“ Jesus said unto him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.” — Mark 9:23

A certain man had a demoniac son, who was afflicted with a dumb spirit. The father, having seen the futility of the endeavors of the disciples to heal his child, had little or no faith in Christ, and therefore, when he was urged to bring his son to Him, he said to Jesus, “If You can 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.

“No, verily,” he seemed to say, “there should be no if’ about my power, nor concerning my willingness, the if’ lies somewhere else.” “If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.”

The man’s trust was strengthened, and he offered a humble prayer for an increase of faith.  Instantly Jesus spoke the word, and the devil was cast out, with an injunction never to return. There is a lesson here which we need to learn.

Like this man, we 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?

No!  According to Jesus “If” we believe, according to His will and timing, He not only can, He will. We misplaced our “if.” If you can confidently trust, even as all things are possible to Christ, so shall all things be possible to you. Faith stands in God’s power, and is robed in God’s majesty; it wears the royal clothing, and rides on the King’s horse, for it is the grace which the King delights to honor.

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 believes.  My soul, can you believe your Lord tonight?