Willow Park Church

Day 16: Help My Unbelief

Today we read of a confession of faith and a cry for help in Mark chapter 9. We read of a father, desperate and at his wit's end. While Jesus was on the Mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James and John, the man brought his son to the disciples for deliverance and healing, and the disciples could not help. You can imagine the chaos: frustrated disciples, now arguing, a distraught father, a suffering child and the teachers of the law ridiculing—a battle of kingdoms. The words used by Mark to describe the boy's struggle are descriptive and expressive: foaming, gnashing and destroying. They describe a darkness that is opposed to the image of God in the boy - and the father knows where to find the true Imago Dei.

Jesus observes the commotion, gets irritated and rebukes those around, “How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” (vs 19) Jesus and the boy's father talk about how long this has been going on, and the father asks, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” To which Jesus responds, “If you can? Everything is possible for one who believes.” The father responds with a confession of faith and a cry for help. “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

What is it in our lives that we do not believe God can do anything about? What do we think God will not solve? What do we believe God cannot handle? Where in our hearts have we said to the Lord, “if you can?”

We know the outcome, Jesus takes authority over the demon oppressing the child, and the child is set free and healed. This story is one we can identify with, the desperation, the questions and the cry for help. The Lord wants your honesty, your questions and your uncertainty. He can handle all of it, and he'd much rather you question Him than ignore Him.

When the chaos settles, and Jesus and the disciples are home, they are still reeling from the day's events and ask, “Why couldn't we drive it out?' Jesus replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.” I have found that there are times in life when the Lord has encouraged a time of fasting, specifically when deliverance, breakthrough or healing is needed. I think of my own family situation where Phil and I committed to prayer and fasting every week for my brother who desperately needed a miracle. Two years later, we saw God answer, in His timing and His way.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when my trust in You has been overshadowed by doubt and my spiritual walk has strayed. Strengthen me, Lord. I do believe, help my unbelief. Help my unbelief about reconciliation. Help my unbelief when I struggle to forgive. Help my unbelief about healing. Help my unbelief about your direction. In your name, amen.

Reflect and Respond

Meditate

“And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.” (1 John 5:14-15)

Day 15: Reach Out

Jairus was a ruler in the synagogue of Capernaum and a well-known religious leader who came to Jesus, pleading with Him to come and lay His hands on his only daughter, who was near death. His desperation forced him to Jesus' feet in front of everyone. Luke 8:42 describes the scene, the crowds pressing in, and some describe a crushing. In the middle of this scene, we meet another precious one who had been bleeding for 12 years. She knew to touch the edge or fringe of his garment; she did and was immediately healed. Jesus knew that someone had touched him and He responded with acceptance and grace. He called her daughter. He accepted her. He offered her peace and healed her.

The word translated "fringe" is a Greek word meaning a "tassel of twisted wool." In Numbers, the Israelites sewed these tassels onto the four corners of their garments, representing God's commandments. The word translated "corner", also "wings", and the prayer shawl was often referred to as "wings of a garment."

In his prophecy about the coming Messiah (Jesus), Malachi wrote, “Surely the day is coming .… But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” (Malachi 4:1-2) Based on this prophecy, a belief developed among first century Jews that the corner tassels of the Messiah's garment would have healing powers.

During this healing, Jairus' daughter died. Jesus overheard this news and offered Jairus these commands and a promise, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."

They continued to Jairus' house and arrived at the home of mourning which quickly became mocking when Jesus told them that the little girl was just asleep.

We all know the rest of the story, “Talitha Koum; little girl, arise.” She did. Jesus also told her parents to give her something to eat… very important when you have been brought to life! He also told them not to tell anyone. I'm curious to know how easy that would have been.

Here we read of two beloved daughters.

One suffering as long as the other had been alive.

A ceremonially unclean woman and a synagogue ruler's daughter.

Both needed Jesus healing, and we see a miracle within a miracle as an act of touch restores both daughters to new life.

Lord, thank you that you are the God of miracles. Help us to reach for You for our healing. Thank you that when we are frustrated or desperate, You are not and that you answer in your perfect way. Teach us to look out for those around us who need your touch of healing, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Amen.

Reflect and Respond

Day 14: But How?

Today we visit Zechariah and Elizabeth, a faithful couple, both “well advanced” in years. A custom took place every six months that priests were chosen by “lot” to burn incense in the temple. Because of the 24,000 priests, the odds were against them, until this moment recorded in Luke 1:15 where Zechariah would’ve picked a God-given straw for this moment in history. I love how God is in the fine details of our story as we surrender to Him.

“And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.”

The angel assures Zechariah that his prayer has been heard, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” Zechariah, besides being startled and full of fear, also responds in unbelief, asking, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

Zechariah questioned, “but how?!” his thoughts immediately went to his natural circumstances, resulting in him being made mute by the angel, until the birth of his son, John.

This had obviously been a persistent prayer for them both for many years, particularly with the cultural shame that barrenness would bring. It is easy to imagine that when Zechariah was in the temple and the angel appeared, that he was praying for a child, but his response indicates that it might not have been on his current prayer list. I wonder if and when they stopped praying and decided it was too late?

It has been noted that as Zechariah stood in the temple, he was far more likely to have been praying for his nation and God’s favour on his people.

The point is, whatever Zechariah was praying for that day in the temple, God had taken the decades of prayers that he and Elizabeth had prayed, and their prayers as incense rose and touched heaven.

Be encouraged today that no prayers are wasted. Be encouraged. The Lord has heard your prayers, the Lord has seen your tears, the Lord has heard your questions of “‘how long?”

He is faithful.

Lord, thank you that your word says that You are good to those whose hope is in You, to the one who seeks You; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Teach us to wait quietly, trust, and surrender to your will. Amen.

Reflect and Respond

Day 13: Morning, Noon and Evening

Today, we will think about Daniel, a man of God, person of prayer, prophet, dream interpreter and king's advisor in his spare time. Because of the Lord's favour upon him, King Darius put Daniel in charge of the kingdom. Such favour attracted jealousy, resulting in others conspiring to throw him to the lions. We know that Daniel was uncompromising in that He refused to renounce prayer to Yahweh in Babylonian culture. He would not order his prayer life according to the foreign land's culture, customs and expectations. He also boldly went to the king to interpret dreams that others couldn't and saved the lives of his friends.

In response to the news that Jerusalem must lie desolate for 70 years, Daniel 9 records his prayer of intercession, one of his most well-known prayers. Verse 3 says, "So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with Him in prayer and petition…" In verses 5-14, Daniel acknowledges that God's punishment is deserved, and in verses 15-16, Daniel repents and asks for forgiveness. Verse 23 describes a messenger from God saying how precious Daniel is, that he is highly esteemed and heard.

Where was Daniel's faith, boldness, and uncompromising focus found? How can we become a people who fast, believe and walk in boldness these days?

I believe the answer is found in Daniel 6:10, “Three times a day, he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” He most likely prayed morning, noon and evening because that's exactly what King David did (Psalms 55:16-17). We also read of Peter praying three times per day; these times were even referred to as the "hours of prayer" in the New Testament (Acts 2:15, Acts 3:1 and Acts 10:9).

In Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, Tyler Staton writes: “Have you ever wondered how the apostles were able to gather their scattered congregations for emergency prayer meetings in a huge city in a world before cell phones? The most likely explanation is that they were already gathering for prayer at set points throughout the day.”

Daniel was a man of prayer with a disciplined prayer rhythm. This is not a prescriptive model of prayer but rather a description of what happens when we live in a place of a disciplined prayer rhythm.

God worked in Darius’ life, and he acknowledged the miraculous power of God. In verse 26, Darius wrote, “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” The word fear that King Darius used means more than being afraid; it means that everyone should be "amazed, surprised, astonished, filled with wonder, filled with reverence, full of worship" for God.

Lord, thank you for offering us many models of prayer throughout scripture, and that Daniel shows us the rhythm of prayer that ultimately brought a decree to everyone throughout the kingdom. Lord, I pray that we would live amazed, surprised, astonished, and filled with wonder, reverence, and worship for you. Amen.

Reflect and Respond

Meditate

“God said to him, ‘Do not fear, Daniel, for, from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words [prayers] were heard.’” (Daniel 10:12)

Day 12: Wise Words

Today, we will think about Solomon and his prayer recorded in 2 Chronicles 1:10, “Give me the wisdom and understanding to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?” King Solomon is synonymous with many characteristics; the one we will focus on today is wisdom.

Feeling his own inadequacy and sensing his need for divine assistance, he went to God in worship. And God appeared to Solomon in a dream, saying, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this, your great people?” So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!” (1 Kings 3)

​Interestingly enough, Solomon was confronted with a situation immediately after praying for the gift of wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:16-28, two women came to Solomon. These women lived together in the same house, and they both gave birth within days of one another. One of the children died in the night, and its mother exchanged it for the living child while the other mother slept. In the morning, the other mother awoke and recognized that the dead child was not hers, and the argument that ensued was brought to the king for settlement.

God’s wisdom is readily available in all situations, challenges and questions we face. In this story,  wisdom was found in understanding the mother’s love. We simply need to ask, as James reminds us, “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5) And such wisdom is for the sake of others: “...the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.” (James 3:17)

Can you imagine living like this?

Lord, We thank you for your wisdom and understanding. You encourage us that getting wisdom is the wisest thing we can do, so we ask for your wisdom to wrap our thoughts and guide our steps. Amen.

Reflect and Respond

Prayer Focus

Day 11: Eye-opening

There's a great story in the Bible about the prophet Elisha who woke one morning and found himself faced with a platoon of horses and chariots; the enemy had surrounded the city. Elisha's servant, panicking, cried, "Oh, my master, what are we to do?" (2 Kings 6:15) Elisha told the servant, “don't be afraid; those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” I'm sure the servant was more than confused at Elisha's counting; the whole army versus two does not equal victory.

Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so that he may see.”

Elisha interceded on behalf of his friend, and God answered his request.

“Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, ‘Strike this army with blindness.’ So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.” (2 Kings 6:17-18)

One of the most often recounted stories about angels helping believers involves missionary John G. Paton, who ministered in the New Hebrides islands. One evening, John and his wife were surrounded by hostile natives intent on burning the Patons' hut and killing the missionaries. John Paton says he and his wife spent a terror-filled evening desperately praying for God's supernatural deliverance. When daylight came, John says they looked out the window and mysteriously, the hostile natives had disappeared. About a year later, the chief of that tribe was converted to faith in Christ. And John Paton, remembering what had happened that evening, asked the chief why they did not attack them that night. The chief seemed surprised and said it was because of the men surrounding the hut. Perplexed, John said, "There were no men surrounding our hut." The chief insisted, "Oh, yes, there were. We saw hundreds of men in bright, shining garments standing before your hut with swords drawn, ready to protect you. We didn't dare invade." At that moment, John Paton began to understand the delivering power of angels. The chief agreed there was no other possible explanation.

Every day, you and I have things that happen in our lives that can only be explained through the presence of angels. Angels are a real power in our world today. The Bible is clear that we are never to substitute the worship of angels for the worship of Jesus Christ, but understanding the reality and the ministry of angels helps us to more fully appreciate how much God loves us and how He is working in our lives every day.

Lord, thank you that the scriptures are full of supernatural encounters. Thank you for the prayer of Elisha that we can pray as our own, “O LORD, open his eyes so that he may see.” I pray that you give us eyes to see the wonder and mystery of all that you are doing around us. Amen.

Reflect and Respond

Think of an overwhelming situation and ask God to show you how He is working.

Meditate

"I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God's love, and to know Christ's love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16–19)

Part of being a Christ-follower means realizing that we’re in a spiritual battle. Too often, though, we forget that we have an enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy anything good and godly in our lives. Here’s how to recognize his tactics, resist him, and stand firm in your faith.

1)Our culture often portrays the devil as a man dressed in red clothes, with a tail and horns, who just wants to break some rules and have fun. Because of this portrayal, amongst other reasons, the reality of the spiritual battle that we’re in is often overlooked or forgotten. What is your experience with learning or hearing about the spiritual battle within the church? Is it something that you are aware of, or is it a relatively new idea?

2)The enemy, from the beginning, has targeted God’s people. He seeks to steal, kill, and destroy them and all that is good and godly in their lives. And Satan has many goals in targeting us. Phil shared a list of his goals and it included blinding unbelievers to the gospel, causing believers to fall away from the faith, stopping the spread of the gospel, and breaking our fellowship with God, among others. Have you experienced the enemy targeting you with any of these goals? Have you ever thought that you have a “target on your back” because of your faith in Jesus? How does it make you feel?

3)His tactics include lies, temptation, persecution, accusation, guilt, doubt, fear, jealousy, pride, sin, and discouragement, amongst others. What are some of the tactics that you experience in your life? Are these been used regularly against you, or was it during a specific season of life?

4)We have so many reasons to hope and to fight this battle, and we fight it with God. The enemy is a defeated enemy, and our God has won the war. We already have victory in Jesus, and we fight to experience that victory every day. Our weapons include prayer, God’srhemawords to us, his Word, his truth, his presence, community, worship, and more. What weapons have you used in the fight? What do you find most helpful? How important is a community in the fight?

Day 10: Fire and Rain

Today we will focus on the ministry of Elijah. If you read 1 Kings chapters 17 and 18, you'll see how God used him. For example, Elijah prayed seven times for rain after a long drought. The book of James also mentions this occasion, and we know from that account that not only did Elijah's prayers bring rain, but they had also stopped the rain three years earlier! Of course, God's will is always for his power and wisdom to be revealed, yet it took Elijah's prayers to fulfil this before the Israelites and king Ahab. This was just one of many displays of power as a result of Elijah's prayers; another is found at the ‘Carmel Corral’, in 1 Kings 18, where there was a competition to prove whose God was better. God's fire fell on the sacrifice, which was previously doused three times in water… just to be sure.

Following the fire fall, scripture tells us that Elijah “climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.” An unusual posture that describes a birthing position, a prayer that is prevailing and travailing - a co-labouring with God to bring about His purposes.  We have already seen Elijah fed by ravens, restore a child to life, pray for drought, and call down fire and rain. We know His travailing and prevailing prayer was that the people would know God.

Christians would pray all night during the civil rights movement  in what was called 'shut-ins.' The sound of prayer from these places was not of words but guttural groans, a sound of labouring, their very being crying 'Oh God.’ Their prayers brought change. I think of parents who are desperately seeking God for their loved ones. It is not a waste of time. God sees your labour and he will bring life.

Lord, thank you for your encouragement that the joy of new life is the reward of our labouring in prayer for the salvation of our loved ones, friends, and the world. I pray for those who are tired of travailing, that you would draw near, encourage hearts and renew hope. Amen.

Reflect and Respond

Prayer Focus

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Day 9: Prayers of David

David cried out to the Lord in every area of his life and in the midst of every emotion he found comfort in his Father in heaven. Below are some of his most powerful prayers to God. The Psalms are full of these prayers. If you are stuck for words or need divine direction, visit the Psalms and pray some of David’s prayers as your own. After all, he was known as a man after God’s heart.

Here are some examples:

A prayer for help: “Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.” (Psalm 60:5)

A prayer for repentance: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalm 51:1-2)

A prayer for renewed hope: “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 43:5)

A prayer for safety: “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me - God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. (Psalm 57:1-2)

A prayer for mercy: “Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you because you answer me.” (Psalm 86:2-7)

The need for direction from God was just as strong for the people of God in the Bible as it is for us, His followers today. David trusted the Lord continually for direction, which is why he went to listen for the Lord’s strategies to fight his enemies. “And David inquired of the LORD, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?’ And the LORD said to David, ‘Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.’” (2 Samuel 5:19, ESV)

Eventually, the Philistines returned and David inquired again. This time the Lord gave David a different strategy. “And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, ‘You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees.’” (2 Samuel 5:23, ESV)

God wants to speak and direct your life; let’s be inquiring of the Lord for our strategies, which might differ from what we have previously known and have trusted. This kind of direction is the outcome of living a listening life.

Lord, thank you for your living word that is so rich with emotion. Thank you that you made us to feel and express and know you in all the details of life. Thank you for your word that says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Amen.

Reflect and Respond

Prayer Focus

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)