WHEN WE DON'T GET RESULTS

MATTHEW 17:18-21 NKJ 
18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. 
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" 
20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." 

OBSERVATION: 

Imagine this scenario. Jesus comes down from the mountain where He had been transfigured in front of Peter, James, and John.  

I am unclear on everything that is involved with being transfigured, but Jesus' face and clothes shone like the sun. And Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with Him.  And then God spoke, affirming His Son. That was an amazing time. 

Now He comes back from that wonderful experience, and a man approaches Him with a complaint. This man had brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples, but they were not able to help him. And this boy had severe problems. The demons drove him into water and fire in an attempt to have him harm himself.   

Jesus deals with the demon and sets the boy free. When everyone had left, the disciples came to Jesus, wanting to know why they could not cast his particular demon out. Evidently, because Jesus gave them the power, they were the ones who were casting out demons.   

Jesus gave them an unusual answer. Their problem was unbelief. Jesus said, and here is the amazing promise, if they would have just have a little faith, mustard seed faith, nothing would be impossible to them.   

A little faith can go a long way. Jesus said it can move mountains.   

Jesus also added that prayer and fasting would help their faith. 

APPLICATION: 

Way too often, when things have not turned out as we have hoped and prayed, we blame God. The disciples could have done just that, but they had the good sense to ask why instead of assuming it was God's fault.   

Instead of blaming, it would be wise for us to ask the Lord why we did not get results. And be prepared for hearing that our lack of faith may have had something to do with the outcome.   

This is not the case in every situation, but it's a good place to start. And we can do something about unbelief. We can go into God's word and spend some quality time there. We can fast and pray in order to tune in spiritually in our fellowship with the Lord. There are answers for us. And if the Lord helped His disciples, He will help us. He has not changed. 

PRAYER: 

Lord, I have not seen some results as I would have liked. Please show me what I can do to adjust.