What do you want

I remember being so sure I knew what I needed. I had prayed for a specific opportunity—convinced it would fix everything. When it didn’t happen, I felt disappointed, even a little distant from God. But months later, I could see clearly: what I wanted would have only covered the surface. What God was doing was much deeper.

In Mark 2:1–12, a paralyzed man is lowered through a roof by his friends. Everyone in the room knows what he wants—he wants to walk. It’s obvious. It’s urgent. It’s visible. But when Jesus sees him, He says something unexpected: “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

That feels almost confusing. Why address his sin when his suffering is so visible?

Because Jesus refuses to only deal with what is seen. He goes after what is ultimate.

We often come to God the same way the crowd did—focused on what we want. Healing, provision, restored relationships, relief from pain. And none of those are wrong to desire. But sometimes Jesus will not start there. Not because He doesn’t care, but because He cares more than we realize.

He knows our deepest need is not just changed circumstances—it’s a changed heart. It’s forgiveness. It’s being made right with God.

What’s powerful is this: Jesus eventually heals the man’s body—but only after making clear that forgiveness is the greater miracle. One meets a temporary need. The other meets an eternal one.

Today, consider this: Are you frustrated with God because He hasn’t given you what you want? Could it be that He is offering you something better—something deeper?

Don’t settle for a Jesus who only fixes your life. Receive the Jesus who forgives your sin and makes you whole.