Mark2:2-4 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay.


I think of times when I felt so hurt, depressed, confused or some other circumstances, that it felt like I could not find a way out. During many of those moments I was a committed Christian, and yet I felt alone and frozen in place. It has become easier and easier to avoid those traps, but in those particular moments I really needed other Christians to bring me back to Jesus, to my faith.


During Marsha's illness and eventual death we were both held up constantly by others. Friends like Dave & Pat and Roy & Marie who we have known for a long time. Friends from church both clergy and laity. Phone calls from friends and relatives back home as well as some important visits. I haven't even mentioned the huge pile of get well cards and later sympathy cards that  lifted our spirits. You may not have had an experience where such people brought you to Jesus in times of need, but we need to be aware of how important we can be for the faith and wholeness of others.


I hope we don't have to break apart a roof or carry people on a stretcher because I'm not sure I'm fit for that task right now. I do hope God uses me to lift others to his presence in time of their need.