Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not." He answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” - Mark 9:17-19.

In our world of modern conveniences, from cell phones to cars, to washing machines, a power failure like the one we had last week (In 2003) can be catastrophic. We are so used to picking up our cell phone, which we carry with us all the time, and simply calling for help if we need help. But millions of people did exactly that last week, and nothing happened. Some people were in areas where they could get into their cars and drive, but when they were low on gas, they found that the gas pumps also powered by electricity would not work. Many used to obtaining money through ATMs, found that they were without access to their money, which they needed to buy food or pay for transportation if any was available. For these people, catastrophic was an understatement! However, after a truly catastrophic event which happened on 9/11, most understood, and appeared to see it all in the proper perspective.

The disciples of Jesus experienced a catastrophic power failure as well. They were unable to cast out a demon that had been inhabiting the body of a boy for some time. Actually, the disciples were powerful individuals, and God's instruments; but they were underpowered to face the spiritual being they came against. After Jesus had cast out the demon, the disciples asked him privately why they had been unable to do so. Here is what Jesus said, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).”

The disciples were used to being able to see people healed, and demons dispatched by simply speaking the word in the Name of Jesus. However, it did not happen this time, because of the power of the one they had encountered. What was needed was more power, and that additional power would only come through additional prayer, and by fasting.

Have you had a catastrophic spiritual power failure? You pray, you read your Bible, you go to church, you fellowship with other believers, you serve God; you seek His leadership and guidance - so why will the spiritual mountain you have encountered not move? As Jesus says to the father of the demon possessed child, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes (Mark 9:23).” There are two possibilities. One is that it is not God's will. The second, is that you have had a power failure, or that you are underpowered spiritually for the task at hand.

Let us consider the possibility of the lack of power. If this is the situation Jesus has given direction. You will have to spend a substantial amount of time in prayer, and you will need to fast. It may also be necessary to gather a group of prayer warriors, that will also give themselves to prayer and fasting for a period of time, so that this spiritual mountain you are facing may be overcome.
 
Do you want the power? It is available, but there is the cost of prayer and fasting that is attached. It seems there are few willing to pay the price. But if you are and it is God's will - that mountain you are facing will move.