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!
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your encouragement, Kel! Blessings to you in your writing journey! :-)
ReplyDeleteDarcy, 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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