Reflection: Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home

After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into His own town. And there people brought to Him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." Matthew 9:1-2

Jesus performed a miracle for the paralytic because of the faith of the people. All acts of faith and love begin with prayer in the heart.

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to human beings. Matthew 9:6-8

The paralytic was physically healed but Jesus did even more. He healed him spiritually by forgiving his sins. Jesus has authority to do this and He does more than any of us can imagine! 

Jesus wants to do this for you too and for those you pray for. Your faith makes a difference! When you pray, God's heart is moved. Never give up or become discouraged. The Lord is near. He will act when He desires. Be patient and wait; pray and persevere.

Do you know someone who needs healing or someone who is far away from Jesus, maybe a friend or a loved one? 

Consider what you could do to bring that person to Jesus. Sometimes, it is simply an invitation. The most important thing you can do is pray for that person. God will hear your prayers. He will answer them, sometimes right away, but most often, God waits. At just the right time, He will move. We are God's workers, but the growth is God's work.

"What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, just as the Lord assigned each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who causes the growth. The one who plants and one who waters are equal, and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor. For we are God's co-workers; you are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:5-9

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Romans 12:12

Pray, pray, pray. Prayer shakes the Heart of God. Prayer is a spiritual work of mercy. Ask Jesus to stretch out His hand and heal you or your loved ones. Ask Him to increase your faith and pray with the confident trust of a child.

Rise, pick up your stretcher and run to Jesus!

Jesus is your friend and He is waiting to hear from you...
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