WHAT DOES THE WORD "POSSIBLE" MEAN?

21 So He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." 23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" St. Mark 9:21-24 (NKJV)

Here is another beautiful Gospel account. It should be a story that is easily understood. However, often this passage is not interpreted correctly. For some reason when they hear Jesus say, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes," they either do not hear or do not understand the word, "possible."

Have you ever prayed and prayed for health of a loved one, as an example? It seems that the more you prayed, the worse their health became and eventually death. If so, maybe you turned to God in anger blaming God for going back on His Word? Along with health issues, this applies to anything that you might take to God in prayer. This can then lead to no longer going to church, no longer reading the Bible, no longer praying and Satan has won another victory.

If this is the case, it is probably because of the word "possible." The dictionary defines possible as 1.) being within the limits of ability, capability or realization, 2.) being what may be done or may occur according to nature, custom or manners, 3.) being something that may or may not occur. Please note, there is nothing in the word "possible" that says it will happen.

When we pray, no matter how strong we think we might believe, as we pray, always remember two statements from Jesus. In the Garden of Gethsemane after fervent prayer He said, "If it be Thy will, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Thy will be done." That does not mean that when God does not say Yes He is ignoring you. He has also said the He will never give us a burden too large for us to bear.

Pray fervently for whatever you place before God for ALL things are POSSIBLE to those who BELIEVE.

WE PRAY: Father in Heaven, please do not allow me to be discouraged or doubt you or my faith when I don’t receive the answer that I want. As I get up from my knees after prayer, send your Holy Spirit upon me that I might receive your protection, love and guidance as I walk in your ways. AMEN

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THIS DEVOTION

Prepare for the time that you may not receive the answers that you want when you pray. Do this by including in every prayer, your own words similar to these: "If it be possible, Lord, answer my prayer in the way that I would like to have you answer it; nevertheless, not my will but Thy will be done."