Where’s That Button?

easy btn I have one of these on my desk. I’ve had it for a while, although it did get pushed to the back by magazines and papers (I have some piles…don’t judge me). As I was cleaning the desk the other day, I saw it and got to thinking about how, if we are honest with ourselves (and God), we would much rather have something like this in life than depend completely upon God or even come before Him in prayer.

We are in good company. In Mark 9:14-29, we see that Jesus’ disciples (the ones He picked to follow Him first), still occasionally defaulted to primarily relying on their own ability (sound familiar?). In this passage, we read that they couldn’t cast out a demon from a possessed child…and the crowds and the boy’s father are not happy. The bible doesn’t describe that scene, but can you imagine the disciple’s frustration and repeated attempts? Not to be sacrilegious, but the image of trying to start a lawnmower repeatedly comes to mind…

Anyway, Jesus arrives, casts out the demon, and then we read:

²⁸…his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” ²⁹And he [Jesus] said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

Silence. Crickets in the background. Blank stares. Nervous clearing of throats. Peter, James, and John shaking their heads, glad they were with away Jesus during this whole event; then thinking, “man, I would have done the same thing!”

The note from my ESV Study Bible reads:

“Besides lacking understanding, the disciples lack[ed] the ability to fully carry out their commission from Jesus. Their failure [was] an occasion for encouragement to more prayer, implying that more time and effort in prayer (and therefore in closer fellowship with God) leads to growth in faith.

After Jesus counseled the disciples, I wonder if His exchange with the boy’s father resounded in their minds:

²³And Jesus said to him,” ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” ²⁴Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

While I (and probably you) would like an easy button in life, we know it’s not possible…nor is it practical if we truly are to grow as Christ followers.

Remember:

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12

…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.