DAY 10

“There are defining moments in life when we need to prove to God that we mean business — and I don’t mean “business as usual.” In fact, it’s only when “business as usual” goes out of business that we’re in business — the Father’s business. That’s when we’re on the verge of a spiritual breakthrough."

- Mark Batterson

TODAYS READING: Luke 5:17–26

PRAYER: "God, as I open myself up to you in these moments to read this passage fresh and anew, I ask that you reveal to me that which you would have me learn today. Help me see. More than that, I pray for transformation as I take what you show me and apply it to my life. Amen."

What in your life are you willing to rip off the roof for?

This is one of those Gospel stories you never forget. In this narrative, you have men who want to see and get to Jesus so badly that they would literally go through the roof. Nothing—not crowds, not ceiling tiles, not even his friends own paralysis—proves as a stronger obstacle than the desire to get to the Lord.

It’s inspiring to me because, unlike this man and his friends, I don’t always challenge the obstacles in my path. Often, if there is something standing in the way of my plan, I slip into conflict-avoidance mode and simply change my plan. This isn’t always a bad thing; sometimes it’s actually the wiser call not to expend time and energy on something that doesn’t matter much in the long haul.

The trick becomes discerning which things are worth fighting for, and which are not. Which goals are worth the extra time and strenuous effort, the out-of-the-box strategizing, the risk that people will stop and stare? Which goals should I be willing to rip off the roof in order to achieve?

Because some things in life really are worth fighting for. And when we know what those things are, we have a better sense of who we ourselves are.

When I think of this story, I also find myself thinking about my own relationship with Christ. I think of the lengths this paralyzed man and his friends went to, simply in order to get to Jesus. Far from being annoyed at their persistence, Jesus recognizes and rewards their faith. He sees how much they want to be with Him, and it touches Him. I want you all to have the same level of faith, the same desire for communion with Christ.

My hope and prayer is that we will all have enough faith to rip off the roof to not just get to Jesus but to simply follow Him and His will or purpose for our lives.

May we never let any obstacle keep us from that amazing gift.

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