SOAP - Numbers 30, 31; Mark 9

(S)cripture-
Mark 9:23 "'If You can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."

(O)bservation-
First and foremost, God can do anything. Jesus here is responding to a man who asks if He can do anything to help his son who was possessed by an evil spirit. The question is not one of whether God can do something but whether we believe that He can. God has the power to do anything - He is the Creator of the universe and has dominion over everything, including us and especially over all the forces of darkness and evil. We are human and we are not perfect and therefore our faith is not perfect; we will always be subject to our moments of weakness when Satan attacks our belief. In these times we need to pray to God for help with that and He will hear us. A person who seeks God with all of His heart and truly believes will set no limits or boundaries on what God can do and therefore all things are most certainly possible.

(A)pplication-
I know in my heart that God can do all things. I want my faith and belief to be solid like a rock, but I also know that there will be times when that comes under attack. At those times I will do my best to realize what is happening and to immediately go to the Lord in prayer to ask for help in withstanding the attack. I know He is with me, will never leave me, and can do all things.

(P)rayer-
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us through Your ministry and miracles that all things are possible for him who believes. In this day and age some 2,000 year after You walked the earth in human form, help us to not forget Your mighty power and enduring love that You have for us. Lord God, I believe You can do all things and please help me when my faith is under attack that I will not waiver in what I know in my heart to be the Truth. I thank You for the work You have done in my life so far and for that which is yet to come. Father, I know You have plans for my future that I can't even imagine yet - please help me to have full faith and belief in You because I don't want to put any limitations on what You can do because of any lack of belief on my part. I give You all praise and glory and honor - Lord I thank You and love You. Amen.