What practical steps can we take to seek Jesus' help in spiritual crises? Setting the Scene: A Desperate Father, A Greater Savior “ ‘A spirit seizes him… it is destroying him.’ ” (Luke 9:39) The boy’s crisis was dramatic, but every spiritual battle shares the same need: direct intervention from Jesus. Step 1: Identify the Real Battle • Recognize that unseen forces are involved (Ephesians 6:12). • Reject purely human fixes; accept that we need supernatural help. Step 2: Bring the Crisis Directly to Jesus • The father ran to Christ, not to secondary solutions (Luke 9:38). • We do the same through deliberate, focused prayer: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble” (Psalm 50:15). Step 3: Speak Honestly About the Struggle • The father described the problem in detail (Luke 9:39). • Pour out the specifics before the Lord (Psalm 62:8). Hiding nothing invites His full response. Step 4: Trust His Authority Over All Powers • Jesus “rebuked the unclean spirit” (Luke 9:42). • Rest in Colossians 2:15—He has “disarmed the rulers and authorities.” • Declare His supremacy aloud; it realigns the heart and resists the enemy (James 4:7). Step 5: Persevere in Faith, Even When Answers Delay • The disciples’ earlier failure (Luke 9:40) could have bred despair. The father persisted. • Keep seeking (Luke 18:1), anchoring on Hebrews 10:23—“He who promised is faithful.” Step 6: Submit to His Word as Final Authority • Jesus’ command silenced the spirit; Scripture carries identical authority today. • Daily read, recite, and obey passages like John 8:31-32; letting truth drive out lies. Step 7: Embrace Worship and Gratitude After Deliverance • “They were all astonished at the greatness of God” (Luke 9:43). • Celebrate His work (Psalm 34:3); thanksgiving seals the victory and strengthens faith for future battles. Living It Out Today • Start each morning by surrendering the day to Christ’s rule. • Keep a running list of specific crises and answered prayers. • Memorize key verses on Christ’s authority (Matthew 28:18, 1 John 4:4). • Surround yourself with believers who will intercede (Galatians 6:2). • Continually replace fear with praise, reminding your soul of His past faithfulness (Psalm 77:11-12). Jesus still commands the storm, the spirit, and the circumstance. Following these steps positions us to experience His rescuing power whenever a spiritual crisis strikes. |
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