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The Power of 'Possibility Praying'
Bayless Conley
Answers with Bayless Conley
The scene was set. The distraught father had brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples, hoping that they would be able to heal him. But the disciples were not able to do so.
Just then, Jesus arrived on the scene with Peter, James and John. The father approached Jesus and said, “I brought him, and they couldn’t help him. If You can do anything…”
The father, having already been disappointed, doubted Jesus’ ability to heal his son.
Jesus responded by saying, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Jesus shifts the responsibility right back to the father, letting him know that he had a part to play in the healing of his son. His part was to believe.
What most Christians fail to realize is that there are two sides to the coin of “all things are possible with God” (Matt. 19:26). One side of the coin says, “All things are possible with God.” But when you turn the coin over it says, “All things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23).
All things are possible with God. All things are possible to the one who believes. God wants us to understand that we have a part to play.
You are probably familiar with the verse in Ephesians 3:20 which tells us that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we can ask or think. But the rest of the verse says, “…according to the power at work in us.” In other words, God has a part to play, and we have a part to play.
This truth is reinforced in 1 Corinthians 3:9 where the apostle Paul tells us that we’re fellow workers together with God.
If you and I want to see things change in our lives and circumstances… and in the lives and circumstances of those around us…we must do our part by believing and praying. Don’t just think that God is going to sovereignly intervene.
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elderdxc
5/29/2007 9:53 PM
This is one of those articles that sounds good, until you start trying it in real time. After all, There are a lot of people who are believing and praying right now in Lebanon, Iraq, and other places where Christians are the minoroty in a Muslim country. In the meantime, we in the U.S. are oblivious to the needs of our brethren in these troubled countries, and only view that country from the impact that it has upon OUR interests, our oil, our peace of mind, etc.
I think that after we have believed God, and after we have prayed, there is often a need for us to, as the hands, feet, etc, ACT. This we are loath to do, especially if it involves challenging our political idols.
I think that after we have believed God, and after we have prayed, there is often a need for us to, as the hands, feet, etc, ACT. This we are loath to do, especially if it involves challenging our political idols.
satovey
5/29/2007 3:09 PM
What most Christians fail to realize is that there are two sides to the coin of “all things are possible with God” (Matt. 19:26). One side of the coin says, “All things are possible with God.” But when you turn the coin over it says, “All things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23).
Most Christians also fail to realize that faith produces action James 2:20 and 2:26 - Without works, faith is dead.
I have come across so many that are praying for revival but then choose to keep going along with the current status quo as opposed to realizing that the curent status quo has not and will not produce revival.
While I am attempting to bring Christians together at yevotas.com for the specific purpose of realizing Christ's desire that we be one even as He and the Father are one, John 17:22, I have yet to find Christians that will financially support the work of revival that I am called to do.
This shows me a lack of faith, not one of faith.
Scott
Most Christians also fail to realize that faith produces action James 2:20 and 2:26 - Without works, faith is dead.
I have come across so many that are praying for revival but then choose to keep going along with the current status quo as opposed to realizing that the curent status quo has not and will not produce revival.
While I am attempting to bring Christians together at yevotas.com for the specific purpose of realizing Christ's desire that we be one even as He and the Father are one, John 17:22, I have yet to find Christians that will financially support the work of revival that I am called to do.
This shows me a lack of faith, not one of faith.
Scott
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As far as actions are concerned, if you don't think prayer is hard work, try it. Bolstered and instigated by God, to be sure, but nevertheless prayer is an action. While the process of prayer takes place, and the battle is won in heavenly places (spiritual battle against great forces) we are spoken to and moved by God to do His will in an attitude of obedience. If we are obedient enough to pray, then of course we will be obedient enough to act, and more so the more we pray. Elijah is a great example.