Faith Through Action
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Luke 5 and Psalms 18:1-19 (NIV)
(James Kwok from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Luke 5: 17-20 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
The friends knew they couldn’t heal the paralysed man, but they persevered to bring him to Jesus, by creatively using the roof. Their action demonstrates their focused determination to help their friend. It also shows their steadfast faith in Jesus’ ability to heal him. Their mission was to bring their helpless friend to Jesus for help, and they didn’t let the huge crowd deter them. Their actions illustrate the kind of faith that Jesus often pointed to.
APPLY:
In late 2020, I was paralysed by severe compression fractures in my neck and had to go through a series of investigations which took weeks. Before I signed the consent form for the skull-based surgery, I was given a list of worst-case scenarios, the worst being that I might not survive the life-threatening procedure. Through it all, I drew immense comfort and courage from my Small Group members who, by their fervent intercession, brought me before our gracious Lord for His will to be done in my life.
Now able to travel independently by public transport, after two years of being wheelchair-dependent, I can be like one of the friends. Though unable to physically carry someone (since I have to use a walking stick whenever I am out of the house), I can still bring others before God in prayer, and support them in their time of need.
DO:
I will:
- Use my personal walk through the valley of the shadow of death to share my faith with others who have not heard the Good News.
- Use my own experience to encourage other believers, who are going through crises, to surrender themselves and their problems to the Lord.
- Live out my faith through action, by interceding and standing in the gap for others in prayer and faith.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of the power of a persevering faith in You. I pray that You would grant me boldness in sharing the Gospel and bringing others to You. Lord, I pray that You would fill me with compassion for those in need and help me to be obedient to Your prompting. I pray that my every thought and word and deed would be acceptable in Your sight and that You would use me to bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
