Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ²⁸  When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we not drive it out?”

 ²⁹  And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.”  Mark 9:23, 24, 28, and 29. 

I want to write about three things in these verses.  First, Jesus encourages us to seek help from God for even such difficult problems that they require miracles to resolve.  “All things are possible to him who believes.”  Second, Jesus encourages us to not give up just because we do not have enough faith, but rather to seek help even for our unbelief.   “I do believe; help my unbelief.”  Third, Jesus encourages us to pray particularly for such difficult problems.   “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” 

Regarding the first point, Galatians 3:5 states:  “So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?”  Although this verse is in the form of a question and focuses on our need to hear with faith, it still reminds us that the Spirit works miracles among us.  “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?  “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?  “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”  Matthew 7:7-11. 

Regarding the second point, Hebrews 12:2 teaches us that Jesus is “the author and perfecter of faith“.  Jesus does not just “author” or give us the initial faith;  Jesus also “perfects” or gives us that additional faith that we need.  ^“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6. 

Regarding the third point, James 5:14-16 states:  “Is anyone among you sick?  Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;  and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.  Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.  The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”