Stand Up and Walk

And after getting into a boat, he crossed the water and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ Then some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is blaspheming.’ But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic— ‘Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.’ And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. Matthew 9:1-8

I have spent a good deal of time in the past two years in some form of PT. Some time back they were teaching me to walk again when I was still rather weak and had a troublesome wound. It is so easy to get discouraged when we are sorely wounded, ill and without strength. To all of us who are discouraged and frustrated with our own lack of healing and progress, Jesus speaks to us today. "Your sins are forgiven!" Whatever is holding us back and making us believe we deserve the pain and suffering, Jesus reminds us we are forgiven, and healing is coming our way. May we always be ready to receive forgiveness and to "take up our bed and go home."

Gracious Creator, you know the ache of the world

you understand the desire to be whole and strong

even when the times and seasons wear us all down

you are always ready to bring healing and forgiveness.

When we have much pain and suffering in our bodies

we often blame ourselves and then feel quite abandoned

yet your love is bigger than all the shame and blame we carry

and you are always ready to heal us and help us stand.

Lift us up today so we might be strong for others

strengthen us so we might endure the trails ahead

restore our joy so we might share your love abroad

and help us to seek your healing and forgiveness daily. Amen.