THE CHALLENGE BEFORE YOU REQUIRES A CERTAIN LEVEL OF CAPACITY—SO GET UP AND BUILD UP!
There was a remarkable eye-opening incident that occurred during Jesus’ ministry. It serves as a reminder that, although we are Christians, we do not all operate at the same level of spiritual strength and power at any given time.
Jesus clearly taught us about the importance of each person’s capacity and the need to develop our own. This is a personal responsibility.
The Lord has programmed us to do everything, but we must actively develop ourselves to achieve that potential. The strength required is generated through prayer and fasting, according to Jesus. Let’s look at Matthew 17:14-20:
“At the foot of the mountain, a large crowd was waiting for them. A man came and knelt before Jesus and said, ‘Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. So I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.’
Jesus said, ‘You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.’ Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment, the boy was well.
Afterward, the disciples asked Jesus privately, ‘Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?’
Jesus told them, ‘You don’t have enough faith. I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.’”
This man brought his sick son to Jesus’ disciples for healing, but they could not cure him. When he reported this to Jesus, He asked them to bring the boy to Him, and without hesitation, He cast out the demon tormenting the boy.
Later, the disciples inquired, “Why couldn’t we cast out the devil in the boy, even after we followed your usual approach?”
Jesus replied, “Because of your unbelief. For assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:20-21).
Jesus pointed out that a specific capacity was required to address this situation. This capacity is activated through prayer and fasting but must ultimately result in faith. In their case, doubt overshadowed their faith.
Friends, every action we undertake in our walk with God must be grounded in faith, or it will be fruitless. Faith destroys doubt. By studying God’s word and spending time in His presence, we can strengthen our faith and diminish doubt.
Since we require different levels of faith to confront various challenges as we walk with Christ, these capacities must be drawn from God’s word and should not be assumed. We must invest time in God’s word to build our faith if we wish to become the spiritual giants that God has intended us to be. A Christian who is too busy to feed on God’s word is too busy to become a champion or win life’s battles. It’s important to note that religious activities do not always translate to faith.
Just as wrestlers exercise to build their muscles—actively working to strengthen themselves—we too must build our spiritual strength as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
Whatever you are facing right now has the capacity to be overcome if you seek victory. Dive into God’s word and draw the strength necessary to build your faith.
Remember, “This kind does not go out except through prayer and fasting.” May the Holy Spirit grant you understanding.
You shall be victorious in all your endeavors in Jesus’ name.
This is your day.
—Apostle Godwin ROBINSON
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