Where is your “if”?

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe.”

Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.

This is an awesome devotional that each one must question within ourselves.

[A certain man had a demoniac son, who was afflicted with a dumb spirit. The father, having seen the futility of the endeavours of the disciples to heal his child, had little or no faith in Christ, and therefore, when he was bidden to bring his son to him, he said to Jesus, “If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” Now there was an “if” in the question, but the poor trembling father had put the “if” in the wrong place: Jesus Christ, therefore, without commanding him to retract the “if,” kindly puts it in its legitimate position. “Nay, verily,” he seemed to say, “there should be no “if” about my power, nor concerning my willingness, the “if” lies somewhere else.” “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” The man’s trust was strengthened, he offered a humble prayer for an increase of faith, and instantly Jesus spoke the word, and the devil was cast out, with an injunction never to return.]

In this next paragraph Charles Spurgeon teaches us a lesson even in today’s times.

[There is a lesson here which we need to learn. We, like this man, often see that there is an “if” somewhere, but we are perpetually blundering by putting it in the wrong place. “If” Jesus can help me-”if” he can give me grace to overcome temptation-”if” he can give me pardon-”if” he can make me successful? Nay, “if” you can believe, he both can and will. You have misplaced your “if.” If you can confidently trust, even as all things are possible to Christ, so shall all things be possible to you. Faith standeth in God’s power, and is robed in God’s majesty; it weareth the royal apparel, and rideth on the King’s horse, for it is the grace which the King delighteth to honour. Girding itself with the glorious might of the all-working Spirit, it becomes, in the omnipotence of God, mighty to do, to dare, and to suffer. All things, without limit, are possible to him that believeth. My soul, canst thou believe thy Lord to-night?]

This was truly a great devotional like most of Charles Spurgeon’s devotionals. Earlier in the year I was privileged to be in a discussion group that learned about the power of prayer. We must believe in the Bible verse Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on Him; and with His stripes we ourselves are healed. Where is your “if” today? Are you praying to God, “If You can heal me of this disease?” “If You can get me financially strong?” “If You can free me from this addition?” “If You can save my marriage?”

Mark 11:23 For truly I say to you that whoever shall say to this mountain, Be moved and be cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he said shall occur, he shall have whatever he said.

From God’s heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott