Daily Devotional

It was about a decade ago now that my wife Alexis and I used to run quite a bit. While I was working for Lance Kashian & Co. we would participate in seven or eight 5k races per year. During that time, I remember having a specific running playlist. My playlist was so fine-tuned that I had certain songs come on at specific points in the race when I knew I needed a boost of energy and motivation. And I would listen to the same playlist over and over. Yet, I can’t be the only one like that, can I?

Have you ever struggled with a difficult task, like a project, an assignment, or a workout, and felt like you couldn’t go on? But then your favorite song starts playing, your mood begins to shift, and it feels like a weight is lifted off you, giving you the strength to finish. It’s interesting how something as simple as the right song can impact and change the situations we find ourselves in. Now, what if we could do something similar for people around us?

In the passage above, we see a small group of people who want to bring their friend to Jesus to be healed. But the house where Jesus was teaching was packed with people. So, the friends made a hole in the roof and lowered their buddy down to Him. And Jesus says something incredible; He says the man’s friends were part of the reason that He healed him. I think the story reminds me that our actions can significantly impact the lives of those around us. Just like a well-timed song, what we do can impact and change the circumstances those around us find themselves, especially when our focus is helping others encounter Jesus through our words and actions.

"English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers."