Rise Above Your Fear
ICS Daily Devotions
Luke 5:18, 24-20 (NKJV) Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralysed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him….But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralysed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
It is deeply demoralising to be paralysed. It is easy to feel discouraged, hopeless, and helpless. Although we might not be physically paralysed, we can be held down by fear, especially when we receive bad news. Our dominant thought will be on the bad news and its possible outcomes, which affects our emotions and mood.
However, even though we do not deny facts or the circumstances we face, we can choose what kind of thoughts we have. Indeed, Martin Luther was quoted as saying, “You cannot prevent the birds from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.”
This paralysed man could have lamented, thrown a pity party, and cursed God. However, that wouldn’t have changed his situation. Therefore, it is always wiser to channel that energy towards God instead. This is a choice we can make too when we are faced with fear, anxiety, and oppression.
Instead, this man was full of faith. He had probably heard about Jesus and the miraculous works that He was doing. As a result, faith had risen within him. Faith comes by hearing, hearing the Word of God. Therefore, we should take time to read the Word and listen to sermons to keep our faith established in God, as this will also help us focus our thoughts on God rather than on the circumstances.
Like the paralysed man had four great friends, who were a great encouragement to him, we also need a strong support group within the family of believers. Our genuine love for one another is what sets us apart from the world. Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35). This means showing love through our words, backed by corresponding action. It may mean going the extra mile for someone in need. We ourselves also need to be vulnerable and share our struggles with others. Besides casting our cares to the Lord and drawing strength from Him, it is wise to have people to journey with us.
Reflection: What fear, anxiety, or discouraging circumstance are you facing? How is the Holy Spirit leading you to focus on God’s Word and to respond in faith, as the paralysed man did?
Sermon Series: 2026 CG Campaign – Up! (Part 4)
