He can do all things.

And the man responds, “Help me with my unbelief!” OH what an honest response! Help me believe! Sometimes we believe what is right in front of us. But this man is wise enough to know he’s going to need help believing tomorrow, and the next day and the next. What a great model for us all!

So as this tragic time in our lives has unfolded, have you ever thought, “Jesus, heal that family’s hearts IF you can?” Then take heart! Because everything is possible for him who believes. Don’t be afraid to call out, “Jesus!! Help me overcome my unbelief!”

Speaking for Lisa, Gracie and the rest of our family, we believe. We believe Jesus can do all things. We also know it won’t happen over night. From time to time, my guess is we will cry out as I have many times in my life, “Help me overcome my unbelief!” And that’s why we continue to covet your prayers. Please continue to pray for comfort and healing as Lisa makes funeral preparations.

“Lord, Jesus, you drive out demons. You heal the broken hearted. You redeem the hearts of man. You comfort those who mourn. Help us remember these promises! And we ask that your hand would be on Lisa as she makes preparations for the memorial service. We pray that you would be glorified. That through this time of grief, mourning, and healing that You would give us stories, testimonies we can share with others. Stories that demonstrate your power to do all things. We can do all things through YOU who strengthens us. Even overcome evil. Even overcome tragedy and sadness and grief. Help us with our unbelief when we begin to doubt you. Whisper those words in our hearts, “IF I CAN? Are you even kidding me??? IF I can? Of course I can!” We pray in the name of Jesus, who can, and will, amen.”