Tuesday, January 11

“So that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them.
—Luke 5:24-25

I admit I have not seen a paralyzed person miraculously stand and walk, although modern medicine, which heals many infirmities, may be the means through which God works in this modern day and age. However, I have seen some kinds of paralysis cured.

Take me, for instance. When I was in my twenties, I was so terrified of flying that I would get up at 3 a.m. every Monday and drive across half of Virginia to get to work, even though my employer wanted me to take a plane at its expense. Today I fly whenever and wherever I can—and I get excited about it. I cannot explain what has happened, but I assure you I used to be paralyzed, but am not any more.

God can and does cure the paralysis of many—the paralysis that comes when one is faced with losing another person, or socializing comfortably, or being limited to the least of our abilities in our work and relationships. There are all kinds of paralysis that can plague us in this life. By reaching out for help, by prayer, by believing that God can change things for the better, miracles can and do happen.

God stands right beside us, right beside you, arms wide open, waiting for us to turn to him, waiting for us to believe that He will be our friend and Great Physician. All we need do is ask.

Help me, O Lord, to know my infirmities and to open myself to your healing. Amen.

These Signposts originally appeared on explorefaith in 2007.