Introduction

Good morning, beloved family. Today, we're going to be diving into the deep waters of Mark 9:29. We'll be talking about the tough stuff – the adversity we all face, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the victory we can find through prayer and fasting.

As we gear up for this spiritual battle, let’s remember what Corrie Ten Boom once said, "There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still."

Our Scripture passage today comes from Mark 9:29,

"So He said to them, ‘This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.’"

There are battles we face that require more than just our human efforts.

Let's start our discussion today with a prayer.

Gracious Father, we thank you for bringing us together today. As we delve into Your Word, we ask for wisdom and understanding. Help us to grasp the reality of the spiritual warfare we face and equip us with the right tools - prayer and fasting. We trust in Your promise of victory over adversity. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Now, let's dive into this rich and challenging topic together.

The Adversity We Will Face

As we journey through life, we will inevitably encounter adversity. This is a universal truth, regardless of our faith, our background, or our circumstances. The Bible is not silent about this reality. In fact, it is replete with stories of men and women who faced immense challenges and hardships. From the trials of Job, to the persecutions of the early church, to the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, Scripture paints a vivid picture of the adversity that is part and parcel of the human experience.

Comes in many forms: It could be a physical ailment, a financial crisis, a broken relationship, or a deep-seated personal struggle. It could be a global pandemic, a natural disaster, or a societal injustice. Regardless of its form, adversity has the potential to shake us to our core, to make us question our beliefs, and to challenge our faith.

Why do we face adversity?: Some might argue that it's a result of our own actions, a consequence of our sins. While it's true that our choices can lead to negative outcomes, it's not always the case that adversity is a direct result of our wrongdoing. The Bible tells us that God allows adversity in our lives for various reasons. Sometimes, it's to refine us, to mold us into the image of Christ. Other times, it's to draw us closer to Him, to make us realize our need for His grace and mercy. And still, in other instances, it's to display His power and glory, as was the case with the man born blind in John 9.

Easy to feel overwhelmed: It can feel like we're fighting a losing battle. But the Bible assures us that we're not alone in this fight. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. This is the reality of spiritual warfare. It's a battle that rages not just in the physical realm, but in the spiritual realm as well. It's a battle that we, as followers of Christ, are called to engage in.

How do we fight this battle?: How do we stand firm in the face of adversity? The answer lies in our Scripture passage for today, Mark 9:29. Jesus tells us that some battles can only be won through prayer and fasting. These are not just religious rituals, but powerful spiritual disciplines that can help us overcome adversity. Prayer connects us with God, allowing us to tap into His power and wisdom. Fasting, on the other hand, helps us to deny our flesh, to focus on God, and to cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on Him.

Our victory is dependent on God's power: In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul shares the words of the Lord to him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." This is the promise we can hold on to in the midst of adversity.

Preparing for Spiritual Warfare

As we delve deeper into the concept of preparing for spiritual warfare, it's important to understand that this is not a physical battle ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO