Plan more? Pray more?
By Dean Collins
It appears modern-day disciples aren’t much different than the original group.
When we first meet Jesus, we are eager to follow Him, just like the disciples: “And immediately they left their nets and followed him” (Mark 1:18).
At some point, we become afraid that Jesus doesn’t see our situation. “But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’” (Mark 4:38).
Eventually, we start arguing with Jesus about how to do what he asks of us. “And his disciples answered him, ‘How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?’” (Mark 8:4).
We might even think we need to correct Jesus, instead of the other way around. “And seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For
you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.’” (Mark 8:33)
And eventually, we figure out that our plans don’t work. We need to pray more if we want to see real change and have a front row seat when God brings a victory. That’s exactly what happened to the disciples when they came back from their first mission trip. Jesus had sent them out to spread the news of His kingdom. He sent them in pairs, and had them take nothing with them but their walking sticks. Picture one of the current survival shows to get the idea. They were to call people to repentance, heal the sick, and cast out demons. He gave them authority to do these things in His name.
As Jesus and three of the disciples came off the mountain where Peter, James, and John had witnessed the transfiguration, there was a big discussion taking place. Jesus, His disciples, the scribes and Pharisees, along with others, were all involved. Someone in the crowd brought His son to Jesus and described His symptoms, which included grinding of teeth, foaming at the mouth, fits of rage, and the inability to speak. The father said his son was clearly possessed by an evil spirit. And then the embarrassing moment occurred, when the frustrated father pointed at the disciples and said, “I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they couldn’t do it.” The disciples probably stared at the ground and took a step or two back into the crowd. Jesus told the man to bring the boy to Him. After asking a couple of questions, Jesus cast the demon out of the boy and the boy collapsed on the ground, looking rather lifeless. Jesus reached over and took the boy’s hand, and the young man stood up.
Jesus and the disciples went inside a nearby house; now, away from the scene and alone with Jesus, they asked, “Why weren’t we able to cast out the demon in this boy?” Jesus answered quickly and clearly: “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
Let’s give the disciples a break. After all, it was their first outing without Jesus. At the first few houses they had visited, the people seemed to pay attention and repented of their sins. Maybe in the fourth or fifth house, they laid hands on a couple of sick family members, and they got better. But my guess is, the further they went, the more confident they became in their abilities. They started to rely less on Jesus and more on themselves. And about that time, they met the boy with the demon, and suddenly, they were outmatched. Without prayer, they could not cast out this evil presence.
When nothing works
It may not be demons you and I are facing today. However, the problems and challenges sometimes feel as overwhelming as it must have felt for the disciples that day. Nothing they tried would work. They were overwhelmed and felt defeated. Later, alone with Jesus, the answer was given to them. Pray more and plan less. Some situations only change by the power of prayer.
This is our path forward. Politicians, preachers, parents, business owners, and college presidents (this one for sure) should probably pray more, putting all our reliance on Jesus, if we are going to get through this pandemic, this economy, this series of injustices, these moments of hopelessness. Jesus isn’t particularly worried. All authority has been given to Him, and He has given us his Spirit to participate with us. It does, however, require that we pray. We can’t plan our way out of these moments alone. Jesus is waiting and ready. Pray it with me: “Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
This is our path forward. If we are going to get through these moments of hopelessness, we should put all our reliance on Jesus.
He isn’t particularly worried.
Pray it again, and pray that God’s will be done in your life, your business, your family, your community, as it is in heaven. Pray for the daily bread you need today, and be specific. God wants to meet your specific needs.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever! Amen
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
