The title of my video devotional today is, faith and trust. In this devotional, we reflect on the healing of the paralysed man in Mark 2:12. After being lowered through the roof by four determined friends, the man met Jesus. Scripture says, “Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all; so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this.’”
The scene in Mark 2
The house was crowded and the doorway was blocked, but faith found a way. The friends removed part of the roof and lowered the stretcher to where Jesus was teaching. Jesus first addressed the deeper need by forgiving the man’s sins and then confirmed His authority by healing his body. The result was amazement and glory given to God.
Faith that acts
Faith is more than a feeling. It is a settled trust in the character and promises of God. Those friends believed that getting their companion to Jesus would make all the difference, and their belief became visible in their actions. Our faith grows when we keep bringing impossible situations to the Lord and refuse to let obstacles turn us away.
Trust that perseveres in prayer
Sometimes answers come in stages. We may see an improvement but not the fullness we hoped for. Jesus encourages us to continue asking, seeking and knocking. He said, “If you have faith and do not doubt… whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:21–22). We are invited to return again with expectancy.
Learning from Abraham
Abraham “did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform” (Romans 4:20–21). He looked beyond the visible and trusted the God who keeps His word. That same posture helps us say with the crowd in Mark’s Gospel, “We never saw anything like this.”
Personal application
- Bring your need to Jesus. Name the situation you face and place it before Him in prayer.
- Refuse discouragement. When the door is shut, ask the Lord for His way through.
- Pray with expectancy. Thank God in advance and watch for His answer.
- Carry someone else to Jesus. Intercede for a friend who needs hope or healing.
A simple prayer
Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith and help me to trust You without doubting. Teach me to pray with expectancy and to glorify You in every answer. Amen.
Questions for reflection
- Where am I tempted to doubt God’s promise rather than trust His character?
- What “roof” might I need to break through in prayer today?
- Who can I carry to Jesus this week through intercession and encouragement?
Related devotionals on A Countryman’s View
- Calming the Storm — Luke 8:22–25
- Going Through the Furnace — Isaiah 48:10
- In the Spirit or the Flesh — Galatians 3:3
- Is the Building Shaking — Acts 4:31
Scriptures cited
- Mark 2:1–12
- Matthew 21:21–22
- Romans 4:18–21
Share your story
Have you experienced an answer to prayer recently, or are you waiting on the Lord for a breakthrough? Share in the comments so we can encourage one another and pray together.