Surrendered Faith

One story that has been heavy on my heart recently is the story of the Father of a son who was possessed by an impure spirit. If you are new to this story I would share it with you… 

Mark 9:14-29. “When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 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.” “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.” 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. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if it is at all possible, take pity on us and help us.” “‘At all possible?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

108 days. That’s how long this summer has been for me. After I turned in my last exam, like any normal college student, I was ready for a break. Finally, I can kick my feet up and relax! Oh boy, I was so desperately wrong. This summer has been very transformative. I’ve felt as if I would only get my hopes up to see them crash time and time again - very similar to this man. 

I tell you this preview of my summer to relate to whoever is sitting in a season of life where all they see is their hopes being crushed. Just like this man, I bet it’s safe to say this isn’t his first time risking it all for the spiritual well-being of his son. However, unlike the past few times of this man risking it all, it worked! His son is healed, He’s saved, all is well! But I want to pose the question of what if this man’s story didn’t end with a happy ending, but rather ended like Jesus’s story? Where in Jesus’s crisis He prayed in Luke 22:42 “Father, if it is at all possible, take this cup away from me.” Notice that, “if it is at all possible” -  the same word as in the Man’s story. Then notice in Jesus’s story, a couple of hours later after that prayer heaven was quiet. “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:34. 

I don’t know about you, but I know I have prayed that same prayer during my walk with Jesus - especially this summer. I know there have been times when the only faith I had was that prayer; however, despite the pain and rawness of that prayer, that kind of faith is beautiful. It’s beautiful because it turns into surrender. It’s Job at the end of his story “My eyes have seen the Lord, and I repent to dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6. It’s Jesus “Not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42. It’s Paul “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21.

This kind of faith is amazing. It’s the faith in which we give up our attachments. As I have learned the hard way, our attachments reveal our anxieties. This kind of faith separates our attachments from the desires of God. This is the kind of faith where we surrender fully to God’s guidance and peace. What seems so painful in these seasons of faith is our detachment from our earthly desires. 

My prayer for this blog and this week is that whoever happens to read this while in a tough season of faith is that you can find the ability to surrender to God. Put your full faith in God and His guidance. 

-n0tbycayden