When Hope Runs Dry: Finding Faith in Desperate Times
Based on the October 20, 2024 message by Brandon Fredenburg.
Maybe you’ve heard the old saying, “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." Most of us have faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, chronic illnesses, or situations that just won't improve no matter how hard you try. In those moments, it's easy to feel like giving up. But what if I told you that even in your darkest hour, there's still a glimmer of hope?
In Mark chapter 9, we encounter a powerful story that speaks directly to those of us who have found ourselves in desperate situations. It's a story of a father, his demon-possessed son, and an encounter with Jesus that changed everything.
A Father's Desperation
Imagine being this father. For years, he had watched his son suffer from a spirit that made him mute, threw him to the ground, and even tried to destroy him. Can you feel the weight of his exhaustion and despair? He had come to Jesus' disciples for help, but they couldn't cast out the demon. In a last-ditch effort, he approaches Jesus himself.
"Teacher," he says, "I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able" (Mark 9:17-18).
You can hear the desperation in his voice. He's at his wit's end, his stamina gone, his hope reduced to mere fumes. How many of us have been there? How many of us have prayed and prayed, only to feel like our prayers are hitting a brick wall?
The Power of Imperfect Faith
Jesus' response is both challenging and encouraging. He says, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me" (Mark 9:19). It's a stark reminder that even as believers, our faith can waver in the face of prolonged trials.
But here's where it gets interesting. When Jesus tells the father that "all things are possible for one who believes" (Mark 9:23), the father's response is both honest and profound: "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24).
This, my friends, is the cry of imperfect faith. It's an admission that we believe, but our belief is mixed with doubt. And you know what? That's okay. Jesus doesn't reject this man's imperfect faith. Instead, He acts on it.
The Miracle of Restoration
What happens next is nothing short of miraculous. Jesus commands the spirit to leave the boy, and after a terrifying moment where the boy appears dead, Jesus takes him by the hand and lifts him up. The boy is healed, the father's faith is restored, and a powerful lesson is taught.
But the story doesn't end there. Later, when the disciples ask Jesus why they couldn't cast out the demon, He gives them a crucial insight: "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer" (Mark 9:29).
The Power of Prayer in Spiritual Battles
This brings us to a vital truth: prayer is not just a religious exercise; it's our lifeline in spiritual battles. It’s the realization that “sometimes, when we say we're speaking for God and acting for God, we may very well believe we are. But sometimes it's powerless because we don't first start on our knees."
How often do we charge ahead, thinking we're doing God's work, without first seeking His involvement through prayer? The disciples' failure reminds us that even with the best intentions, we can't rely on our own strength or past successes. We need to start with prayer.
Putting It Into Practice
So what does this mean for us today? How can we apply this powerful lesson to our lives? Here are some practical steps:
Embrace Honest Prayer: Don't be afraid to come to God with your doubts and fears. Like the father in the story, admit when your faith is weak and ask for help.
Start With Prayer: Before tackling any challenge or starting any task, take a moment to pray. Ask for God's guidance, strength, and involvement.
Persist in Faith: Remember, the father in this story had been dealing with his son's condition for years. Yet he still sought help. Don't give up, even when things seem hopeless.
Recognize the Spiritual Battle: Some challenges we face are spiritual in nature. Approach them with prayer and reliance on God's power.
Build Your Faith: Regularly engage with God's Word and surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and support you.
Remember, "If you find yourself in a place of desperation, if you find the words 'I believe, help my unbelief' on your tongue and in your heart," that's the perfect place to start. Hit your knees and pray. As was said in the sermon, "I can't guarantee what will come about from that, but what I can guarantee is that you're starting in the right place."
In your moments of desperation, when hope seems lost, remember this story. Remember that Jesus responds to even the smallest mustard seed of faith. And remember that prayer is where it all begins. "Lord, we believe; help our unbelief." Amen.