Do Whatever it Takes

Have you ever known someone who was truly determined to do

something? Someone determined enough not to give up regardless

of how hard or impossible the situation appeared to be? Most likely

that person achieved their goals because of their determination.

In Mark 2:1-4 we read about the determination of some men

towards a paralytic man. The story goes as follows: Jesus was in

Capernaum preaching to such a large crowd surrounding Him that

people couldn’t even get to the door to get in to hear Him. There

then came some men carrying a man who needed healing because he

was paralyzed. As these men got closer, they saw, because of the large

crowd, they couldn’t make their way to Jesus. Now at this moment

they could have given up and said they were sorry he wasn’t going to

get his healing, because they just couldn’t get in and quit. They

decided through determination to go one step further and not give

up. Together they tore the roof off, piece by piece, eventually being

able to lower their friend directly down into the sight of Jesus, and he

was healed. The Bible does not tell us how long it took or even if

they had any tools available to them, however what is evident is they

were determined not to let anything stand in their way, and they

didn’t. These men were willing to go the distance for this man

regardless of how much time it took, and how many obstacles were

facing them. Because of that, this man was restored to great health

not only outside but inwardly as well.

Another important lesson to learn from this story is these men

never asked for a thank you or recognition. They were not found

bragging or boasting on what they had done, because these men

knew it wasn’t about them, but about their friend and Jesus who

healed him.

Galatians 6:2 tells us to, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this

way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

I John 3:16-18 says, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus

Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives

for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and

sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the

love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with

words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

The men in this story are true examples of what God’s word tells

us to do. There are so many needs in this world, and equally so much

we can do to help. We must be willing to take a closer look at those

around us, and their need and a way we can help. Not to just wait for

someone to come to us but for us to be aware. To be determined to

help, and not give up despite how impossible or time consuming it

may be. The Bible says we are to bear or carry each other’s burdens

(needs) because that is one way we show God’s love to others, and

we are to do it humbly and willingly. To help out of sincere love for

others and not out of the hope of personal or public recognition. Not

only willing to help if it does not put us out too much, but because of

the love of God within us. We need to also remember that with God

He is the One who always sees when we help others and will bless us

accordingly. For when we help others it is too be unto the Lord Jesus

Christ and not for public accolades.

I admire the courage, love, dedication and determination of

these men for what they did for that man, as I’m sure the man who

was healed would also agree. Imagine the thankfulness this man had

felt as he witnessed what lengths his friends were willing to go for

him. Imagine the man lying on a stretcher hearing all their

challenging work take place and imagine the thoughts that ran

through his mind. His friends that day were determined to get him to

Jesus, and by their actions these men are still bringing others to

Christ. May we all have those same qualities to help those in need

around us, and may we never give up so that others may be brought

into the presence of Jesus Christ and be restored not only physically

but internally as well.

What About You?

1. How does or doesn’t your life reflect God?

2. What do you need to change to represent Him better?

From God's Garden Tools by Gina Burns