Pastor Stephen Dedman

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬

The apostle Paul’s prayer in 2 Thessalonians 1:11 expresses a deep desire that God would count us worthy of the divine calling placed upon our lives. 

This prayer unveils a profound truth — that our calling is not a random occurrence, but a purposeful design crafted by God Himself. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, Paul’s prayer encourages us to seek worthiness in our response to this divine calling.

God’s goodness plays a pivotal role in this journey. It is His goodness that propels us forward, guiding us along the path of righteousness. The fulfillment of God’s good pleasure is closely connected to the work of faith. As we exercise faith in Him, His power is unleashed, enabling us to live out the calling with strength and purpose.

Today, let us embrace this prayer as our own, seeking worthiness in our response to God’s calling. May His goodness guide our steps, and may the work of faith in our lives be accompanied by His mighty power. As we align ourselves with His purpose, we discover the true fulfillment that comes from living out our calling with God’s divine strength.

Pray

Lord, help me to embrace Your goodness in my life. Thank You for loving me and guiding me by Your power. Give me wisdom to fully understand the plans You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.
‭‭Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A paralyzed man’s friends went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus for healing. When they encountered obstacles, they didn’t give up; instead, they displayed a faith that moved mountains. This story illustrates the power of faith and determination. 

Jesus was in a crowded house, making it nearly impossible to reach Him. Yet, the friends refused to give up. They were determined to bring him to the Healer. When they couldn’t find a way in, they found a way to overcome the obstacles before them.

The friends’ actions reveal a bold faith. They didn’t let the crowd, the roof, or inconvenience stop them. Their faith propelled them to take extraordinary measures. Their actions demonstrate a faith that goes beyond mere belief; it leads to action that reflects trust in God’s power.

These friends went above and beyond by digging a hole in the roof. Their actions reflect a willingness to inconvenience themselves for the sake of another’s well-being. This selflessness aligns with the heart of Jesus.

Once they opened the roof, the friends lowered the paralyzed man down to Jesus. Their actions reflected a profound trust in Jesus’ ability to heal. They had confidence that Jesus would definitely heal him. 

This story challenges us to examine our own faith. Are we willing to go to great lengths to help those in need? Are we prepared to deal with obstacles and dig through barriers to bring others closer to Jesus?

As you reflect on Mark 2:4, consider the role of faith in your own life. Are there obstacles you’ve encountered that require audacious faith and determined action? Let this story inspire you to approach challenges with a faith that is bold, selfless, and unyielding—a faith that moves mountains and draws you closer to Jesus.

Pray

Lord, teach me to have a determined faith. Help me overcome obstacles and barriers that stand in the way of bringing others closer to You. Give me compassion to care for the needs of others. In Jesus’ name, amen.