The paralytic was not alone in his faith; his friends who brought him believed too. Thus this account teaches us about intercession: we may pray for others, not merely for ourselves. Mark's fuller narrative recounts the character of the friends' faith: they were so persistent and determined to reach Jesus, so confident that their friend would be healed if they reached him, that they dug through the roof (Mk 2:4). Faith is not simply working up a feeling or suppressing doubts, but demonstrated commitment to getting to the One on whose power we stake our trust.