Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Crazy Faith


Their plan was unconventional. Out-of-the-box. Maybe even just plain crazy.

But they were determined to get their friend to Jesus.

A massive crowd swirled around the entrance to the house, blocking what seemed to be the only way to see the famous healer.

But this group of persistent friends found another way.

Sure, climbing a roof with a paralyzed man on a mat might be an insane idea. But these men had a singular focus, and they had a spectacular faith.

You probably know the rest of the story: These amazing friends removed the tiles from the roof of the house and lowered their paralyzed friend right in front of Jesus.

What surprised me was what happened next. Five little words at the beginning of Luke 5:20:

When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

Did you catch that? When Jesus saw THEIR faith!

Jesus recognized these friends and their crazy, wild, unwavering faith. And He went far beyond  healing the paralyzed man of his physical affliction (verse 24-25)... Jesus saved his soul!

Have you been praying for a lost loved one, a troubled teen, a wayward adult child? Be encouraged by this: Jesus sees your faith! Your prayers are not falling on deaf ears.

This verse has given me such hope, and I pray it will do the same for you. Keep believing. Keep praying. No one is beyond the reach of His saving grace. YOUR faith can make a difference in eternity for your friends and family.

Don’t give up: Jesus sees your faith!
 

4 comments:

  1. Julie- This is one of my favorite illustrations of the power of intercessory prayers and faith. Thanks for giving such a concise, meaningful glimpse into God's word today.

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  2. I can't believe I never noticed that little word "THEIR faith". So touching how Jesus honors that. A great reminder to come alongside the weak, to be our brother's keeper. Great insight, Julie.

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  3. Thanks so much for your encouragement, Kel! Blessings to you in your writing journey! :-)

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  4. Darcy, isn't it amazing how one word in Scripture can jump out at you and change the entire meaning of a verse? God's Word is incredible! Prayers going up for you as you await your new arrival! :-)

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