All Rise

(View Daily Bread)

Mark 2:1-12 (NIV)
Jesus Heals a Paralytic

1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins ..." He said to the paralytic, 11 I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

__________________________________________________________

Last Thursday, my cell group leader, Min Shiung, was asking around if anyone was interested in leading praise and worship for our next gathering. I felt a small tug in my heart, but procrastinated to action upon it for I have never lead praise and worship before.

I was supposed to reply him yesterday regarding my decision, but apparently I have yet to reply since I’m not exactly prepared for it. This matter seems to present itself as quite a huge mental block for me.

Thank You O Lord, because this message today brings me courage. You called me to do something, and I really should not hide behind and shun the responsibility. Even though I may not sing well, or even if it's the first time that I'm leading, these reasons do not matter. What matters most is that I rise up and do the things that You called me to do, and faithfully do what pleases You.

Lord I believe through this experience You will teach me things that I will have otherwise not experienced. I believe that You will guide and strengthen me through, and prepare me to serve You in greater things in the future.