Mark 2:1-12
As Jesus saw the faith of the friends of the paralytic, he said, "Son, your sins are forgiven." The teachers of the law, still blind to who Jesus really was, said "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus cared more about this man's salvation than being questioned by the Pharisees. He knew their hearts, and proved his authority to forgive sins by also healing the man.

Jesus amazed people by his teaching, his compassion and his healing, both spiritual and physical. He was not afraid of what others thought of him, but instead always followed his Father and his will. Now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can have Jesus' compassion and teach from his Word if we ask him for wisdom and discernment.

I don't think I'll ever be saying to a wheelchair-bond person, "Get out of that chair and walk," but God can use us to help disabled people in other ways. Maybe some have medical skills so they can help to physically heal someone. Maybe God wants us to pray for a disabled friend, to help one if he/she is discouraged, to pray God will help them use their disability to encourage others. I am amazed at Joni Eareckson Tada and how she has used her disability to reach out to others and form a whole ministry to encourage others. She has said, "I'd rather be in this wheelchair knowing Jesus than to be able bodied and not know him the way I do now."

Whether we are physically whole, or disabled in some way, Jesus is there to give us healing. Sometimes he chooses to heal our bodies, other times he works on our spirits. Sometimes he uses our weaknesses to touch our friends, other times he has to focus on strengthening us first. I am thankful that Jesus is the Great Healer--in whatever way he chooses to heal.

- posted by Suzi @ 8:57 AM