Understanding the Power of Believing for Others
The Story of Faith in Action
Let’s talk about a story from the Bible that’s all about faith—believing in something even when it seems impossible. In Luke 5:17-20, Jesus was teaching in a crowded house. People had come from all over to hear Him and witness miracles. Among the crowd were religious leaders and experts in the law, curious about Jesus and what He was doing.
The Paralyzed Man and His Friends
In the middle of all this, a group of friends had a problem: one of them was paralyzed and couldn’t walk. They believed Jesus could help, so they decided to bring their friend to Him. But the house was so full, there was no way to get inside. Instead of giving up, these friends found a creative solution—they climbed onto the roof, made a hole, and lowered their friend right in front of Jesus!
Jesus Sees Their Faith
Here’s the key part: When Jesus saw what these friends did, He noticed their faith. He didn’t ask about the paralyzed man’s faith; He focused on the friends’ determination and belief. Jesus responded by forgiving the man’s sins and healing him. This shows that sometimes, the faith of people around us can make a huge difference.
Why This Matters
This miracle was so important that three different gospel writers—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—recorded it. When more than one writer highlights the same event, it’s usually because there’s an important lesson to learn. In this case, it’s about how God values faith, especially when we have it for others.
The Bible doesn’t say whether the paralyzed man himself believed. What mattered was that his friends believed enough to take action. Jesus honored their faith and healed their friend. This tells us that if we truly believe and act for the good of others—whether it’s praying, helping, or just supporting—we can make a real impact.
Encouragement for Today
If you’re someone who helps others—whether you’re a Christian worker, a friend, or a family member—this story is for you. God sees your faith, especially when you’re believing for someone else’s blessing, healing, or breakthrough. He has never let anyone down who truly trusted Him. Throughout the Bible, every person who put their faith in God was rewarded in some way.
The Power of God Among Us
Back then, Jesus was becoming well-known as a healer and miracle worker. Crowds gathered, and wise men listened, some believing and some doubting. The Bible says God’s power was present to heal, but not everyone received healing—even with the power right there. Sometimes, people miss out because they don’t believe or don’t take action, even when the opportunity is in front of them.
This can happen today, too. We might be in a place where God’s power is ready to work, but if we don’t reach out in faith—either for ourselves or for others—we might miss what He’s offering. The lesson is simple: faith matters. It pleases God, it refreshes His heart, and it can change lives.
Reflecting on faith and belief, we see that true faith often transcends our personal limitations and doubts, reaching out on behalf of others in ways that can inspire and transform. Faith is not merely an internal conviction but a force that compels us to act, sometimes for those who cannot act or believe for themselves. It is in these moments—when belief becomes a bridge between need and hope—that miracles happen, and lives are changed. Faith reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles but are part of a community where one person’s belief can lift another, bringing healing, forgiveness, and blessings far beyond what we could imagine.
Key Takeaway
So, in everyday terms, this story reminds us not to underestimate the power of believing for others. When you show faith, especially in tough situations, God notices. It’s not just about you—it’s about lifting up those around you, even when they can’t believe for themselves. Faith, in action, can move mountains.
Minister A Francine Green, May 2026