The enemy of wholeness in Jesus is satan and his minions, who work tirelessly every day to prevent God’s plans from unfolding in our lives. After the transfiguration, Jesus, Peter, James, and John descended the mountain and met with a spiritual battle. They found the rest of the disciples surrounded by a crowd and arguing with teachers of the law. A father had brought his son for deliverance, and the disciples had failed.
The situation revealed both the father’s desperation and the disciples’ lack of spiritual power. The spiritual battle the disciples found themselves in must have overwhelmed them. Paul gives us insight into this battle. Ephesians 6:11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. [1]
The Ongoing Battle With Satan
The disciples had performed deliverances before. Mark 6:7And Jesus called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. [2] Even though Jesus had given them authority, their efforts failed when they faced the demon-possessed boy.
They needed to learn, as we do, that the fight with satan is an ongoing battle. Although the disciples clearly had authority, they lacked experience in the spiritual battle they faced. Why? They had not yet learned how to appropriate God’s power. Mark 9:19 Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” [3]
Failure compels us to admit that our own strength, wisdom, or willpower is not enough. This leads us to rely more deeply on God. It breaks the illusion of self-sufficiency and brings us closer to the Creator. 2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.[4]
Growing in Faith to Face the Battles Ahead
Mark 9:14-19 takes place during the third year of Jesus’ ministry, shortly before his final journey to Jerusalem for the crucifixion. Since Jesus’ time with his disciples is drawing to a close, it is crucial for them to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible in spiritual warfare.
The battles ahead—whether fear, uncertainty, or hardship—are meant to test and strengthen your faith, not break it. Genuine faith becomes stronger through challenges, not when everything is easy. When you acknowledge your limitations, you create space for God to reveal His power. This is what the disciples experienced and what we experience as we grow in faith.
So, how do you usually respond to a new challenge? Is it out of frustration or faith? The struggles you faced yesterday, God uses to prepare you for today’s opportunities. And today’s struggles are shaping you for even greater victories ahead.
To learn more about the enemy of wholeness, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-through-deliverance
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.