Fury Or Faith When Facing Frustration
Monday January 20, 2014
Jesus’ reputation as a healer was so well known that the paralyzed man’s friends went to extraordinary measures to make sure their friend came into contact with Jesus.
When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. 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, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” MARK 2:1-5 (NLT)
These friends loved the paralyzed man and wanted him to be healed. They heard about Jesus healing the sick and the lame and knew that the only hope their friend had was to get to see Jesus. They worked hard to get their friend to where Jesus was but, when they got there, they were blocked to getting to Jesus by the crowds. For some of us, that would bring emotions of anger or fury. They were so close to Jesus and yet so frustratingly far off. Because they trusted completely in Jesus’ ability to heal their friend they were willing to do the extraordinary. They tore up the roof and let their friend down in front of where Jesus was standing.
Jesus has a reputation that has stood the test of time for 2000 years. He is a kind and loving Saviour. He is a powerful healer. He is the friend that stays closer than a brother. He knows us. He cares for us. He has the solution for every problem we face. Many people agree with these statements but when troubles come, when sickness shows up, when loneliness brings tears to their eyes, their faith fails them and they feel abandoned and alone. The friends of the paralyzed man teach us an important lesson. If we trust who Jesus is, what Jesus has said, and ACT accordingly, God will meet us and will do more wonderful things than we can ask or imagine. Does Jesus reward our faith when we walk in difficult circumstances and continue to trust Him?
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV
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