The world is seeing Goliath-sized issues and troubles, which intimidate and frighten many. People are praying for solutions, but is prayer enough? To some, prayer may seem weak and ineffective. It can feel as though we are writing the word water on a piece of paper and throwing it at a raging inferno.
Christ Jesus gave us a stellar example and valuable instruction to follow when Goliath-sized challenges threaten and when we may doubt the power of prayer.
A man brought his son to Jesus for healing (see Matthew 17:14–21). The son’s condition, which may have been epilepsy, was severe, and the symptoms dramatic. Jesus’ disciples had failed to heal him. Jesus laments the general lack of faith and immediately cures the boy. When the disciples ask Jesus why they couldn’t heal the child, he responds, “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
