Scripture:

Mark 2:3-5
3 And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men.
4 Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.
5 And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
NASU


Thoughts:

This is such a moving story.  These 4 men pull out all the stops to get this paralytic to Jesus.  Ironically, their overcoming the obstacle is the most touching of their actions.

These men responded to an obstacle with action.  They could have easily excused themselves from helping this man.  They had brought him this far, but the crowd was in the way.  They had done all they could, right?  Instead of thinking this way, they went a step further and were creative and even controversial (imagine someone dismantling your roof!).  They knew his need was urgent, and they knew Jesus could help him.

I know we need discernment, some obstacles may be God closing a door, but I also wonder if there are obstacles in our lives that would prevent us from bringing people to Jesus that He would have us overcome.  Perhaps fear and timidity.  Maybe a past hurt involving the person.  Maybe a lack of creativity.  Or even just the inconvenience of taking the time to talk to someone.


Prayer:

Lord, help me to overcome those things that keep me from bringing people to You. 

Amen