Check out yesterday’s devo, Seems Weird.

The Bible doesn't give us his name, so let's just call him Brandon. His story is tucked away in a small section of the second chapter of Mark. We begin the story with good news and bad news. The bad news? Brandon was paralyzed. He couldn't walk. The good news? He had some incredible friends! Brandon's buddies were the kind of guys who would walk the extra mile for him in a heartbeat.

His friends had heard that Jesus was teaching in someone's home. They'd also heard that Jesus of Nazareth had healed blind men. Hey! If He can make someone see, maybe He could make Brandon walk, they thought.

Imagine for a second that you're Brandon. You've heard about the miracles, and you know Jesus will soon be in your town. You desperately want to be where He is . . . but you can't get there. Even though it's just down the street, next block over, around the corner, it's still too far for you, because you're confined to one position - wherever someone carries you and leaves you.

Wouldn't it be heart-breaking to be so close to healing, yet not be able to do anything about it? Hmmm. Sometimes there are things we simply can't do on our own.

Enter Brandon's friends. They were just as excited as he was about the possibility of getting him to Jesus! They truly cared about Brandon. They wanted to see him walk, wanted to play football with him and tackle him in the grass. They wanted him whole.

So they decided to intervene for Brandon and help him do what he couldn't do for himself - get to Jesus.

Problem: The house where Jesus was speaking was completely full. More than full. Hundreds swarmed outside the walls. No one dared surrender an inch of space - not even for someone on a stretcher.

Solution: “Let's go where no one else has gone!” Jeremy said.

“Look around, Dufus. They're everywhere!” Ryan responded.

“Oh yeah? No one's on the roof!” Jeremy stated.

Teen guys. Aren't they great? Daring, brave, persistent . . . Brandon's friends cared enough about him to break through the roof and hoist their buddy through the ceiling with ropes.

Jesus smiled at their faith. He loves it when we go the extra mile for our friends in need. Without hesitation, Jesus healed Brandon.

Is there something in your life that seems so big, you're afraid to tackle on your own? Turn to your Christian friends. Ask them to pray with you. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 talks about the importance of having a friend. Memorize it. And don't be afraid to ask someone for help when you need it.

Know It!
Jesus never intended for you to go it alone. He values godly friendships. It's not only okay to ask for help; it's wise.

Read It!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Mark 2:1-12.

Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I confess that my stubborn pride often prevents me from seeking the help I need. I know You valued friends during Your time on earth, and right before Your crucifixion You asked friends to pray for You. Help me, also, to ask for help from godly friends when I need it.