There is a story many of us know well\u2014the boy who was possessed by an unclean spirit. His father first brought him to the disciples of Jesus, but they were unable to cast it out. Later, when Jesus came down from the mountain, the father ran to Him and said,<\/p>\n
\u201cTeacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit\u2026 I asked Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.\u201d (Mark 9:17\u201318).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Then Jesus said, \u201cBring him to Me.\u201d And when the boy was brought, what followed was beyond the expectation of the crowd. Let us read carefully:<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, He rebuked the impure spirit. \u2018You deaf and mute spirit,\u2019 He said, \u2018I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.\u2019 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, \u2018He\u2019s dead.\u2019 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.\u201d (Mark 9:25\u201327)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The Mystery of Healing Through Struggle
\nNotice in verse 26, the spirit cried out and convulsed the boy severely. The struggle became so violent that many thought the boy had died. His father must have wondered, \u201cWhy does my son look worse instead of better?\u201d The crowd even concluded, \u201cHe is dead.\u201d<\/p>\nBut Jesus remained calm. He was not disturbed by appearances. He knew that God\u2019s healing power was at work in the boy. At the right moment, He reached out His hand, lifted the boy up, and restored him completely\u2014healthy, peaceful, and free.<\/p>\n
This is the pattern of Christ\u2019s healing in our lives. Sometimes when we pray, our situations appear to get worse before they get better. Illness may seem to intensify. Demonic oppression may manifest more strongly. Our problems may appear heavier than before. But do not fear\u2014this is often the sign that Christ is already at work.<\/p>\n
As Scripture says: \u201cThe light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.\u201d (John 1:5). When Christ\u2019s power confronts darkness, the battle may look chaotic, but victory is certain.<\/p>\n
Why Does Christ Allow Such a Process?
\nChrist could have healed the boy instantly with a simple word, without convulsions or fear. Yet He allowed the struggle to show us a spiritual truth: the process of inner healing often exposes and expels what is hidden in the soul.<\/p>\nIn our spiritual journey, when we ask Christ to heal us\u2014whether from sin, bondage, or wounds of the past\u2014He begins by stirring what is inside. This may feel uncomfortable, even frightening. Old habits, memories, or sins may resurface. But that is not a sign of defeat; it is a sign that God is cleansing us deeply.<\/p>\n
Jesus said: \u201cEvery plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.\u201d (Matthew 15:13). The uprooting process is not gentle, but it is necessary for lasting freedom.<\/p>\n
The Lesson for Us
\nJust as the boy appeared dead but was raised by Christ, so too in our lives, we may come to the point where everything seems hopeless. People may even say of us, \u201cThere is no more life, no more hope.\u201d Yet remember, Christ declares:<\/p>\n\u201cI am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die.\u201d (John 11:25)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
No one can remain spiritually dead in the presence of Christ. He takes us by the hand, raises us up, and restores us to new life.<\/p>\n
So, if you have prayed for healing, deliverance, or breakthrough, do not be discouraged if your situation seems worse. That is the sign the enemy is making his last stand. Trust the process. Christ has already heard you, and His healing is working within you.<\/p>\n
The Call to Believe
\nThe father of the boy prayed: \u201cLord, I believe; help my unbelief!\u201d (Mark 9:24). That prayer is for us as well. We must trust not in what we see, but in what Christ has promised.<\/p>\nWhatever struggle you face\u2014sickness, spiritual oppression, or despair\u2014commit it to Jesus. He has the power to raise you up. \u201cCasting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.\u201d (1 Peter 5:7).<\/p>\n
Do not fear what people say or how things look. Even if the world says, \u201cIt is over,\u201d Jesus says, \u201cNo, this one shall live.\u201d For He is the Resurrection and the Life!<\/p>\n
\u271d Final Word:
\nIf you have entrusted your life and struggles to Christ, know this\u2014you will not perish with them. Christ has already won the victory. Your role is simply to believe, to stay in Him, and to let Him finish the work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).<\/p>\nThe Lord bless you richly.<\/p>\n