“While He was preaching God’s word to them, 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, (emphasis mine) Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.’” Mark 2b-5 NLT)
Have you ever thought about whose faith drove those men to Jesus? Yes, it was the faith of the men who brought him that caught the attention of Jesus, but was it their faith that launched them on their journey in the first place? We don’t know for sure but think about it with me. Either way faith activated the men’s decision to take their paralyzed friend to Jesus – theirs or the man’s faith who was in need.
Perhaps the paralyzed man had heard about Jesus, from his four friends or others, and that launched hope in his heart and caused him to begin to think: “If only I could get to Jesus!” Or was it his friends, maybe only one at first, who decided after hearing Jesus speak: “We’ve got to get our friend to Jesus!” Regardless of who or how, one man’s suffering culminated in, not only someone’s healing and new birth, but the unforgettable experience of four friends who have become famous forever because of their faith.
So, what’s our takeaway? Perhaps you, like me, have chronic health issues that are becoming more debilitating. Every day I awaken not knowing if I’ll have the strength to climb out of bed, but my faith is strong and I’m trusting the Lord to use me as long as there’s an ounce of life left in me. But how? Through this blog for one, but also through emails, texts, and phone conversations that allow me to stay in touch with others whose lives are being touched by my illness.
John Piper reminds us: “Our suffering may be intended by God to draw out of others something they wouldn’t otherwise have experienced.” What if something we say or do in an interaction with someone in the course of a doctor’s visit or treatment gives someone incentive to stop feeling sorry for themselves and begin investigating faith in Jesus?
Or what if family members, friends, neighbors, or those who hear about our faith as fellow sufferers, open their hearts and minds to seeing Jesus in a fresh way? That’s why I pray continually that the Lord will allow me not to complain. My wife is always asking me how I’m doing, and I try to be honest, but not complain. Today I’m weak and have spent an inordinate amount of time in bed, but while my body is very weak today, my spirit is strong and my love for Jesus is equipping me to do what I might not otherwise have energy or interest in doing.
We must not allow our suffering to stop us completely. Yes, I understand that one day our body will dictate what we can or cannot do, but as long as our minds and spirits cooperate to give us the ability to think and speak, we must continue to glorify and honor Jesus to the best of our ability. I’ve mentioned before that one persistent request I’m making of the Lord is that if I forget everything else, I will never forget Him or forget to share Him with others.
Who do you know who is suffering that you can come along side of and, like the four friends in the Biblical story, share your faith to inspire healing and wholeness in them? Or perhaps you’re the one who is suffering, but your faith is strong, who can you inspire by your love for Jesus?
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 