How Desperate Are We?

How desperate are you to bring people to Jesus? It’s a question I’ve been asking myself lately. I realize I’m far from the kind of desperation the four friends of the paralyzed man displayed. Now those men were desperate. They believed Jesus could heal their friend, so they lifted him up and carried him to the place where Jesus was teaching. But when they arrived, the crowd blocked them from any chance of getting him to Jesus. Undeterred, they dug a hole in the roof of the house! They lowered their friend before Jesus and Jesus responded to their faith. The paralyzed man left that house with new legs and a forgiven soul.

But what if the friends hadn’t taken the time or exerted the energy to carry their friend to Jesus? What if they let themselves think Jesus couldn’t do the impossible and feared giving their friend false hope?

Thankfully, those faithful friends did not fall short. They believed. They acted. They witnessed a miracle.

Jesus is the answer for every person in the world — no matter what the circumstance. No one falls outside his love or ability to rescue. Unfortunately, I forget that at times, especially when I'm reluctant to talk about Jesus to those who seem to “have it all together,” or when I view some people as “too far gone” or too hardened to ever acknowledge their need for Jesus.

Let’s not be deceived. Let’s respond to God’s heart for people. Let’s get a little desperate to bring them to Jesus.

Father, how great is your love for people! Forgive us when we look only on the outside and fail to see their deep need for you. Help us cultivate hearts as faithful as those friends of the paralyzed man. Make us desperate to bring people to you. Amen.

Go Deeper — List five people you would like to see come to Jesus. Pray for God to soften their hearts and also to give you the opportunity to share what Jesus has done for you.