Daily Message 02.16.2022

Mark 2:4.  And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, they uncovered the roof where He was; and when they had broken it up,
They let down the bed whereon the sick of the palsy lay.
Mark 2:5.  When Jesus saw their faith, He said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 

Good Wednesday morning.  I trust that you all are doing well in the Lord.  Today these passages in Mark have brought us to think once again how important it is that we pray for others and the importance of faith in the Lord.    Winston Churchill, the former Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II, had to rally the British people in the midst of a very low time for them in history.  His inspiring speeches were laced with many notable and memorable expressions.  One of his most notable points was the encouragement to PRESS ON.  NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP would be his expression for perseverance in the face of great doubt and fear.  Certainly the Lord was in this matter and delivered the British people from destruction, and no doubt there were many prayers lifted up during this time that were noted by God as well.
 
We may not be in a position as the Prime Minister was at that time, but each and every day we are confronted with many challenges that seem almost overwhelming.  Without the grace of God and His abiding Love toward us we would be consumed.  This story of the man on his sick bed and needing more help than could be imagined reminds us of God's ever abiding Faith and Love for us and that He will deliver those that are His!  
 
A few points to consider from this account.  The man’s friends were truly seeking to help him and didn’t give up when one path was blocked.  They continued to find other ways to get the man closer to the Lord.  

• The effort it took to move the man and his bed to the roof.
• Removal of the roof to allow the bed and man to be lowered into the house.
• The demonstration of faith by the man’s friends.  They never gave up.
• The Lord forgives the man’s sins.  We know the Lord forgives sin, but this demonstrates the fact that our troubles can all be linked to our sinful nature.  The natural man is full of sin and prone to it.  He needs Saving Grace in abundance!
• Only the Lord could deliver what the man needed in the end.

 
​The same is true for each of us; Only the Lord can deliver what we need in the end.  But it is encouraging to think that prayers of the faithful carry so much and the Lord hears and grants those requests as well.  Our faithfulness is not singular only including us but is to be shared to those who the Lord is their God.  
But certainly a priority should be prayers and thoughts sent forth for the faithful in the Lord that we know need his saving Grace.  And He is faithful to answer and grant those requests.  How encouraging it is to know the Lord is able to handle all of these needs and requests.  It is encouraging to know the Lord is in control of the situation and His glory reigns now and forever!
 
May the Good Lord bless you this day and those ahead.  
 
Brother Mike