What Jesus Did! 'Honest Frustration' — Mark 9:28

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, "Why couldn't we cast out that evil spirit?"

Key Thought

I do believe many of us who seek to minister in the name of Jesus need to ask this question more: "Why couldn't we do it, Lord?" More than just being honest, we need answers. While we may not get that question answered as clearly and exhaustively as we would like, with our asking for help and insight, we open the door for God to teach us. We also find our place, in humility, in the presence of the Almighty, who also happens to be our loving Abba Father.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I am frustrated about some things that have not turned out as I believed they would. I trust in you. I want to serve you and bring you glory. Yet things didn't happen which I thought should have happened and people weren't touched who need to be touched. Please help me understand why. If part of the problem is me, my faith, or my character, please help me come to this understanding and work with you on strengthening my area of weakness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 9:28 NLT — Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, "Why couldn't we cast out that evil spirit?"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, June 16, 2024

A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"Saul was one of the witnesses [to Stephen's being stoned to death], and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of..."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"Be brave and confident! There's no reason to be afraid of King Sennacherib and his powerful army. We are much more powerful, because the Lord our..."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, giver of bread and wine, Cause us to remember that in the same way he blessed the bread, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup..."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Disciple, One day you will hear the angels sing in celebration around the throne of God (Revelation 5:11-13). However, I wish you could hear..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.