Invitations of Jesus Series: Episode 3 The Child

Hello, my walking friend! Are you on your way? Have you taken a few deep breaths to clear your mind and emotions so that you are ready to focus on Jesus? I hope so! Give yourself the gift of these 10 minutes walking with Jesus!

Today is the 3rd episode in the Invitations of Jesus series and we are reflecting on his invitation to us to trust him.

Our verse to meditate on today is Matthew 19:26 NIV:

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

In the gospel of Mark, there is a beautiful story about a man, a father, who is in a desperate situation. His son is possessed by a demon that wants to destroy him. I can see the scene playing out vividly in my mind. This father, desperate for his son to be healed, has asked the disciples of Jesus to help. But they are unable to cure the boy. Then, Jesus arrives on the scene and asks what is going on. The father explains the trauma his son has experienced. 

“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

I can hear the pain in his voice. I can hear his desperation. Can’t you? Jesus responds, ‘If you can’? Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

This story so touches my heart, because I want to say I have faith all the time. I want to say that I never experience a moment of doubt. But that wouldn’t be true. Can you relate? So this man’s authenticity speaks to me. There are times when I cry out to Jesus, “I do believe! Help me with my unbelief!” And it brings me to tears to know that Jesus doesn’t condemn me in those moments. He doesn’t turn away from me. He responds in love, as he did for this man, and he invites me to believe in him and trust him. Even with the most precious things in my life, like the ones I love. And he is inviting you to do the same. 

Take a little time now to meditate on Matthew 19:26:

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? I was inspired to write a poem based on the story in the gospel of Mark. It is titled, The Child:

You can read the poem, The Child, in my poetry devotional entitled, Invitations Poetry Devotional.  Read Mark 9:14-27 to learn about the man who inspired this poem.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus’ invitation to trust him, and what that means to us. 

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for inviting me to be authentic with you always. Thank you for your grace and mercy and love that never fails even when I struggle. Help me to believe and trust when my faith is weak. Forgive me when I doubt your love for me.  I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, the one who invites me. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:

Is there an area of your life where you struggle to trust God? Family, finances, future? Is there something you can use, a verse or prayer card or piece of jewelry, to help you believe that God is trustworthy? Take some time to consider your answer.

Does it comfort you to know that other mighty saints have struggled with unbelief at times? Meditate on this truth now.

Do you worry that if you call out to Jesus to help you with your unbelief that he will condemn you? If so, remember that he rewarded the father in the Bible for his authenticity. He desires that with you, too. Think of your answer now.

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time Matthew 19:26 NIV:

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

Good job, my friend! You did it! 10 minutes of walking and 10 minutes of walking with Jesus!  

Today’s podcast was adapted from my poetry devotional called Invitations. For information on this devotional, or any Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to LynneLeite.com.  You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes. 

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another invitation from Jesus. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.