I return to the early portion of Mark's gospel, this time to chapter 2, for a simple yet profound thought. The story of the paralyzed man who was let down into the room by his friends. The thought that lodged in my heart today was that the men, both the paralyzed man and his friends, desired to see the paralyzed man physically healed, but Jesus first addressed his spiritual need of forgiveness. I was reminded that often we do not realize the true need that we have. We may focus on physical, financial, relational, etc. needs, but the greatest need that we have is always a spiritual need. When we have addressed our walk with Christ, then all other needs will fall into place. Those needs may be great, but the spiritual need to walk with Christ with adoration and obedience is always the greatest need.
As we read the account given on Mark, we see that Christ addressed both the spiritual need and the physical need. Often we will see that happen, but not always. Sometimes the way to have the primary need met is to allow the secondary needs to continue. Paul experienced that as described in II Corinthians 12 when he discusses his "thorn in the flesh." He prayed that God would heal him, but God chose not to do that. God understood that the issue Paul was dealing with had a greater purpose. Now, as we consider our lives, are we willing to allow God to be sovereign and continue to follow Him even when He does not "solve our problem"?
If I believe that God is truly sovereign, then I must accept that He is sovereign in every instance of life. He knows the needs that I am facing and He knows what they can/will accomplish in my life and in the lives of others. I may pray and ask for God for help, but He may choose to address a completely different need that His greater purpose might be fulfilled. In all things and at all times, I must trust Him. That can be a tough lesson to learn, but one that we must learn indeed.
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