Feb 6

And behold, some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in, and to set him down in front of Him. And not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, right in the center, in front of Jesus. (Luke 5:18,19)

Dear Jesus, I am so thankful that You allow bold interruptions into your life. We can always approach You by faith. And, of course, You provide healing and comfort. To this man You pronounced, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” And then You said, “Rise and take up your stretcher and go home.” I see that spiritual power can always overcome the physical.

Lord Jesus, I confess that I have been in the crowd. Oh, so often, I do not see those around me; all the while I am focusing on what seems to me to be more important. But I have overlooked the needy persons that want to be seen. Attempting to find some merit within myself, I would like to think that I can identify with the friends who brought the man, yet I know deep down that I would shy away from tearing a hole in someone’s roof. After all, I would not want to appear too bold, would I? So perhaps I can identify in the best way with the paralyzed man. Yes, I often find excuses for my inability to respond to Your bidding. I complain that I do not have the talents to do the proper task for You. Yet I only have to realize that I need to be brought to You for healing. I need only to confess and to approach You for cleansing. Often a friend will bring me on that path—thank You for the Christian friends that You have given me.

Today, Lord, let me be Thy willing and able servant. Brush away my excuses and preconceived ideas of what it means to follow You. Give me a fresh outlook and a new confidence in Your power to lead the Christian life. You alone are worthy. Amen.

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