Some Things Only Change with Prayer and Fasting
Matthew 17:20-21 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
I recall acting unruly in church while sitting near my mother as a child. It usually only took one stern look, and I usually changed my behavior for the better. Or perhaps you can imagine the supervisor who walks into the office meeting that was spiraling out of control, and miraculously the “climate” of the room changes. Sometimes the mere presence of authority can shift things. However, some instances require MORE.
Sometimes, the old way doesn’t work anymore.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Often, I can go throughout my day and exhibit a level of control related to my relationships, my job, finances, ministries, etc. It seems like things are going right, and I have a handle on my day, and all of a sudden, a monkey wrench is thrown into the mix. Why can’t I handle this situation, why can’t I cast this “demon” out, why don't my usual methods work? Have you ever asked yourself these questions when challenges arise?
Well, I have great news! Your usual methods aren’t working because SOME things only change with prayer and fasting! Much like the disciples in Mark chapter 9, I find myself baffled by my inability to do what I usually can do. But then God reminded me through the text that some things can’t be changed through the ordinary, business as usual approach.
The disciples believed in the power of God to heal because they tried to help the boy become healed. Unbelief is more than not believing; unbelief lacks sufficient spiritual ability to get something done. Jesus expected that they should have been able to bring God's healing to the boy. He explained how faith works by saying: "If you have faith as a mustard seed." He did not talk about faith, the SIZE of a mustard seed; He spoke about faith AS a mustard seed.
Faith in God is something that must grow and develop like a muscle. Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 1:3, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of all of you all abounds toward each other.” Muscles grow and develop from exercise and good nutrition. Your faith in God grows similarly.
A mustard seed starts small but grows to become a tree. When Jesus said, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting,” He did not refer to “this kind” of demon or illness. He referred to “this kind” of faith which is a GROWING faith that comes from a GROWING relationship with God!
The disciples’ inability to help the boy was an issue of their need to grow and develop. This is where prayer and fasting help us. Prayer connects us to God, which causes growth. Fasting disconnects us from the world, which is the source of stunted spiritual growth. Anything that helps you become more aware of God’s power and grace increases your spiritual abilities, not to mention other aspects of life.
Thanks to everyone who continues to pray for the ministry here. And for those of you who support us financially—thank you again. What we are attempting here doesn’t happen often and it never happens apart from God and people just like you.