FAITH FOR A FRIEND
…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 2:3-5 (NLT)
Did you catch that? This moment with Jesus turned miraculous, not because of a disabled man’s ability or a heartfelt request, but because of the faith of his friends. His four friends, convinced of Jesus’ healing ability, literally tore the roof off to get their friend to Jesus. That kind of faith, hope and love for another person is astounding—and Jesus recognized it.
Do we have that kind of faith for those around us—in their healing, freedom and fullness?
There’s an attitude of long-suffering that marks followers of Christ. Because of Jesus, we’re empowered to endure troubles and trials in our own lives and on behalf of others. Jesus himself, the ultimate example, believed in the goodness and fullness of God for our lives long before we ever did. He had faith for us when we didn’t. Now, we get to carry that same attitude as we bear one another’s burdens—something Galatians 6:2 says fulfills the law of Christ.
Many of us have journeyed with people who’ve wrestled with challenging situations—who’ve pushed away help, carried deep grief and suffering, and hurt others along the way. When the road is long and marked by disappointment, it’s easy to lose faith for another.
But God, in His kindness, has put us in a spiritual family—given us others to hold up our arms, stand in faith, and carry hope when we just can’t. As believers, we get to stand alongside others in belief, faith and hope for their healing, freedom and breakthrough.
So, we continue to pray. We hope. We encourage. And then we pray again. Imagine what could happen in our families, our community, our church and for the prodigals if we continued to believe. We carry those we love—tearing off the roof—to the feet of Jesus, just like those four friends.
APPLICATION: Who are you believing for? Ask God to triple your faith for their healing, freedom and wholeness.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for those in my life. Please give me greater faith for their healing, deliverance and provision. Teach me how to pray. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?