Demons or Doubt

Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (KJV)

Demons or Doubt

A few days after re-establishing this blog site, I requested ideas from friends because writing a daily devotional thought is a huge undertaking. As you might imagine, there was a very sparse response to the plea, but I made a few calls and was blessed to hear this nugget of TRUTH form an experienced miner. Michael Lasky, personal friend, mentor, and anointed minister of the Gospel dropped this into my lap. I’ve never heard it anywhere else, so the credit is his for faithfully listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. (Psalm 119:162)

Proverbs 2:3-5

3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. (KJV)

Everyone has access to the TRUTH through the Holy Spirit if we accept the Bible as God’s Word. Pastor Lasky was simply listening and searching for the hidden treasures of wisdom. In college I attended a course on “The Theology of Power, Wealth, and Prosperity”. A portion of that course dealt with deliverance form demonic oppression and possession. Understanding the authority we have been given through Christ is critical in the exercise of His Power.

Christ has delegated His Power to us. The responsibility for the outcome remains with Him because authority can be granted, but responsibility is nontransferable. The twelve were given power and authority to act in Christ’s name. Authority over devils, diseases, and declarations of the KINGDOM all these were granted with power and provision. (Luke 9:1-2)

Yet in Matthew 17:20-22 Jesus’ closest followers were unable to “cast out” the demon. Why?

Matthew 17:20-22

20 And Jesus said unto them, 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. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. 22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: (KJV)

The answer is not as easily recognized as you might think. When asked, most people will tell you that fasting and prayer is the only way to win victory over demonic activity. However, here is Pastor Lasky’s nugget of TRUTH: Fasting and prayer does not “cast out” demons – It “casts out” our unbelief.

When we deny ourselves and seek God’s will, our FAITH is increased to the point we can actually believe God for ALL THINGS.

Mark 9:23 (emphasis added) Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, allthings are possible to him that believeth. (KJV)