January 26

Matthew 17:10-27

Do you feel weak or powerful? Do you feel like you are able to accomplish your tasks today, or do you feel completely incompetent?The disciples had been ministering alongside Jesus and had seen great success, but suddenly, they were tasked with something they could not grasp how to accomplish. A man brought his demon possessed son to them, but they were unable to cast out the demon. The desperate father then took his son to Jesus that he might be healed. Jesus, of course, was able to cast out the demon, but the disciples struggled with why they could not. Why did they fail?

Jesus pointed out that their failure was because they relied on themselves instead of him. They trusted in their own competency instead of having faith in God’s ability. Jesus wanted them to understand when they relied on themselves, they would never succeed in the context of eternity, but when they had faith in God, they had access to power. Faith, even as small as a mustard seed, is the source of true power. So let us humble ourselves and trust in God because he is the one who makes us able.

Father God, help me to walk by faith and reliance on you instead of trusting in my own abilities. Amen. 

How can you learn to better rely on God instead of yourself?