Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Who remembers Six Flags Over New Orleans? I loved that place. I loved the rides and the atmosphere. I loved having fun with my friends. It was a fantastic place. It was a go-to place for our church youth group. Anytime our youth pastor wanted to take us somewhere fun, Six Flags was always brought up, and I was always excited. Until one day...

One year, on a school field trip, we went to Orlando for a convention. We had competitions and different events to attend, but one of those days was a “free day.” As part of our free day, our teachers took us to Disney World's Magic Kingdom. I had never been to Magic Kingdom before, but I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. After all, I had been to Six Flags over New Orleans; what could be different or more magical? I’m sure many of you are already laughing at my young mind equating Six Flags and Disney World, but that’s what I expected.

When I arrived, it was like I encountered something I never knew was possible. The atmosphere, the sights, the smells - even the cleanliness was out of this world! It was so immersive in every way. I experienced something so spectacular, far better than my expectations. From then on, I liked and enjoyed Six Flags, but there was no comparison to Disney World.

In the first story in Mark 2, we see some friends bringing their paralyzed friend to Jesus in faith that He would be healed and walk again. They believed it so much that they lowered him from the roof of the building where Jesus was. Just to get him in the presence of Jesus. Jesus saw their faith, turned to the paralyzed friend, and said, “Your sins are forgiven.” He didn’t initially heal him physically; He healed him spiritually. Something far greater than he or his friends imagined. He and his friends came expecting Six Flags, but they got Disney World! Jesus knew far more about what was most important: this man’s spiritual health. But it was the man’s physical health that brought him into the presence of Jesus. I’m so thankful that God knows our needs better than we do.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.