What is your real need?

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5)

The episode described in this verse is well-known. Jesus was in a city, inside a house. The people were so eager to see and hear Him that the place was completely full, and no one could enter or leave. In that city, there was a paralytic with kind friends who agreed to bring their needy friend to the great miracle-working teacher to be healed.

The brave group couldn't pass through the main door due to the large crowd. Their solution was creative—they opened a hole in the roof and lowered the paralytic through it! Seeing the great faith of these people, Jesus... said, "Your sins are forgiven."

Jesus' action surprises those who pay close attention to the text. The paralytic's apparent need seems to be physical healing, but when he presents himself before Jesus, he receives forgiveness. This shows that Jesus knows our needs better than we do and better than those around us. You may be asking something of the Lord, but God is giving you what you truly need.

Know yourself.

• Ask God to open your eyes so you can see what your true needs are.

• Continue in prayer and seeking the Lord Jesus, just as the paralytic did.

• Surround yourself with faithful friends who will help you overcome difficulties.

To pray:

Lord Jesus, I want to seek You with as much love and faith as the paralytic in the Bible story. Help me to see what my real needs are and give me what I truly need. Lord, I trust in Your wisdom, so I pray and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.