Southern hospitality; no one did it better than Percy and Susie Samuels. After loading our plates with more chicken than a human should be allowed to consume in one sitting, then came the vegetables and a mountain of mashed potatoes. Wash it all down with sweet tea and “be sure to leave room for dessert.” Such was my introduction to Fredericksburg, Virginia where I served as a young minister in my first church. That was over forty years ago. (I was 22 at the time.) My indigestion has long since passed, but the deep impression this godly couple made on me that day remains with me still. They taught me a lesson in faith.
Bowie and I were glued to our seats as Brother Percy shared one story after another about their spiritual journey and the trials they encountered along the way. This elderly couple’s simple faith didn’t come without a cost. He told of the time Sister Susie had taken ill and how long they had wrestled in prayer and fasting as she slowly but surely drifted ever closer to death’s door. Such long-lasting trials can be very wearing on the soul. Their Pastor at the time, Brother Charles Andrews, sensed that this was happening as he made his daily visits to their home. His counsel, though wise, was highly unconventional. “You stop praying … we’ll take over from here.” Far from an empty promise, he immediately called the church together to pray Sister Susie through to victory. You could almost feel their relief as they cast their heavy burden upon the shoulders of the family of God. And so, prayer was made without ceasing of the church for her. Many years later, as a testimony to God’s faithfulness, Sister Susie was standing there, serving me and Bowie a quarter of an apple pie each for dessert ... No kidding!
Today we read in Luke chapter five, “And when he [Jesus] saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.“ (vs.20) Thank God that we can have faith for one another.
Isn’t that what intercession is all about and why we engage in corporate prayer? The paralyzed man in our story was unable to get to Jesus on his own. He needed friends to carry him. But not the kind of friends who would bring him back home as soon as they saw the crowd blocking the door, but friends who had faith - the kind that overcomes obstacles. Friends that wouldn’t give up until they made contact with the object of their faith – Jesus Christ the Great Physician. Climbing onto the roof, they lowered the cot over the place where Jesus stood. That’s when Jesus saw their faith! Their faith in Jesus was expressed by the extent to which they were willing to go, in order to get to Him. James tells us, “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, [impossible] and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)
We might not be required to climb a house or tear up a roof, but obstacles present themselves in a variety of ways both natural and spiritual. A bank account, a doctor’s report, discouraging advice or worsening symptoms can all make up the “crowd” that stands in our way. Add to these the “wait factor” and too often our faith doesn’t last the time it takes to receive the answer. But like the links of a chain, my faith joined with that of other believers, forms a much stronger bond that stretches all the way to Jesus. If two of you agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. (Mt. 18:19)
Not only did the man walk home that day, but he received so much more than he came for.
Jesus had authority to both heal the sick and forgive the sinner. Both had to flee at His command. Healing explained his ability to walk - forgiveness explained the spring in his step. Now it was his turn to find someone “to carry.”
“Stop praying … we’ll take over from here.” It just might be our turn to carry someone as well.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for friends that carry me to You in my need. Open my eyes to see when I should do the heavy lifting for someone else.
