Mark 9:23

A certain man had a demoniac son, who was afflicted with a dumb spirit. The father, having seen the futility of the disciples' efforts to heal his child, had little or no faith in Christ. Therefore, when he was told to bring his son to him, he said to Jesus, “If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” Now, there was an “if” in the question, but the poor, trembling father had put the “if” in the wrong place: Jesus Christ, therefore, without commanding him to retract the “if,” kindly puts it in its legitimate position.

“No, truly,” he seemed to say, “there should be no ‘if’ about my power, nor concerning my willingness; the ‘if’ lies somewhere else.” “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” The man’s trust was strengthened; he offered a humble prayer for an increase of faith, and instantly Jesus spoke the word, and the devil was cast out, with a command never to return.

There is a lesson here that we need to learn. We, like this man, often see that there is an “if” somewhere, but we are perpetually blundering by putting it in the wrong place. “If” Jesus can help me— “if” he can give me grace to overcome temptation— “if” he can give me pardon— “if” he can make me successful?

No, “if” you can believe, he both can and will. You have misplaced your “if.” If you can confidently trust, even as all things are possible to Christ, so all things will be possible for you. Faith stands in God’s power, and is robed in God’s majesty; it wears the royal apparel, and rides on the King’s horse, for it is the grace which the King delights to honour. Girding itself with the glorious might of the all-working Spirit, it becomes, in the omnipotence of God, mighty to do, to dare, and to suffer. All things, without limit, are possible to him that believeth. My soul, can you believe your Lord tonight?