Mark 2:4-5

Mark 2:4-5 (ESV): “4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.””

The more desperately a person recognizes their need for Jesus, the more real His presence and sufficiency will become in their life. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God “rewards those who seek him.”

Imagine that you are in the house with Jesus. It is completely packed—shoulder to shoulder—with barely enough room to breathe. Suddenly, you hear people trying to force their way through the door. They are desperate to get someone to Jesus.

Before long, you look up and see the roof being dismantled. Then a paralyzed man is lowered on a mat directly in front of Jesus. Jesus sees their faith, forgives the man’s sins, and then heals him so that everyone may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. Who would not be encouraged after witnessing such an extraordinary act?

Sadly, many people stand in the crowd and watch Jesus work in the lives of others while silently suffering with needs of their own. But these men refused to remain in the crowd. They were willing to overcome every obstacle to place their friend before Jesus.

When you need the Lord to move, you must be willing to seek Him earnestly and come before Him in faith. Those who seek Him will never find Him absent, indifferent, or insufficient. He may not always answer in the way we expect, but He will always respond according to His perfect wisdom, goodness, and will.

Do not merely stand in the crowd watching what Jesus is doing for others. Bring your needs before Him. Press through every distraction, overcome every obstacle, and trust Him with the outcome. Those who come to Jesus in faith will be received by Him. Amen?

Father, fill me with the kind of faith that will overcome every obstacle in order to draw near to Jesus. Help me bring my needs honestly before You and trust You with the outcome. Work in my life in such a way that Your name is glorified. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.