Day 69 — Carried by the Faith of Others

Main verse

“When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.”
— Mark 2:5 (KJV)

Meditation

The paralyzed man could not reach Jesus on his own. Four men carried him. Finding the entrance to the house blocked by the crowd, they climbed onto the roof, made an opening, and lowered their friend to Jesus’ feet.

The text records no words from the sick man. We do not know whether he was full of hope, worn down by disappointments, or simply unable to express what he felt. But his friends had enough faith to carry him.

There are seasons when our own trust grows weak. Suffering, grief, or a long wait can exhaust our ability to pray. We then need people who keep believing with us and sometimes for us.

Receiving this support requires humility. We often prefer to be those who carry rather than those who must be laid on a mat. Yet the community of faith exists precisely for these moments. No one is called to face every trial alone.

The friends’ faith was more than a warm feeling. It had hands, shoulders, and a perseverance willing to look for another entrance. It did not stop at the obstacle of the crowd.

Today, we may be the paralyzed man or one of those carrying him. Perhaps we need to ask for help and let someone pray with us. Perhaps God places on our hearts someone too weary to move forward alone.

We cannot do Jesus’ work of healing and forgiveness in his place. But we can carry someone into his presence.

Psalm

Psalm 20:1–5 (KJV)

¹ The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; ² Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; ³ Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. ⁴ Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. ⁵ We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Further Bible reading

Mark 2:1–12; Exodus 17:8–13; Galatians 6:2

Suggested hymn

The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 432 — “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”

View the hymn reference ↗

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the people who carried me when my faith was weak. Give me humility to receive their help. Show me, too, who needs my prayer, my presence, or my practical support today. Make me a faithful bearer who leads others to you without presuming to take your place. Amen.

A thought to keep

When my faith can no longer walk alone, God can send people to carry it.

Personal Notes

What would you like to remember, pray about, or put into practice today?