Matthew 17:14-20
English Standard Version (ESV)
We run up against our limits constantly. Think about how often you've reached a place where you simply cannot go any farther. Maybe you've hit the limit of your energy, or your knowledge, or your physical strength, and you simply cannot solve the problem in front of you. It's too big, too much, too comprehensive.
The disciples couldn't cast out this demon. They tried everything, but nothing worked. The only thing that could cast out the demon was Jesus Christ. The disciples were trying everything in their power, everything they knew -- but they couldn't let go of their own solutions and simply trust in Jesus Christ.
We, too, often spend all of our time trying to come up with our own solution, crafted out of our resources. Jesus invites us to try something new -- to give up looking within and to lean into him.
This reminds me of the advice to come up with mantras or other positive things to say to yourself when you're feeling down. The advice is well-meaning, but it's basically saying that you have the resources within you to fix all your problems, and if you still have problems, it's because there's something wrong with you, so fix yourself.
Jesus, on the other hand, recognizes that there are many things we cannot do on our own. We have our limitations, but he does not. So he invites us to live in a different realm, one where he is king and sits on the throne, where accepting that we do not have the resources but Jesus does, is the wisest solution. Faith is hard, but it allows us to lean into the strength and wisdom of our true King!
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