In Psalm 44:6,7 the writers show great dependence on God. They say they will not put their trust in their weapons, but it is through God and His name that they have defeated their enemies. Also, in Psalm 60:12, we read: “Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies” (NKJV). In the New Testament we are also assured of having victory over satan. The author of the book of Hebrews wrote: “that through death He (Jesus) might destroy him who had the power of death, that is the devil and release all those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Heb 2:14-15; NKJV). Jesus gave us authority over satan. “I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19; NKJV). (See also Luke 9:1). So, we see from these verses that Jesus taught His disciples to use His authority and not their own, not only for dealing with satan but also for ministering to the sick. Romans 15:5 reminds us that without God we can do nothing, but we can do: “all things through Christ who strengthens” us (Phil 4:13; NKJV) and “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom 8:37; NKJV). Let’s remember that as we go through our day and ask God to help us in all we do and speak.

In Mark’s gospel Jesus is quoted as saying, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23; NKJV). That verse still speaks to us today. Jesus, in His ministry on earth often said, as He prayed for people, that it was their faith that brought the result. Let’s look at some examples. A blind man called Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for healing and Jesus' response was, “Go your way; your faith has made you well” (Mark 10:52; NKJV). A woman with a chronic bleeding disorder was convinced that if she just touched Jesus she would be healed; she did and she was! Jesus acknowledged her faith (Matt 9:20-22). Four men brought a paralyzed friend to Jesus and the only way they could get him to Jesus was by making a hole in the roof and lowering him down, “Jesus saw their faith” and healed the friend (Mark 2:1-12; NKJV). A Roman centurion whose servant was very ill was too humble to have Jesus enter his home but just said, “Lord, speak a word and my servant will be healed. “Jesus said, “I have not found such great faith not even in Israel.” Jesus spoke and the servant was healed (Matt 8:5-13; NKJV). Sadly, in His own hometown, Jesus was unable to perform great miracles, “because of their unbelief” (Matt 13:58; NKJV). He once commented that if we only have faith the size of a mustard seed, we could move mountains (Matt 17:20). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever”” (Heb 13:8; NKJV). He still looks for people of great faith!