If the choice was between the apparent and the important, a decision could more easily be made. Problem is, things are not always that clear in the decision-making process. That which we see seems important, and that which is hidden can seem unimportant, but quite often just the opposite is true. Case in point: which is more important - physical healing or forgiveness of sin? The answer seems obvious when clearly seen in these terms.

A story is recorded in Mark two of a paralyzed man being lowered into a crowded house through a hole made in the roof (Mark 2:1-13). No doubt the commotion made by this act would command the attention of all present in the room below, and it certainly caught the attention of the One who was the center of attention. His response was: "Son, your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5).

Now, anyone present could clearly see that the obvious need this man had was for physical healing. Why would his faithful friends go to all the trouble of chopping a hole in the roof of someone's house (who's going to pay for the repair?) just to have Jesus pronounce forgiveness of sins? Anyone could clearly see the obvious need.

This seemingly-blasphemous pronouncement by Jesus stirred indignation in the hearts of the religious leaders present in the house. With perfect insight into the thoughts of these men as well as the true condition of the paralytic man, Jesus stated:

"Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven '; or to say, 'Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk '? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins "-He said to the paralytic, "I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home." And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this." (Mark 4:8-12)

The question as to which was more important - forgiveness of sins or physical healing - became a moot point in the face of the One who had authority in both realms. His pronouncement concerning the important was validated through His healing of the obvious.

That which we think we need from the Savior may seem obvious to us, but that which is truly important is abundantly obvious to Him. And we need His insight to tell the difference.

Prayer lists are often filled with requests for physical healing, but do these sometimes take precedent over important spiritual needs? I suspect that they do.

Rather than depending upon your own sight and insight, approach your Savior today with your burdens and concerns and ask that His insight reveal the deepest needs in your life that He is both willing and able to meet.

Steve