LENT, DAY 11: LOWERED THROUGH THE ROOF
FAST FROM: Letting Pride Keep You From Help
“Son, your sins are forgiven.”
— Mark 2:5 (NIV)
Sometimes the hardest question to answer is “How are you?” I often want to ask “So, would you like the easy answer or the truth?” It’s so much easier to tell everyone that we are “good.” Sometimes we are not good. Sometimes we are tired, overwhelmed, quietly carrying more than anyone knows.
It’s easy to get lost in the idea of being strong, dependable, the one others lean on. So asking for help can feel like weakness.
In today’s Scripture, a paralyzed man could not get to Jesus on his own. The house was crowded. The doorway was blocked. And he was paralyzed. So his friends climbed onto the roof, tore it open, and lowered him down…. Imagine that moment.
He had to let himself be carried.
He had to let himself be seen.
He had to let others witness his need.
Sometimes pride keeps us stuck longer than paralysis. Notice something powerful: the text says Jesus saw their faith. Not just his. Community carried him into healing. Whew!
There are seasons when strength looks like independence. And there are seasons when strength looks like surrender. Healing often begins when we stop pretending that we don’t need help.
Reflection Questions
Where has pride kept you from asking for help?
Who in your life has faith strong enough to carry you when you’re weak?
Today’s Affirmations
I am strong enough to ask for help.
God sends people to support me.
I do not have to carry everything alone.
Kingdom Marker Journeying together makes healing possible.
Prayer
Lord, Sometimes I’m private and sometimes I’m just down right prideful. In times where I am allowing my pride to hinder me, soften my pride and strengthen my trust. Help me receive support and allow others to walk with me when I feel overwhelmed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
