HIGHLIGHT
Mark 2:5 (ESV): 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
EXPLAIN
Jesus healed many of sickness and disease. But we do find indications that even then not everyone was healed who could have been. For example, Jesus one day walked through a group of sick people and healed one man at the Pool of Siloam.
In this story, the tenacity and perseverance of the paralyzed man’s friends is striking and inspiring. They could not get through the crowds to Jesus, so they went up on the roof and dug a hole to lower their friend down.
Interestingly, Jesus noted the faith of the friends in granting healing, not the faith of the paralyzed man!
APPLY
Recently, I have been reading a secular book on the art of selling. One of the main keys the author teaches is to simply ask for what you want. Don’t beat around the bush. Don’t suggest if you could, have time, etc. just ask!
And God wants us to be this bold and upfront with Him in prayer.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, increase my faith that I may pray boldly and confidently for what I want, having submitted my desires to your will already. In Jesus’ name, Amen.