Mark 9:25-29

²⁵ When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” ²⁶ After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. ²⁸ When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why were we not able to cast it out?” ²⁹ He said to them, “This kind can come out only through prayer.”[1]

Jesus intervenes

When we finally reach the end of our own strength—when we’ve exhausted every method, every prayer formula, every attempt to “make something happen”—that is often the moment Jesus steps in and does what we could never do. The disciples in this story had tried everything they knew. They had seen God work through them before. But this time, nothing worked. Their failure wasn’t the end of the story; it was the opening for Jesus to reveal His power in a way that left no room for pride.

That is one of the hidden mercies of God. When He intervenes after our strength has run out, He protects us from the subtle arrogance that can creep into any ministry, especially ministries of healing or deliverance. The glory goes to Him alone. And that is exactly how it should be.

This makes our relationship with the Holy Spirit both beautiful and delicate. The Spirit truly does gift some believers with power ministries. Scripture never suggests those gifts have ceased, and they will continue as long as the Spirit Himself continues His work. It is a privilege to be used by God in such ways. But the danger is real: some take the Spirit’s gifts and turn them into platforms for self‑promotion. They will answer to the Lord for treating His power as a tool for their own gain.

Most of us, though, are not in danger of that kind of pride. We are more like the disciples in this story—faithful, willing, but limited. We come to the end of ourselves and discover that our only option is to plead for Jesus to intervene. And that is not a failure. It is discipleship. It is trust. It is the posture Jesus honors.

Fear not. He is in control. He invites us to pray, to watch, and to expect Him to act in His time and His way.

Lord, if You gift us, use us for Your glory. If You do not, give us the wisdom to pray and watch You intervene.

[1] some manuscripts add και νηστεια – and fasting.