One day I had lunch with some friends I had not seen in a while. We took turns catching up on all that was going on in our lives since we had last seen each other. The energetic banter covered everything from the adorable antics of our grandchildren to disgust with the current political climate.
In the room that was filled with laughter and lamenting, I noticed one among us was not participating. As I turned to look at her I could see tears forming in her eyes. Seemingly against her will she began to weep openly. With all attention turned to her, she quietly began to unburden herself.
She confided that her husband had been out of work for two years and the financial survival of her family rested on her tired shoulders. She said she felt helpless and emotional paralyzed by the situation.
Spontaneously, we all moved from our seats and gathered around her. As a group we banned together and began to pray for her. We were adding our faith to her need; asking God for a divine intervention for her family.
What happened that day reminded me of an account in the gospels about a man who was paralyzed. He couldn’t get the help he needed on his own but everything changed for him when a few who cared enough about his helplessness to carry him to Jesus.
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt helpless and received the assistance of others? Or, have you been the one to help someone in need? If so, you will appreciate the song featured in this post.
Faith of a Few Close Friends
There was a man laying paralyzed
He had no power, no hope in his eyes
He lay there waiting for his turn to die
But a miracle was about to begin
Cause all the sudden his bed began to move
They were lifting him up, but he didn’t know who
He could hardly say it, but he whispered, “Who are you”
And they said, “We’re just a few close friends”
They took that man to Jesus
He had no faith of his own
But when Jesus saw the faith of a few close friends
He said, “Take up your bed, man, take up your bed and go home.”
Now, there are homes filled with children and husbands and wives
Who feel like that man who was paralyzed
They have no hope they will ever survive
But let the miracles begin
Let those who are strong, and those who care
Lift them up to Jesus through the power of prayer
Take them to the Healer and on your way there
Don’t forget about that man and his friends
They took that man to Jesus
He had no faith of his own
But when Jesus saw the faith of a few close friends
He said, “Take up your bed, man, take up your bed and go home.”
S. Chapman – Available on the CD, “The Miles”
Hi Steve & Anne. I’ve been a fan forever, even back in 2ond Chapter Of Acts days, Anne.
So,…..what happened to the broken in spirit lady whom you guys prayed for??? You’ve left us hanging, dang it!. Does she still need help? I could find no time reference of when the gathering took place, so this may have been years ago.
Thanks! We appreciate you connecting with us and for the remembrance. Regarding the lady we prayed for it was indeed quite a while ago but after much effort to press through some very difficult times today she and her family are doing well. Thanks for asking and for the chance to follow up.
S&A
I was prepping for another blog post this morning, this one about friends who are there for my wife and I as we deal with her temporary illness, which will last until her transformation into the arms of Jesus. Linda was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimers at age 58, just four years ago. Since then we have been forced to leave our home, our family, our careers, and our settled life, and even our country behind. We relocated to another country where our limited finances would allow us to survive while I take care of her through this disease. At the beginning I started a “private” Facebook page, which now has close to 650 people; mostly friends of hers who want to follow our journey. I am blogging our journey as well, and will include a link to the blog below. But what brought me here to this page was your song, “Faith of a Few Close Friends”. I am writing a blog post by that title today, because that’s one of the things that is sustaining us, especially me as I navigate the lonely life of a caregiver to this woman who devoted the last 43 years of our married life caring for children of all backgrounds through her daycare business and her work in the church nursery. These “few close friends” are in some respects the fruits of her labor for all these years. Anyway I wanted you to know that your song is an encouragement to me. I hope things are well with you.
Michael…we are grateful for your comments and blessed that the song has such meaning and encouragement for you. We add our prayer of blessings to you and your beloved as you care for her. S&A
Today I will be preaching a message entitled The Faith of A Few Close Friends (will be posted on westcharlottecog.org shortly). It was inspired by your song of the same title. Over the years, you all [Steve and Annie Chapman] have inspired me in my faith. There is not enough time for me to tell you of how I wept and rejoiced over your various songs “Circle of Two”, etc. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.
Thanks so much for letting us know about your usage of the song. We’re honored and blessed to know its message will encourage those who hear your heart. Blessings to you as you preach. S&A
This song still touches today.. 2021