In Luke 5, we read the story of yet another one of Jesus’s miraculous healings. The four friends of a paralyzed man knew Jesus was preaching in a house nearby. But they were unable to get close to Him through the crowds. So instead of turning around to go home, they lifted their friend onto the roof of the house, cut a hole, and lowered him down right in front of Jesus. Those are some good friends!

When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Man, your sins are forgiven.” Then, knowing that the Pharisees were doubting, He continued, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” And the man was healed!

Notice that with the same power, Jesus forgave the man’s sins and healed him. Psalm 103:2-3 says, Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases… Many people struggle to believe that Jesus’s healing power is still available today. We know that His mercy and forgiveness is for us, and we need to remember that healing is also available now!

So how do we access the healing power of God in our lives? The four friends of the paralytic man put their faith in action as they climbed up on that roof. There is a time to hear the Word and build your faith, but then you must put it into practice!