October 13

Mark 9:14-29; Matthew 17:14-21; Luke 9:37-43; Mark 9:30-32; Matthew 17:22-23; Luke 9:43-45; Matthew 17:24-27; Mark 9:33-37; Matthew 18:1-6; Luke 9:46-48; Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49-50; Mark 9:42-50; Matthew 18:7-35

How do you respond to failure? Do you find yourself grumbling, groveling in a sense of worthlessness, or trying to ignore it? The disciples experienced failure in their inability to cast out a demon. They saw Jesus exorcise the demon and then wondered why they were unable. Jesus responded that their failure was because they did not pray. In part, prayer is an acknowledgment we need God’s help. It is an admission we cannot do things on our own.

The disciples seemed to reach a point where they were trusting in their past successes rather than in Christ. They thought they were capable on their own to cast out a demon rather than acknowledging it was God’s power that brought success. In the end, this led to failure. In the same way, we may rely on ourselves, past experience, or our own understanding rather than God, and in the end, this will also lead us to failure. Let us always stay humble, rely on God, and trust him for the results.

Father God, help me to trust and rely on you. Help me to never think I can do anything of eternal significance on my own without you. I need you. Amen. 

How can you learn to trust more in God than in your own abilities?

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