“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?'” – Matthew 17:19 NKJV

There is a true story in the Bible about the disciples of Jesus during His time on earth. A man, having heard of the miraculous works of Jesus, came to the disciples with high hopes. His little son was suffering from epilepsy, and the condition was severe, threatening the boy’s life.

The man asked the disciples to heal his son. Despite their hours of prayer and effort, the boy’s condition did not improve. Desperate, the man went directly to Jesus since His disciples could not heal his son.

Jesus was displeased with His disciples because, despite their time with Him, they were unable to perform the miracles He did. This incident illustrates that mere proximity to anointing does not confer anointing. What does? Let’s delve deeper.

Jesus instantly healed the boy, and the man’s prayers were answered. The disciples then asked Jesus why they could not heal the boy.

Jesus replied, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:20-21 NKJV

The disciples’ question revealed that faith is the key to the supernatural. However, faith alone is insufficient to move mountains; it must be coupled with rigorous prayer and fasting.

Proximity to anointing does not make you anointed. Anointing is activated by prayer and fasting through faith.

Prayer

Father, every evil spirit tormenting my life and family, I bind them and cast them out by fire in Jesus’ name. Amen.