“The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God” (Galatians 2:20, NRSV).

“And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood.   It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, help us! Have compassion on us!”    Jesus said to him, “If you are able! All things can be done for the one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:20-24, NRSV).

     Mark’s gospel tells the story of a father who found himself in a state of futility. The father’s young son was possessed by a demon that was making the boy’s life miserable. The only thing the father knew to do was to bring his son to Jesus.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

“But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind” (Isaiah 40:31, MSG).

     I am not a patient person by nature. I don’t enjoy waiting. In our society, waiting is for people of lesser means. Some can pay an additional fee to walk to the head of the line to ride the roller coaster at Kings Island. The rest of us have to hold our tongues as these folks slip past us.

“…Death has been swallowed up by a victory. Where is your victory, Death? Where is your sting, Death?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55, CEB).

     I can’t help but wonder if this passage was one of the Apostle Paul’s favorites. Paul spoke of the “thorn in the flesh” from which he suffered mightily. No one knows the particular malady with which Paul struggled. Some have suggested that Paul was blind. Others claim that he endured debilitating seizures.