June 25: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   June 25, 2025

Prayer is Essential for Spiritual Power: Jesus tells His disciples that this kind of healing requires prayer. This shows that spiritual power comes through a deep connection with God in prayer, and without it, we may be powerless against the challenges we face.

Wednesday Verse

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

Am I relying on my own strength, or am I tapping into the power of prayer for the challenges I face? How can I be more intentional about bringing my needs to God in prayer?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

Our story this week is raw and real. A young boy is caught in the grip of demonic-induced suffering, and his father is desperate for help. Jesus’ disciples, whom He empowered and commissioned, have unsuccessfully tried to help, and a growing crowd is watching and evaluating. Jesus is understandably frustrated with the lack of genuine faith He sees in His disciples and others who claim to know and trust God. The father is one of these “little faith” people, but his response to Jesus, as he pleads for his son, is spot on: “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” ²³ “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” ²⁴ The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:22-24 (NLT) This man’s response to Jesus is truly humble and honest. He doesn’t get defensive or justify his position like many would. He doesn’t compare his faith with others who are less trusting. No, he readily agrees with Jesus and openly asks for help in becoming a person of authentic and growing faith.

This is the only requirement for someone to grow in their relationship with God. Humility and an open-handed posture before Him allow us to receive all that God offers. Peter tells us, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. ⁷ Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NLT) Trying to impress God and others or pretending we have faith when we don’t will never work. God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but He does require us to be genuine with Him and others. Micah 6:8 reminds us, “O people, the Lord has told you what is good and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (NLT)

There are times when God corrects and challenges us, just like Jesus does in our reading this week. When we respond with humble acceptance and a willingness to learn, we are in the exact place for God to work in and through our lives.

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org