Faith is Visible

Today's reading: Luke 5:12-28

'And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”' - Luke 5:20 ESV

What good is your faith for the benefit of someone else? We can't believe on behalf of someone else, can we? No, you can't, but there is so much that you can do for another who hasn't yet trusted Jesus.

Think about our reading for today. These men would not let a crowd keep them from getting their friend to Jesus. Not only were they creative, but it would have taken great strength to get this paralyzed man on top of the house and then to be lowered down.

To Jesus, their faith was visible. Faith will always find its expression in what we can see (check out James 2:18). Faith is personal, but it isn't private.

These men put their friend in the best possible place for Jesus to change his life. This has the potential to change the way we pray for others. Below are some ways that might help us today as we seek to help those we love to experience the powerful healing of Jesus:

1) Get creative >> No one will be reached the same way. We have to look for custom-fit, creative ways to reach those who need a life change.

2) Expect it not to be easy >> Evangelism is a marathon and not a sprint. Lock in long-term. Show them you aren't going anywhere.

3) Exemplify faith >> Don't be a fraud. Authentically follow Jesus yourself. Show them what it looks like to follow Jesus every day.

Jesus can see your faith. So can others. God can use your faith to make an eternal difference.