Purpose Driven In Christ

Guard your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭

A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. Proverbs 29:22 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. Proverbs 20:3 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. Romans‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭

“It doesn't matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God's peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:15-16‬ ‭ “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew‬ ‭7:7-8‬ ‭ “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” I John‬ ‭5:14-15‬ ‭

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans‬ ‭8:5‬

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalms‬ ‭139:23-24‬ “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.” Psalms‬ ‭51:17‬ ‭

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;” Ephesians‬ ‭6:11-17‬ ‭

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4‬ ‭ “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” James‬ ‭3:14-16‬ ‭

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:2‬ ‭ “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:32‬ ‭

“O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Isaiah‬ ‭25:1‬ ‭ Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalms‬ ‭34:18‬ ‭

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. Galatians‬ ‭5:16-17

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” ‭‭ 1 Peter‬ ‭3:8-11‬ ‭

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭

“When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9:22-23‬ ‭

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews‬ ‭10:25‬ ‭ “So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:6,11‬ ‭

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭ “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah‬ ‭9:6‬ ‭

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians‬ ‭5:22-25‬ ‭

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians‬ ‭6:9-10‬ ‭

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews‬ ‭11:6‬ ‭ “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”Matthew‬ ‭16:24-25‬ ‭

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭4:3-5‬ ‭

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭ “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:33‬

For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews‬ ‭4:12-13‬

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭

“Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:18‬ ‭

When we protect our peace, we are less likely to be distracted by the cares of the world and the influences of the enemy to get us off track, confused, anxious, and worried. We are able to remain in a place of peace when we focus on God and stay in His will. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33

Whatever is in our hearts will eventually surface through our actions and words. It's important that we address the conditions of our hearts so that we are not negatively impacting the lives of others. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke‬ ‭6:45‬ ‭ “O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.” Proverbs‬ ‭23:26‬ ‭

There will be times in which we need to extend grace on various levels to individuals including ourselves. When we are intentional about extending grace in situations we will not be caught off guard to our emotions. We will be reminded of how grace closes the door to potential offense, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Embedded grace is needed for all interactions and relationships. It keeps both peace in our hearts and faith in our actions with the understanding that God works all things out for the good for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew‬ ‭26:41‬ ‭ “Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew‬ ‭18:21-22‬ “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”I Peter‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭

Insecurity is uncertainty or anxiety about oneself and/or lack of confidence. It can be a stronghold pattern or a situational state. We can be set free from insecurity when we truly receive the love of God, identify ourselves with Christ, and allow Him to give us joy, peace, confidence, purpose, dependency and significance in Him. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians‬ ‭4:13

Having contentment in Christ will allow us to be discerning of potential opportunities to covet. When we guard our hearts from making idols of earthly things, we are more likely to be in the will of God. He supplies all of our needs and gives us things according to His will so that He receives the glory and remains on the throne of our hearts. “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:11-13‬ ‭ “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” I John‬ ‭5:14-15‬ ‭

God has called us to seek wisdom and understanding. He has equipped us to gain wisdom and understanding through both His word and directly through Him. When we make decisions from our emotions or flesh we are most likely not operating in the wisdom in which God called us. To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His. Job 12:13 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Proverbs 3:13-18

Jesus makes us righteous when we surrender our lives and place our faith in Him. He continues the sanctification process by allowing Holy Spirit to work through us. This involves helping us to deny our sinful nature so we can be use for the purposes and plans that He has called us to. Sanctification means to be set apart for a purpose. “Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭ According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. 1 Peter 1:2 “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” Romans‬ ‭8:12-14‬ ‭

We have the freedom to pray at any time. God has encouraged us to pray in various situations for His glory. It is communication with Him as it allows us to release our concerns and trust Him. “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:18‬ ‭ “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭ “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.” ‭‭James‬ ‭5:13‬ ‭ “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭

God wants us to continue having a zeal for the things of him while relying on the Holy Spirit to empower us to do what we are unable do in our natural abilities. If we rely on others to speak the truth and we are not a vessel ourselves, we have become dependent on others and not the Holy Spirit which can cause our flame to gradually fade. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but an ability to rely on the Holy Spirit who will speak directly through us for His glory. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭ “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭

Meditating on a negative situation can cause a person to experience the emotion of anger. When this emotion is not addressed, it can turn into sinful actions that not only impacts the person, but other individuals. We are called not to sin from this emotion, but to truly operate in self-control through the word of God. It's important to acknowledge anything in our hearts that is not of God so that true freedom and inner healing can take place. God wants us to be at a place of peace and joy not bitterness and anger which produces negative fruit. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:26, 29-32‬ ‭

Walking in love takes intentionality. If we are intentional about being consistent with walking in love despite an offense or disappointments then we will not be derailed by things not going our way. “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” I Corinthians‬ ‭16:13-14‬ ‭ “Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.” Proverbs‬ ‭10:12‬ ‭

Repentance is not one time action, but it's an ongoing decision and action to turn to God and do things His way. This involves areas in our thinking that are not visible, but could eventually have an impact in our actions. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Whatever we choose to meditate on can impact our emotions. If we are easily offended or disappointed, then we are often times meditating on something negative versus positive. It takes humility and intentionality to think through the lens of love despite how our emotions want to influence our actions. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭

Complete surrender involves us releasing control over situations and truly love God with all of our hearts and minds. It is a processs in which we renew our minds so that fear doesn't grip and distract us. When we receive the unconditional love of God, it makes the process of surrendering easier because our desires change and peace becomes more prevalent in our hearts. “Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:37-39‬ ‭ “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:18-19‬ ‭

I give thanks to the Lord for all that He has done. I just realize that it's been a little over a year since I've been making these podcasts. It's been a blessing to share the love of God with others through this platform. My prayer is that you have been encouraged and inspired through these messages, and that your purpose as a follower of Christ has been more defined. May the Lord continue to bless you as you continue to surrender your heart, desires, and emotions to Him. His love for us endures forever. Be reminded that He sees your efforts and He hears your prayers even during the times of frustration. Stay focused on Him and be encouraged even when things seem weary or challenging. Continue to receive His unconditional love at all times. Be encouraged & thank you for being a follower of Christ! “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107:1‬ ‭ “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:38‬ ‭

God wants us to truly rely on Him in all areas of our lives. When we put our confidence, trust, and security in Him, it leaves minimum room for the enemy to influence us with fear or anxiety. We are able to reroute our thinking by renewing our minds on God‘s word which will also give us peace. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matthew‬ ‭6:27‬ ‭ “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭

There are benefits from going through trials. When we renew our minds, we will be able to discern how the Lord is shaping our lives through them for His glory. Our character and dependency on God can also grow as a result of trials. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1:2-4‬ ‭ “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭4:12-13

Followers of Christ should become workers for His mission because we were created for His glory. The harvest of individuals who want to know Christ and their purpose for living is great, therefore we should be the hands and feet of Jesus. “The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”Luke‬ ‭10:1-2‬ ‭

We are called to steward our health and make wise decisions to take care of our bodies daily. It's important to rest, exercise, and consume healthy foods. God gives us free will and wisdom to make decisions that will benefit the well being our health. We each have one earthly body in which we should steward with love, faith, discipline, and self-control. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭ “This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth. Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” 3 John‬ ‭1:1-2‬ ‭

God desires for us to free from debt and financial oppression. He wants us to keep Him first versus chasing money which distracts us from being in His will for Kingdom building. We have self- control through the fruit of the spirit which allows us to moderate excessive spending that can impact financial freedom and the ability to be a blessing to others. “Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭23:4-5‬ ‭ “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭ “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭

As we grow in our walk with Jesus, He will prompt us to step out of our comfort zones for His glory. Being a follower of Christ involves denying ourselves, taking up our crosses, and following Him. This includes insecurities and things that make us feel uncomfortable. We should consistently ask for God to fill us with the Holy Spirit and for His power to come upon us so that we are able to do things in His strength-not our own. The more we rely on our abilities, the more effort it will take to accomplish the tasks. This can cause us to become frustrated because we were never called to rely on our strength and comfort levels. When the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we will start to do supernatural things that are impactful for the Kingdom of God. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Acts 1:8‬ ‭ “And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.” Acts ‬ ‭4:29-31‬ “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”. Luke‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭ “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Matthew‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭

We often come across opportunities to become critical, self-righteous, and not extend grace to others including ourselves. However, when we encounter the love of God, we will start to view things differently and demonstrate love-more than causing division and focusing on “works”. We will also allow the Holy Spirit to lead in all situations despite our fear/comfort levels and desires to fit in the norms of our culture, tradition, and man-focused expectations. Having a relationship with Jesus will help us to feel secure and confident in Him despite our efforts. We will feel free to love Him and be led by the Holy Spirit without feeling condemned by our mistakes or the criticism of others. This authentic relationship with Jesus helps us to not compare and think of ourselves as better than others, but to exude humility. When our identity and security are in Jesus, we can easily discern when the spirit of “religion” is impacting our lives and when we should guard our hearts from pride so that love and God's will are always at the center. “Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God's presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.” 2Timothy‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭ “Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” Colossians‬ ‭2:8-10‬ ‭ “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭ “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭

We often believe that God can do supernatural things in our lives, but there are times that we try to use logic and then become discouraged when the situation appears extreme or very difficult. God wants us to trust Him in all situations, even the things that we have been waiting on and/or have been struggling with for years. Our unbelief can increase to faith when we consistently renew our mind on the supernatural power of God who can do the impossible. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭ “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy's father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can'?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark‬ ‭9:21-24‬ ‭