| While he was preaching God’s word, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” – Mark 2:2-5 (NLT) Let this passage give you great hope today. Jesus responds to faith—even if it’s faith that’s being exercised on behalf of someone else! These four friends had a friend who needed healing. The problem was that he was paralyzed. He couldn’t get to Jesus. So they took him. When they saw how crowded the house was, they got creative and lowered him down through the roof in front of Jesus. They loved their friend that much. They believed in Jesus that much. And their faith was rewarded. Do YOU have a paralyzed friend? Maybe it’s someone who’s frozen in their unbelief. They NEED Jesus. They’ve even heard of Jesus. But their doubt and their unbelief keep them a long way away from Him. Or perhaps you have a friend who is stuck in an addiction. They know they need help. They even say they want help. But they’re paralyzed. Their addiction has such a hold on them that they can’t seem to break free. They’re on a fast-track to destruction unless somehow Jesus can set them free. But how will they get to Him? Or maybe you know of a couple whose marriage is on the rocks. Things have gone from bad to worse, and the tell-tale signs of an impending divorce are there. They need more than counseling. They need the power of God in their marriage. But they’re paralyzed. Their hopelessness is like a quicksand that they can’t seem to get out of. Will YOU be the friend to carry them to Jesus? Will you take time today to lay them before His feet? Will you believe for them when they can’t believe for themselves? Will you cry out for them when they’re too overwhelmed to cry out on their own? Yes, at some point they will have to respond to Jesus’ voice and rise up on their own. But until that moment comes, will YOU be their faith? Will YOU be their voice? Will YOU lay them before Jesus? May Jesus see YOUR faith today and bring a miracle their way! That’s God’s Word for you today. |
