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Previously, the disciples had power over evil spirits, but this time, they came up powerless! Like a microwave without electricity: nothing, nada, zippo.
 "The episode exhibits the disaster which occurs when men from whom the power of faith may be expected are proven to be void of power when it is needed," says William Lane. Haunting words for any who are spiritual leaders, no?
The disciples ask Jesus, "Why?" Why would their previous success not assure them a present victory? What was different?
Jesus replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer." Mk 9:29
Here Jesus tells the disciples - and us - that not every spiritual challenge carries the same degree of difficulty. When Jesus says, "This kind," He's reminding us there are different kinds of issues we face, there are different kinds of spiritual battles we encounter! We need to be alert to their degree of difficulty - and be prepared!
The wording of the verse: "This kind can come out only by..." makes me think of trying to get a spot to come out of a shirt. Sometimes a handy, dandy Tide-pen can get out the spot quickly and easily. Other times the spot requires a run through the washing machine. But on some occasions, we resort to soaking that spot in Oxi-Clean! You see, there are different kinds of spots, stains... and challenges!
A more concentrated approach may be necessary in some of our spiritual challenges. For example, when evil has had the upper hand for an extended length of time, or when we want to break new spiritual ground and see significant Kingdom advancement!
How do we tap into spiritual power when it is really needed? Jesus tells us we need to exercise sincere faith (see this account in Matthew 17:14-21) and to pray. We need to have a radical reliance on God's ability - not our own.
Very practically speaking, often times the things on our To Do List need to spend a bit more time soaking on our Prayer List.
"This kind can come out only by prayer."
This month we have two focused days of prayer: the National Day of Prayer, TODAY, May 5, and our CPW Day of Prayer and Fasting, May 10. Let's be quick to take our spiritual challenges to Jesus - not only on prayer days, but every day - applying faith, prayer, and even exercising the discipline of fasting when appropriate!
Trusting Jesus, David David Yetter Executive Minister | 
January 8-10