November 18, 2018

Jesus Heals

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.

– Matthew 9:35

Jesus heals. Jesus always heals. Sometimes He heals by restoring a person’s health on this earth. Sometimes He heals by taking a person home.

But the hardest part isn’t always the healing, however it comes. Perhaps the hardest part is in the not knowing. It’s those moments when the doctors don’t quite know what’s wrong. The pain, the illness, is real. But there’s a limit to what doctors know.

Jesus doesn’t have those limits. So we pray for answers. We pay for healing. We pray for relief from what we do not know. Answers. Yes, we want answers. But, mostly, we just want it all to go away.

I spent much of this afternoon in a doctor’s office waiting for answers that never came. It was just another trip to see another doctor on a never-ending journey for relief. The illness comes on at odd moments. Each time is a little worse than before. The fever, well, it’s not normal. The muscle aches, the chills. Nothing is normal.

It’s not the flu. It’s not strep. That gets ruled out every time. We know what it’s not. We just don’t know what it is. Jesus knows.

My friend was willing to suffer at home in silence. He’s tired of the journey, tired of not knowing, tired of needle pricks and tests that rule out things but never seem to find the answer. One more step forward into the unknown.

Jesus heals. Jesus beckons us onward, drawing us closer to Him. When no one has the answers, who do we turn to? Jesus. We cry out in pain. We cry out for answers. We cry out for healing.

Several years ago a friend was in a horrific accident that almost cost her a leg. As the doctors struggled to find the bleed and save her life and her leg, we could only pray to the One who already knew the answers. Doctors are limited but Jesus isn’t. Only her scars tell the story of that awful night and the miracle of healing.

We are blessed to have access to such wonderful medical care. We are blessed to have caring people in our lives. We are blessed to have a Savior who heals both the seen and the unseen. Because sometimes what troubles us the most is the sickness that lies deep inside in that dark place only Jesus sees.

What hurts you today? Is it a physical illness that will soon be a part of your past? Is it an ongoing disease that lingers, stealing your strength and your future? Is it a hurt that won’t heal? Maybe it’s an unknown that weighs on you as the days continue onward with no answers?

Jesus heals. It doesn’t matter what you’re facing. He’s there. When you need answers, turn to Jesus. When you’re hurting, turn to Jesus. When you’re afraid, trust in Jesus. He never, ever leaves you alone.

Answers for my friend may come. I certainly pray that they do. But whatever happens, I know that Jesus is on this journey with him. Jesus has all the answers. And Jesus always heals.

February 26, 2016

God Comforts Us

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

-- Psalm 34:18

Has anyone ever broken your heart? If you’re old enough to be reading this, the answer is probably yes. But there are many things that can cause a broken heart, not just the romantic love we immediately think about.

My mind goes this moment to a faithful couple who buried their son two months ago. The heartbreak will never go away. Oh, they’ll get better at living with it. But for as long as they live there will be a piece of them missing, gone home way too soon.

A dear friend copes daily with a son who has broken the law again and again. And, still, he refuses to accept responsibility for his actions. She is devastated, her heart in tatters as she struggles to understand how her sweet boy could have become this hard-core drunk and drug addict.

Another man struggles to forgive a former co-worker who told lies and tried to get him fired. The co-worker’s lies were revealed but not before the man and his family had suffered greatly as they lived under a cloud of suspicion.

What is your story? Have you ever been betrayed by someone you thought you could trust? Have you ever had someone blame you for their mistakes? Have you ever had someone ostracize you for something you didn’t do? Have you ever had a spouse betray you?

There are many ways to suffer a broken heart. There is only one way to recover -- by placing faith in God’s healing. Sometimes it just isn’t possible to forgive and forget on your own. Nor is it practical. People who break your heart aren’t safe anymore. It doesn’t mean you don’t love them. How can we help ourselves? It does mean watching what you say and maybe choosing to put distance between you and them.

My friend’s son is in jail right now. He may be there a while and that could be a good thing. She talks of going to see her family up north for a few weeks. She longs for a change of scenery, one where every moment doesn’t remind her of all that has happened. I think it’s a good idea.

Change can help us bring closure and healing. Our hearts are still broken but God is a masterful healer. He uses our heartbreak for good, even as He masterfully knits us back together again.

January 11, 2016

Stop Judging and Start Praying

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. -- 2 Chronicles 7:14

Most of us are familiar with this verse. We share it on Facebook and when we’re pointing our finger at all those “liberals.” We’re using it as an excuse as much as ammunition against others.

This verse talks about “my people.” That would be you and me and all of us who call ourselves Christians. Are you doing your part? Are you down on your knees every day seeking God and praying that you and others will turn from wickedness?

The other day a sweet woman said she admired those who yelled insults and demonstrated outside abortion clinics. I was appalled. No. I don’t support abortion. But hate won’t change anything and it is definitely not from Jesus.

I would be impressed with someone who took one of those young women into their home, fed and clothed her, provided medical care and, oh, loved her unconditionally. That would be what Jesus would do.

God is all about love but what the world sees from us is all about hate. You can’t reach someone when all they see is your hatred for them and their actions. Love doesn’t mean you’re condoning their behavior. It means you’re being Jesus in a hurting land.

Christians should spend more time on our knees, truly seeking God’s will, and less time pointing fingers and blaming someone else. Do you truly want God to heal our land? Then start with yourself. Pray without ceasing and seek to truly reflect Jesus in this hurting world. 

Monday, July 9, 2012

Fear Keeps Us From Healing

I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him. -- Isaiah 57:18

If you could have anything you want, what would it be? Millions of dollars in the bank? The home of your dreams? Fame and fortune? Good health? Respect? A happy marriage and children?

Everybody has a different answer. Some people will tell you what they think you want to hear. Others will reach for the moon. Some will seek what they think will change them. If I could have anything I want, I’d want to feel safe again.

I don’t expect that to happen so long as I inhabit this earth. It might. But it would be an unexpected delight and not a realized dream. I’m not alone. Because while some people grow up feeling loved and secure, many others grow up cowering in fear.

I listened to a wonderful speaker earlier today who said that about one-third of us were sexually abused as children. She didn’t give any source for that statistic but somehow I didn’t doubt it either. And that didn’t include those who were physically or verbally abused. Some among us could check all of the above.

We are a broken people. A sinful people. A people filled with pain and longing and a desperate need for healing. A healing that only God can provide.

Except that we’re so afraid of rejection, of revealing our secrets, of facing our guilt, that we keep all that pain bottled up inside us where it festers and grows. Because who could possibly understand? People don’t want to face the dirtiness of our lives. And we sure don’t want to be criticized and condemned yet again.

How can we ever heal if we don’t lay down our burdens before Christ? How can we ever learn to walk as whole, loved, cherished people if we don’t understand that the cross is all about us? Jesus’ blood washed us white so that none of those childhood stains remain.

But first we have to let them go. All those things we’re afraid of. All those silent hurts. All those things we never should have had to endure in the first place. We have to lay them at the foot of the cross, then get up and walk away.

Just the thought of it brings up that fear again. We know about fear. We’ve learned how to silence the pain through denial, drugs or alcohol, acting out. You name it, and at least one of us has tried it. And failed at it. Because that pain we keep trying to hide just keeps rearing it’s ugliness again and again.

The only real solution is giving it to God. Today. Tonight. Tomorrow morning at first light. Handing it over again and again until one day it doesn’t hurt so bad and we’re not so afraid anymore. And then we realize He is restoring us, loving us, comforting us, so that we can be made whole and complete in Him.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

God Heals All Hurts

But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. -- Matthew 18:6

The subject was child abuse. We all sat around the table and shook our heads. How to explain why God allows such evil to happen? No one knew. We can't possibly understand it. Sure, it comes from Satan. And, yes, we live in a fallen world with free choice granted from God. But to abuse an innocent child? Horrifying doesn't begin to describe it.

Children of abuse grow up to think badly about themselves and sometimes about God. They blame Him for not protecting them. They blame themselves for somehow "allowing" the abuse to take place. They see themselves as someone who got what they deserved. They sin again and again because they believe they are the evil that was done to them.

God is ever seeing. His heart breaks for the little ones Satan and his minions have harmed and led astray. He stands ready, arms outstretched, to snatch his children into His loving embrace. He waits patiently, knowing that He can heal and use the small victims He longs to reclaim. And woe to those who harmed His precious children. He will judge those who are guilty.

How do we heal from childhood abuse? The scars never fade away. They are ever present, much as the nail wounds remain present on Jesus' arms. But God can and will heal the open wounds. He will soothe the hurt and empower the victims. He will lead the innocent to victory. But, first, we have to take that first step. We have to reach out. We have to call His name. We have to let ourselves be enfolded in his embrace.

Why does God allow children to become victims? I don't know. My mind tries to explain it but my heart screams out in anguish. It's something I will probably never understand. But I do know that God heals all hurts, even those that run deep into the soul. He is waiting to heal your hurts. Will you let him?

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Revival Starts With You

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." -- 2 Chronicles 7:14

The fingers are pointing before anyone finishes reading this verse. Judgment has begun and it is someone else's fault. Here in the Deep South, the culprits are those folks out in California and all those liberal Democrats. Most folks are in church every Sunday morning in this part of the country and the ones that aren't certainly know they should be.

The thing they, and many others, are missing is that revival for the church starts with the individual. It spreads from there. Revival, or reawakening, doesn't happen first with large groups of people. And it doesn't not happen because of one group or another. Revival starts with one person and then moves from individual to individual. That means taking a hard and sometimes difficult look in the mirror.

Following God is more than condemning abortion. It's certainly more than judging homosexuals or drug addicts or criminals. Following God starts with a loving, kind and compassionate heart for ALL people. It doesn't involve hoarding money or deciding who deserves Jesusves.

Loving Jesus involves giving more than we get in order to be blessed more than we could ever imagine. It means doing what we thought was impossible and loving people others deem as worthless. Being a Christian isn't about judging and condeming. It doesn't involve political parties and which church pew belongs to who on Sunday morning. Loving Jesus pushes us out of our comfort zone, out of our focus on ourselves, and toward people who are hurting and angry, lost and alone. Those are the people Jesus expects us to love.

We all want a revival in this great country of ours. We want people to turn back toward God and seek Him with all their hearts, minds and souls. It starts with you and me following Jesus on a path that's different from where we ever intended to go. Are you willing?

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Jesus Offers Another Way

Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked." -- John 5:8-9

Imagine the joy this man felt that in that moment. He'd been an invalid for 38 years. When he encountered Jesus, the man was trying to get into a pool of healing waters but he had no one to help him. Oh, but he had just encountered the very best healer of all time.

This man was probably feeling that his life was hopeless. An invalid back in those days -- especially one with no one to help them -- was reduced to begging for food and taking shelter where he could. Do you ever feel that your life just won't change no matter how hard you work? Do you think your situation is hopeless too?

That's the thing about Jesus. He meets us right where we are. He holds out His hand and offers us another way. Jesus can change any hopeless situation to one that is new and full of promise. He can heal broken hearts and set our feet on the right path once again. All we have to do is accept His offer of help.

What would have happened had the man refused to believe? He could have refused to get up. He could have cast Jesus aside and let unbelief cloud his vision. Never thought about that, did you? This man had a choice, just like you and I. He chose to believe. Do you? Will you take Jesus' hand and walk a different path?

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Jesus Forgives You

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 3:13-14

We all have regrets, past mistakes, things we wish we could undo or do over. Let it go. Move on. God forgives you. Forgive yourself.
Paul knew what he was talking about. He couldn't undo his past but he could move forward, telling everyone about Jesus, and focused on the eternity that would end his race. He could never undo the sight of Stephen's death (the first Christian martyr) or his part in that tragedy but Paul could repent and change his life.
Jesus' blood wiped your sins away. Now live in sich a way that others see Jesus living inside you.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Expect Miracles

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

-- Matthew 21:22

I'll been repeating this verse to God frequently. I seem to always start it with "you said." I think He would probably like to remind me that there's nothing wrong with His hearing. He heard me the first time. And the second. And the third, fourth, and all the other times. Just in case, I've included a few other Bible passages about healing and belief.

This one is important. It is something only prayer can heal. Oh, I know. The doctors have done all they can. There's still a chance for surgery. It's not a good bet though. Frankly, I'm putting my faith in Jesus. He is steady and sure. He said to believe and I do. He can and will heal this little guy.

I figure I've probably insulted a few people who have prayed for healing for their spouses and children, They've begged God for more time with parents or siblings. They've asked for cancer-free bodies and limbs that work once again. They feel insulted that I would expect God to heal one small dog when He didn't heal them or their loved one. Sorry, but I do.

I realize that sometimes God says no. He might say no this time. Sometimes He has something even better in mind and we must go through this valley to reach that distant peak. I also know that God sometimes gives us miracles that are more spectacular that anything we could imagine. I'm expecting a miracle.

Oh, when it comes, there will be those they claim credit. It was the medicine or the aloe vera or just the body healing itself. Nope. God alone. Even the veternarians, strong Christians that they are, will agree. Thanks God. Thanks. For being who you are. For loving us where we are. And for healing one small dog with a really big attitude.

Welcome New Day

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Psalm 143:8

I am so grateful that when the world is whirling around me, leaving me out of breath and unsure of which way to go, there is peace in His presence. I find rest. I find hope as I pray for those who are ill and need healing. I find strength for those who are grieving and need comfort. Thank you Lord for never, ever giving up on me. And for always being there no matter what.