Carrying our friends to Jesus

*A forwarded email i received from someone. The timing of this was so amazing, and relevant in my life at that point of time i received it. It's amazing how God times things, and He is so full of surprises! I hope this helps those reading it, i know it has already impacted a few ;)*


Carrying our Friends to Jesus
Glynnis Whitwer - Senior Editor P31 Woman, Proverbs 31 Ministries
speaker, editor@proverbs31.org

Key verse:

"Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into
the house to lay him before Jesus." Luke 5:18 (NIV)


Devotion:

There's a great scene in the movie "Lord of the Ring: The Return of the
King" where the characters Sam and Frodo are approaching the end of
their long journey to destroy a ring and restore peace to their
embattled land.

The two little Hobbits are picking their way up a volcano-like mountain
covered with smoke and burning rock. Frodo is the carrier of the ring,
and with each step, the evil forces behind it drain his will and
strength. When it looks as if Frodo can carry his burden no farther, his
faithful companion Sam lifts him in his arms and says, "Come on, Mr.
Frodo. I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you." With that, solid
little Sam picks up Frodo and carries him the rest of the way up the
mountain.

As I watched that amazing scene, God showed me a picture of what His
vision of Christian fellowship could be like: believers helping each
other when faced with life's difficulties. But the reality of life is
that I can't always take on the burdens my friends are carrying, even
though I would willingly do so. My sister lost her daughter in a car
accident this summer. I can't take away that pain and grief. A friend's
husband is without a job. In "The Return of the King," Sam couldn't
carry the ring.

Being a "fixer" by nature, I wish I could carry my loved ones' burdens
or take on their sorrow and frustrations myself. At times, I'm
emotionally stronger than my friends, physically healthier, and my faith
is on more solid ground. But try as I might, there are times when I just
can't help enough.

There's a story in Luke chapter 5 about four men who couldn't carry a
friend's burden, but they knew who could. These four men must have heard
about the great miracles of Jesus and believed Jesus could help their
friend. With great faith and determination, they carried their friend
to a house where Jesus was teaching. When they couldn't get through the
door because of the crowds, they carried their friend up to the roof and
lowered his mat through the tiles and into the center of the crowd,
where Jesus did heal him.

When our loved ones are weak and burdened, they might need us to carry
them to Jesus, too. We can do this by praying with them and for them.
Something amazing happens when we lay our hands on a friend and together
we approach God in prayer. We can also invite people to church if they
don't already attend one, give them a Bible, a helpful book, and type
some Scriptures that apply to their situation or buy them an audio tape
of a great teaching.

When people close to us are suffering, there are things we can do. But
they are never enough because our friends need Jesus. The best thing we
can do is carry our friends to Jesus when they just can't get there
themselves.


My prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your almighty power and great love. I
confess the times I have neglected to share Your hope and love with
those in need. I pray for wisdom to know how to bring my friends to You.
Thank you for answering our prayers and for Your faithfulness. In Jesus'
Name, Amen.


Application steps:

Identify one or two friends or loved ones who are going through a rough
time. List some practical ways you can direct them to God for help.
Schedule a time to do these things.


Reflection points:

What are some common trials that can leave us tired and emotionally
spent?

How do you feel when someone prays for you?

What keeps you from reaching out more to hurting friends?

How can you overcome those concerns?

How has God carried your burdens when you feel as if you can't go on?


Power verses:

Romans 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the
weak and not to please ourselves. (NIV)

Romans 15: 5-6 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give
you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so
that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)

Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in
unity. (NIV)

Matthew 11:28 Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give
you rest." (NIV)

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will
fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)