Have you ever overheard two boys having a “what can your dad do” discussion? Whether they’ve actually seen their father perform one of these amazing feats, such as climbing Mount Everest, swimming the English Channel or taming a wild bull, their exchange is more than hearsay and tall tales. They genuinely believe that their dad—their hero—is able to accomplish such tasks despite the fact that they've never seen their father do any such thing.

When the paralytic man was brought to Jesus, he knew what Jesus was capable of doing. The men who carried the stretcher holding the paralytic man may have thought the man’s hope of healing was a long shot. Perhaps they even questioned the man’s desire to make the journey to Jesus, but it didn’t matter. The man knew he could be healed by Jesus…even though he may never have seen Him heal anyone.

What do you believe Jesus can do in your life? Are you waiting for a spiritual or physical healing to occur in order for you to believe in His power? Or do you live each day, in whatever condition you may be, believing and telling others of what your Dad can do?

—Emily A. Vermilya

“…how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:18).

(This devotional originally published in “Light from the Word,” Winter 2002. Reprinted with permission by Wesleyan Publishing House.)

© 2003 Kingdom Building Ministries.