“And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.” Mark 9:22
Jesus descends from the mount of transfiguration with Peter, James and John to a troubling scene. There is a great multitude of people surrounding the rest of the disciples and the scribes are questioning them. There was a dispute over the fact that the disciples could not cast out the dumb spirit of the son of a certain man. Jesus rebuked the faithlessness of the disciples, spoke with the pleading father and cast out the dumb spirit who had violently possessed his son. (Mark 9:13-29)
In this story I see a loving, broken parent seeking help for a struggling child. I often think when it comes to troubled children that if I do not love my child then who on this earth will?
No one has the concern or compassion for your child more than you. And as much as you love your child, remember God loves them exponentially more.
A story was relayed to me by a mother who prayed faithfully for her wayward child. Any mention of God would strain the relationship so the mother was very careful to give her words to God and let God do the work in the heart of her child. When grandchildren were born the mother was sincerely concerned that the grandchildren would never hear the name of Jesus or learn of His everlasting love. She feared if she brought it up she would be cut off from ever seeing the family. Once again, much for which to pray.
A grandchild was born with special needs and the mother went to help in the home for a short time. She fellowshipped with the family, helped out where she could, prayed each day but never mentioned God.
The grandchild’s needs were so severe, a night nurse was employed. One night, late into the night the mother was awakened. When she stepped out of her room, she heard the voice of singing:
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Refrain: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood; And in simple faith to plunge me ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace.
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.
With each verse and every line, the beautiful, angelic voice of the nurse singing to her grandchild brought reassuring comfort to the mother who had sat down at the top of the stairs. Her eyes filled with tears. This was her song in the night! It was at this moment this mother clearly understood that God was hearing her prayers. It was His gentle affirmation to her that He was working and would continue to work in the hearts of those who were nearest and dearest to her.
This thought is not original to me, but it is something I have come to believe over the last few years - “My children and grandchildren need my prayers more than they need my words.” The bottom line is I do not know nor can I completely understand the battles they are facing each day. God does.
As Mark 9:22 points out Satan wants to fully destroy our children. Give your words to God. Cry out to Jesus for help. Call upon Him to have compassion. Then believe that He will!!!
Theme Verse:
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:35
“Lose” from the Greek word “Apollymi” means “to destroy fully.” It is translated “destroy” in Mark 9:22, our verse for today.
“And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.” Mark 9:22
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