Day 14

Why could We Not?

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith.” (Matthew 17:19-20)

The disciples had often cast out devils, but here they had been impotent. They asked the Lord what the reason might be. His answer was very simple: “Because you have so little faith.” We have here the reply to the great question so often asked: “How is it that we cannot live the life of unbroken fellowship with Christ, which the Scripture promises?” Simply because of our unbelief. We do not realize that faith must accept and expect that God will, by His almighty power, fulfill every promise He has made. We do not live in that utter helplessness and dependence on God alone which is the very essence of faith. We are not strong in the faith, fully persuaded that what God has promised He is able and willing to perform. We do not give ourselves with our whole heart simply to believe that God, by His mighty power, will work wonders in our hearts. But what can be the reason that this faith is so often lacking? According to Mark, Jesus said that there is not enough prayer and fasting. To have a strong faith in God requires that we keep in close touch with Him by persistent prayer. We cannot call up faith at our bidding; it needs close communication with God. To gain the prize of the heavenly life here on earth requires that we sacrifice all that earth can offer. Just as God is needed to satisfy the human heart and work His mighty miracles in it, faith requires the whole man to be utterly given up to God. And to have the power of that faith which can cast out every evil spirit, prayer and fasting are essential.

Lord, I am totally dependent on You. I believe with all my heart that You will work wonders in my heart and cast out every evil spirit.

What is God saying to you right now? Jot down those thoughts and pray them back to Him.

This devotion was taken from: Daily in His Presence; December 16; by Andrew Murray with Bruce Wilkinson