Is your heart breaking over the suffering of a loved one? Maybe your connection with them can be more of a blessing than you know. God’s miracles happen through faith, but He helps us even when we doubt Him. In Mark 9, a desperate father came to Jesus asking for healing and deliverance for his son. Like any father, he tried everything to help his son. Even the disciples prayed, but nothing got better. This papa was at the end of his faith.Jesus didn’t abqndon him, but he didn’t immediately heal the son. He gently addressed the father’s doubt with the sentence, “If you can?.” Then our Savior built the dad’s faith with the words, “All things are possible for the one who believes.” He does the same for us.
But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the boy cried out [with a desperate, piercing cry], saying, “I do believe; help [me overcome] my unbelief.”
Mark 9:22-23, 24
Compassionate Prayers are Powerful Prayers
If you have compassion and are hurt for someone else, maybe you’re the one meant to pray for them. Your loved one may not feel worthy, angry at God, or thinks that God won’t answer those prayers. Your intimate closeness and compassion make you the perfect link between them and God. The Bible says that “God is love.” The father had many doubts because of his love for his son, but he had enough distance to pray. That’s all Jesus needs. This boy was utterly helpless to know he needed help. If you have a loved one that’s suffering, maybe it’s a sign that you’re the one to pray for them.
But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.
Mark 9:27
Stay Encouraged
God designed it so that we need one another. It’s no coincidence that we can find that sliver of belief for someone else more than ourselves. There might be someone out there praying in your blind spot. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Much good is done in us and others as we stand in prayer and belief on behalf of others. In this, we are following the example of our Savior. Keep believing and praying for that loved one, my friend. Things take time, do your best, and ask God to help your unbelief. Then grasp that sliver of belief for others, and leave the results in His hands.
“…And pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].”
James 5:16
Prayer
Lord, You know our needs and the needs of those in my life. I pray for that loved one who needs Your touch. You are a God of miracles, and all things are possible for those who believe. I reach out with a sliver of faith to be the link that touches You for them. I ask for faith to pray for them in the way they need. Thank you that you have someone who is praying for me too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
