09/23/2019
Have you ever questioned the ability of God, or Jesus Christ? Before you say “No”, with some amount of emphasis, think about it further. Was there ever a time when you said to God in prayer “If you can do this”, or perhaps said to a friend “if God sees fit to do this for me, then...”? Well, as we speak and pray there are many applications of the word “if” made in our prayers and conversations regarding God, but we should be very careful because that word reveals our doubt.
“...But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."”
Mark 9:22 ESV
In this verse a man has brought his demon possessed son to Jesus hoping that he will heal him. The disciples have already tried, and failed, so he says this to Jesus. He is uncertain, or doubts, that Jesus can do this. How many of our requests of Christ, or God, are wrapped in our own doubt?
“If”, it is such a small word, and yet carries with it such huge implications. Rudyard Kipling once wrote a poem titled “If” in which a man is telling another how to become a man, and he did so in a string of statements which all began with the word if. Look at this example of what Kipling says it takes to be a man...
“If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:” - Rudyard Kipling
The word “If” tells us there is doubt, and it does so in such unassuming fashion. It takes a statement, or a desire and casts doubt on its outcome, or one’s ability to accomplish it. Most of the “if” statements in Kipling’s poem deal with things that have little to do with faith, but I chose this particular verse because it comes closest to revealing a few things we consider to be core characteristics of our faith such as waiting on God, Loving our neighbor, forgiving, and being or remaining humble. Yet by using the word “if” Kipling casts doubt on our ability to accomplish these things. Indeed we exhibit a great deal of self-doubt, but when Christ is involved there should be absolute assurance.
In our Bible story, Jesus reverses the use of “if”, and properly redirects the doubt from Himself to the man. Listen to what He says to this father...
“And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes."”
Mark 9:23 ESV
Jesus removes the doubt from His own ability, and places it firmly on the man’s faith, and isn’t that appropriate? The truth is that if our faith allows us to see God’s will, and pray, or ask, within it, then He will always provide.
“If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”
John 14:14 ESV
Answers to prayer should never be questioned on the basis of God’s ability to provide, but on our own faith which allows us to determine His will.
A child asks its mother for a piece of candy just as she is placing a wholesome dinner on the table, and she says “no” to that request... she didn’t say no because she couldn’t provide the candy, but because it was inappropriate at that time, and healthier food was being provided. This is what good, and loving, mothers do for their children, and it is also what God does for us. It isn’t a matter of “if”, but rather of will.
Jesus used the word “if” in prayer, but listen to how He did so, and ask yourself if this is really how you are using it...
“saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."”
Luke 22:42 ESV
So there are two “if”s in regards to our interaction with God; there is the first “if” that questions God’s ability and reveals our doubt in Him, and then there is the “if” that is directed at our own faith, and our ability to understand God, and His will for us. As we have our conversations with Jesus and God, do we use “if” in an appropriate manner, or are we uncovering something about our faithfulness that perhaps even we have been unaware of... doubt.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for revealing your will to us, and for allowing us to know you so intimately through Jesus that we are able to understand it. Help us Holy Father to pray in your will, as we should, and not question your ability and motive in answering our prayers. Teach us Lord to speak to you without a tone of doubt in our voices, or a hint of faithlessness. Remove our inappropriate use of “if” from the conversations we have with you, and refocus our attention on the faith we have that might need attention. If we are lacking then strengthen us, and if we question you then show us the error of our ways, and open our eyes to your will. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is forever true, loving, and faithful. Great are you who knows our hearts, and can see even a mustard seed of doubt. We praise you Father for your perfect will, and how it pertains to us in absolute goodness. All glory is yours Father, because your mercy and grace never falter. Lead us by your Holy Spirit to ask ourselves if we are able, and to trust completely in you as we search out your will... never asking if you are capable, but only if you are willing.
Rich Forbes