November 16
Scripture: Mark 2:3-4
Source author: Julie Durham
November 16
Carry a Friend to Jesus 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. —Mark 2:3–4
Sometimes Sally carries me. At other times, Rhonda is my transport. Sandy has been known to lift me up. And I could name a few others who have borne my weight over the years. We all get paralyzed at times. Although we may not be physically paralyzed like the man in this Scripture, we may be emotionally or even spiritually unable to move like we should. Fears, worries, weariness, discouragement . . . all these things can impede our mobility. But that doesn’t have to mean we’re finished. That’s one of the reasons God gives us friends. Through their words, prayers, and encouragement, they keep us going when we feel we can’t move. They can even take us to Jesus when we feel spiritually paralyzed. And in return, we can do the same for others. Do you know someone who needs a little help walking? Or maybe who can’t see Jesus because of the crowds of people or concerns in his or her life? Maybe it’s time to carry a friend to Jesus.
None of us have to be paralyzed when we have friends. — Julie Durham —