We Go TogetherNäide

Expect Good Things

There is a myth that comfort is a collective right, and we should do everything we can to obtain it. So we try to mitigate risk, make wise long-term investments, and stay safe. This concern for comfort seeps into our faith too. Yet the friends in Luke 5 didn’t choose the safe route. It wasn’t a “wise decision” to lower a friend through a hole in the roof.

Some of the best things are found on the other side of fear. And let’s be honest, following Jesus isn’t safe. So, let’s consider what “safe” plans we have constructed and consider where Jesus is saying to get a little more creative in how we bring our friends to him. How can we bravely expect good things for our friends like the buddies in this story who took a risk because they knew something better was possible for their hurting friend.

Your courageous faith could be a catalyst in someone else’s life. Faith moves the hand of God. Jesus is the Son of God who has the authority to forgive sins and bring freedom. He is worth the risk. There are desperate, paralyzed, hurting people who need some friends to get pushy on their behalf. May we have the wisdom to exchange safety and control for the opportunity to love and serve. And may we show ourselves grace when we are the ones who need to be served.

Sometimes we look around and feel like we haven’t done enough — haven’t worked hard enough to cultivate friendships, haven’t accomplished what we thought we would in life. Motherhood, marriage, and life have proved harder than we thought they would be, and shame tells us it’s because we’ve done it wrong, we don’t measure up, it’s too late. The disappointments of life make us forget how to live expectantly. Don’t buy into the oppressive voice that always tries to convince you you’re not enough or don’t have enough time, money, or accomplishments. Imagine that you are 95 years old looking back at your today-years-old self. You’d tell her, “Your life is just beginning! You are sitting on a pile of gems; you can’t see it yet because your shame blinds you. Resist the rush. Just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it’s not going to. Beautiful things are ahead of you. Your current season is the proving ground for divine participation.”

Lastly, we don’t have to do any of this alone. In this story, we watch a group of friends carry the weight of one soul. Too often, we think we have to carry the weight ourselves or pressure ourselves to have all the answers. The truth is, it can be a team lift. It’s a team effort to carry people to Jesus. We each have a role, but it’s not up to us alone.

Consider This…

What remarkable things has God done in your life recently? Who can you tell about it?

What big prayers should you be praying?

Together…

May we be filled with confident faith. May we be people who pray crazy big prayers. May we be alert to the voice of God, developing a deep trust in what our purpose is. We will come together as friends and show the world the remarkable things that God can do. As we do, may you find sisters who will help you do what feels impossible.