I love the story of the paralytic in Mark 2:1-12. Maybe it’s because I am a caregiver and know the level of care and dedication it takes to help someone who cannot do things for themself. I love the tenacity of friends that were determined, no matter what, to get their friend the help he needed. I like to imagine the creativity, strength, and collaboration it took to lift the paralytic onto the roof, make a hole in the ceiling (Did the homeowner have insurance for that?), and then lower him down hovering over the people below. And while the paralytic, who gets healed, is often the star of the show, the friends are what astound me. Verse 5 says, “And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” It is unclear if it was the faith of the friends alone or if the paralytic had faith as well, but the faith of the friends was definitely factored into the testimony. That day, not only was the paralytic set free, but so also were all those who took care of him.
We all carry a measure of faith. Whatever measure that is captures the attention of God. Mark 17:20 says we only need faith the size of a mustard seed and nothing will be impossible for you. As we pray for healing that is physical, spiritual, or emotional, whether it is for yourself or someone else, you have the God who created heaven and earth backing you up.
When faced with a need, our tendency is to filter the miracle through our own level of understanding. While a headache seems like an easy miracle and a blind person seeing again seems like a big miracle, to God they are all the same. As you focus on God the healer, you are not healing in your own strength, but simply a conduit through which God moves. On the first two days of our fast, we talked about who God is and who we are in him. As you pray for your needs and the needs of others, it is helpful to spend time focusing on the attributes of God and his nature, as well as spend time reading through Jesus’ ministry. Let it be like fuel to your faith. Remember that you are his child, equipped with power and authority to go in his name, to heal the sick, cast out demons, and set the captives free.
Listening Prayer:
Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind anyone he wants you to be praying for that needs healing. Ask the Holy Spirit how he wants you to do that.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I confess that there are times when it is hard for me to see past my earthly understanding. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you. I choose to believe that you are Jehovah Raffa, the God who heals. I ask that you would fill me, Holy Spirit, with the power to heal, deliver, and set the captives free. Take the faith I have and use it for your glory. And help me where my faith is lacking. I give my whole body to you to use as a conduit through which you can flow through, Jesus. Tune my ears to your voice so I can do what you are doing. May people come to know you and be set free as I follow your lead. In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.
Resource: Bible Verses on Faith
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
“And Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ And the blind man said to him, ‘Rabbi, let me recover my sight.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.” (Mark 10:51-52)
“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:19-20)
Worship Song:
“More Than Able” by Elevation Worship
“Firm Foundation” by Maverick City