I have discovered in my years of Christian experience, that when it comes to God, there are no dead ends.

In times past, I  found myself in situations where it seemed like there was no way out. I would evaluate all kinds of solution plans but each would lead to dead ends. I would despair and wonder whether to seek alternate routes or give up altogether. One day however, I was confronted with a scripture verse that changed my attitude to the tough situations in life.
One day, Jesus' disciples met with what seemed like a dead end. Before this time, they had been empowered by Jesus to cast out demons and heal the sick. Oh, how it excited them, seeing the demons flee! "When the seventy-two followers returned, they were excited and said, "Lord, even the demons obeyed when we spoke in your name!" (Luke 10:17) Their confidence and faith were boosted by the things happening and I am sure they believed that there was nothing they could not do at the name of Jesus.

On a particular day however, something happened which burst their bubble. A man brought his son who had been tormented by demons. This man had heard of the exploits of the disciples and came with so much hope that this problem will be solved once and for all. I can just imagine Bro Thomas coming forward, standing tall and declaring in a loud confident voice, 'You foul spirit, come out of this boy, in Jesus Name!'. Nothing happened. Rather, the demon became more violent, almost choking the poor boy to death, probably being held down by three or four men.

John probably thinks he needs to raise his voice more but still nothing happens. I can then imagine the disciples taking turns. John probably didn't pronounce the right words, or didn't raise his voice enough, something wasn't just right but none of them could understand it. This was indeed a dead end! The situation degenerates into an argument. You can trust the scribes never to miss such an opportunity to score a point against Jesus.

Then Jesus comes into the scene.  The first thing he does is to address the scribes, 'Why are you arguing with them?' (Mark 9:16) Notice that the scribes did not answer, rather the man who brought his son answered, explaining his predicament and the disciples' inability to solve the problem. Jesus' response is, 'O unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you?' (Mark 9:19)

Notice that if the man had any faith before, it had slipped to an all time low before Jesus came. Hear his desperate cry, '…but if You are able to do anything, help us, having pity on us'. Discouragement and hopelessness had set in. He didn't know what to believe anymore. His hopes had been dashed and all he saw was a dead end. Jesus at this point declared the words that changed not only this man's attitude but mine as well. 'And Jesus said to him, If you are able to believe, all things are possible to the ones believing' ( Mark 9:23) Another version says "And Jesus said, [You say to Me], If You can do anything? [Why,] all things can be (are possible) to him who believes!" (Amplified)

Jesus is saying the same thing to you and I today. It does not matter how long you have been looking for that job or waited for marriage. It does not matter how long you've waited for that promotion while your other colleagues are being promoted. It does not matter whether the doctor has told you that you can not have children. Listen to what Jesus says, "If you can believe, all things are possible to you!"

This is a statement that I have held on to for years and it has worked for me. What the disciples didn't understand and what many of us do not understand today, is that patience is a product of faith. What you desire may not come tomorrow, next week, next month or even next year but as long as you believe that it is possible, then it must be possible as long as you believe! Why do we believe? Because the one who is able to do all things says if we believe, all things are possible. If you forget everything, please do not forget this!

If we find out that we have been despairing and almost at the point of giving up, let us learn from the prayer of the desperate father, 'Lord, I believe! [Constantly] help my weakness of faith!' (Mark 9:24, Amplified).

 

Steve Popoola is the editor of Biblepraise Newsletter and the webmaster of Biblepraise Fellowship Online at http://www.biblepraise.org. He currently resides in London where he works as an IT professional. He serves in the ministerial team of his local church as well as in the music ministry. He is the Moderator/Editor of Biblepraise Newsletter. He can be reached through His email address, steve@biblepraise.org