How can we strengthen our faith when witnessing others' struggles, as in Luke 9:39? The Father’s Cry in Luke 9:39 “ ‘A spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him, and is destroying him.’ ” Why Another’s Pain Can Shake Us • We feel helpless when we cannot fix what we see (Luke 9:40). • The enemy uses visible suffering to whisper doubt about God’s care (Genesis 3:1). • Our focus drifts from Christ’s power to the problem’s size (Numbers 13:31-33). Foundation #1: Remember Christ’s Complete Authority • Moments later, “Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.” (Luke 9:42) • Colossians 2:15—He “disarmed the rulers and authorities.” • Faith strengthens when we rehearse that no affliction outranks the Savior. Foundation #2: Stand on the Word, Not on Sight • Romans 10:17—“So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • 2 Corinthians 5:7—“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” • Regular, systematic reading keeps truth louder than circumstances. Practice #1: Cry Out Honestly • The boy’s father in the parallel account pleads, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). • God invites candid prayer; honesty positions the heart for strengthening (Psalm 62:8). Practice #2: Recall God’s Track Record • Psalm 77:11-14—Asaph shifts from despair to faith by recounting past wonders. • Personal journal entries of answered prayer become modern “stones of remembrance” (Joshua 4:6-7). Practice #3: Act in Compassionate Obedience • James 2:15-17—Faith matures when love moves into action. • Serving—bringing a meal, sitting in hospital silence—keeps us near the Lord who serves (John 13:14-15). Practice #4: Pursue Faith-Building Fellowship • Hebrews 10:24-25—Believers “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” • Testimonies in small group or worship services remind us that God is presently active. Practice #5: Fix Eyes on Jesus, Not the Storm • Hebrews 12:2—“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” • Peter walked on water while looking at Christ; he sank when he saw the wind (Matthew 14:29-31). Practice #6: Speak the Promises Out Loud • Isaiah 41:10—“Do not fear, for I am with you.” • Vocalizing Scripture counters the internal narrative of doubt (Matthew 4:4). Observed Outcomes When We Persevere • Growing confidence in God’s character even before the visible answer (Habakkuk 3:17-18). • Deeper compassion for those who struggle (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). • A testimony that encourages future witnesses of suffering (Revelation 12:11). Encouraging Promise to Carry Forward “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) |
    |