14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 ‘What are you arguing with them about?’ he asked.
17 A man in the crowd answered, ‘Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.’
19 ‘You unbelieving generation,’ Jesus replied, ‘how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.’ 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, ‘How long has he been like this?’ ‘From childhood,’ he answered. 22 ‘It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.’ 23 ‘“If you can”?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’ 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. ‘You deaf and mute spirit,’ he said, ‘I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.’ 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, ‘He’s dead.’ 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ 29 He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer.’ (Mark 9 NIVUK)

I have referenced this story, I think, in every sermon in the Forgiveness Series, so far. And, as I have highlighted each time, I think this is a very instructive and helpful moment in Jesus’ ministry, and one which helps us to better articulate our struggle to live the way God calls, in response to what we have received through Jesus. So, for want of anything better to reflect on this month… here is the moment retold once more. Two things stand out.

First, as always, I am drawn to the father’s words, “I do believe… help me overcome my unbelief”. So often, when faced with difficulties in life, I have turned to God saying, “I do believe, but…” followed by some reason why, in that moment, I am doubting Him, His goodness, His sovereignty, His concern to do what is for my ultimate good. The problem with that approach is that I often focus on the very thing which is causing me to doubt! Perhaps a better approach is that of the father: declaring I do believe in God but, rather than focus on that which is causing me doubt, instead bring even that to God, asking for His help and strength to overcome.

Second (and this is the beauty of Scripture, usually finding something different standing out, even in familiar passages!) I notice the question of the disciples: “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”. Jesus answers, “this kind can come out only by prayer”. Which makes me wonder – what on earth were the disciples trying before Jesus arrived? I doubt this is because I am more righteous than they; and likely is because I already know this story well; but I cannot think of any approach to this situation other than prayer! Surely, prayer is the first thing one would try in such circumstances.

And yet… how often have I only come to prayer as a last resort when facing difficulties? How often have I tried to deal with a situation using my own wisdom and strength? How frequently is God and His help an after-thought, rather than my first call? Here is the challenge for us: prayer first might seem obvious in hind-sight; but can we reach a place where prayer becomes our first response to any crisis or challenge?

The irony being, to cultivate a habit of regularly “praying first”… we must first pray!

 

With every blessing,
Stuart
Email: slove@churchofscotland.org.uk
Tel.: 07916 176 873

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Blythswood Christmas Boxes Appeal

As we approach that time of year again we are excited to report that this year the shoe boxes, made and checked at Maxwell, are going to Serbia who are just one of the countries to whom we supply Christmas boxes.

It is the marginalised communities that desperately need help. Roma families who live in a single room dwelling often made of rubble and metal sheeting. Outlying villages and the elderly rely on help because there is little to no government assistance and jobs are scarce.

Recently we and a few of our faithful volunteers were blessed to enjoy a wonderful event at Harper Baptist Church celebrating Blythswood's 60th year anniversary.The evening was very uplifting and the praise band from Ayrshire was outdstanding.

Blythswood partners from Ukraine told stories which were both humbling and inspiring. They reinforced the great need for our boxes confirming the fact that people in times of displacement, hardship and poverty are amazed and grateful that someone cares.

Thanks again to everyone who has supported Blythswood this year and we look forward to welcoming you in November to check the boxes in the church garage.

Dates and times to follow.

Denise and Lesley