Be Persistent…Press In and Press On
By :: angie c tipton
act now ministries
2.20.2012
Today I was reading the story in the Bible where a paralyzed man was healed by Jesus. In this story, obviously the man couldn’t walk by himself, so his friends carried him on his mat to a house where Jesus was teaching. The house was so full of people that they weren’t able to get inside. The men carrying the man on the mat didn’t let that stop them. They took him to the roof of the house and took away part of the roof and lowered the man down in front of Jesus. Jesus, seeing the faith of the men, said to the man, “Your sins are forgiven.” Now, this statement really got the Pharisees all hot and bothered. Jesus knew exactly what they were thinking and asked them, “Is it easier to say to this man, ‘your sins are forgiven, or stand up, pick up your mat and walk?’” With that, the paralyzed man stood up, picked up his mat and left praising God. (This story can be found in Matt. 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12 and Luke 5:17-26)
I want to point out a few of the things that can be learned from this story.
1:: The man’s friends carried him to Jesus. How many times have we had someone in our lives that needed to be “carried to Jesus,” so to speak? Whether it be in prayer for them, time to let this person vent and then pray for them, literally take them to church or another destination just simply because they need a ride, we, as believers, need to step it up and do the right thing. Let’s not allow our lives to be SO cluttered with “stuff” that we cannot or WILL NOT take the time to do the right thing. If you notice in the scripture, Jesus healed the man because of “their” faith. It doesn’t say he healed him because of the man’s own faith. That statement speaks volumes to me! Because of OUR own faith, OUR own actions, OUR own persistence, we can have a HUGELY positive affect in the lives of others! I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to pass up ANY opportunity where I can be helpful in that way to someone else.
2:: The place where Jesus was, had so many people that the men were unable to get the paralyzed man to Jesus. Let me ask you this; are you so busy at your church that, if/when someone in desperate need of our Lord and Savior comes in; do you see them, make room for them or perhaps lead them to the place to get the proper help? I’m convinced that it matters not whether the church we attend has 10 people or 10,000 people, if we don’t make ourselves alert to those around us, we may be missing out on an opportunity to help someone else. Let’s make a conscious effort to look for those in need, whether they are within the church walls or outside of them. Let’s choose to BE the difference in someone’s life to either help them or get them to the help that is needed. I don’t want to be someone who’s eyes and ears are closed to those in need. You NEVER know what someone is going through and you NEVER know when you may be the last person that they reach out to for help. As believers, we’re here to serve, not to be served!
3:: The men who were carrying the paralyzed man did not let the fact that they could not get through the crowd stop them. They were determined to find a way to get to Jesus. Can you imagine having enough determination to find it necessary to take down part of a roof to get to Jesus? They WERE determined! When we find ourselves with obstacles in our paths, we need to press in and press on and be determined that nothing and no one is going to stop us from our breakthrough. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ~ Matthew 7:7 ~ This scripture is easy to say, but it is not the easiest to live out. Sometimes the process of living out these words can take a long time. I would venture a guess that most folks don’t get their breakthrough because it is not always easy and they give up or they believe the lies of the enemy and give up. Be persistent…press in and press on.
4:: Now what about the paralyzed man? Jesus didn’t heal him the moment he saw him. No, first he told him that his sins were forgiven and moments later he healed him. I believe this suggests that we are not to just seek Jesus for physical healing, but spiritual healing as well. First, Jesus forgave him of his sins. This shows just how much we need Jesus. We NEED his forgiveness to keep from being “paralyzed” spiritually. Then, Jesus healed him physically. Jesus demonstrated his power and authority, not only in that moment, but for us all for all eternity. It also shows us that we need him for all aspects of life…spiritually, physically, emotionally, etc.
I have to tell you, I have experienced everything that I have written about today in one way or another. I have been the one who was paralyzed spiritually and emotionally and in turn, it crippled me physically in that I was so depressed that I could not function properly. When I needed some one to care the most is when I got abandonment and judgment. But, I have also been the one helping others to get back on their feet...this is SO important to me to help others. If you have never experienced the terrible time of depression or suicidal thoughts, I ask you to pray to God and ask for compassion in that area. The body of Christ could use more people with compassion in this area.
No matter what category you may find yourself in, be persistent…press in and press on. Honestly, it took me some time to get my head wrapped around this concept, but Jesus has it all figured out already...really…ALL OF IT! He didn’t die on that cross just so that we could go to Heaven, although if we accept him as our Savior, we will certainly enjoy Heaven. He took care of our EVERY need when he died on the cross. Yes, EVERY need. It’s OUR job to look to him, trust in him, be persistent…press in and press on. If you look to him for ALL aspects of your life, he WILL show you the way. He IS faithful and his love for us is SO much greater than we can even imagine! So, I encourage you to Be Persistent…Press In and Press On!!
