So many of my friends focus on a single word every year in lieu of or in addition to a set of new year’s resolutions. Typically, it’s a desired character trait or a goal that they seek to attain, and the focus is on that word and how to embrace it within their life. I’ve never set out to focus on a word for a year, because I feel like I’m not really sure what that word or idea might be until I’ve already lived through the whole year.
This year, as November is midway through, I’ve come to realize that my unknown word has been “healing.”
Miraculous healing of my husband Brian who was diagnosed with a complicated heart condition in spring of 2018. Brian’s healing is ongoing, but we’ve seen so much improvement over the past year and a half. When the doctors say that the improvement they see rarely happens--we give all the glory to God!
Miraculous healing of a bad bout of bronchitis for me. This October and the first half of November were spent coughing and lacking the energy to fully make my commitments. Thankfully it wasn’t pneumonia, but I still struggled to breathe for weeks while my body slowly recovered. Now I am breathing better and feeling good about the upcoming holidays!
During both of these times, I had my moments of fear and doubt. Worry. Wondering if healing would come. It’s important to remember that healing comes in many forms, and it comes with God’s perfect timing.
In addition to our own personal struggles, we’ve seen healing in the lives of family members and friends who have been healed or are on a road to healing with various physical and spiritual needs. We are praying for all to have complete healing in Jesus Christ.
It’s been fascinating to see how my personal Bible devotional time (thanks, First 5!) has intersected with the messages I hear at church every Sunday. You see, I went through the First 5 reading and teaching on the gospel of Mark, and now, about a month later, our pastor has started an in-depth sermon series on Mark. What both have reminded me is that not only does Jesus heal people physically, but his healing is spiritual. It is the complete healing of the individual. Complete forgiveness of sin.
In Mark 5:25-34, a woman who has been ill for years reaches out in faith and touches Jesus’ garment, and is immediately healed. Verse 34 (ESV) gives us Jesus’ words to the woman, “And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’”
By faith, the woman was healed.
In Mark 2:1-12 (ESV), Jesus encounters a paralyzed man. Verse 5 tells us: “And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” The interesting point here is that the man is first told he is forgiven, and then is told to get up and walk (physically healed).
Jeremiah 17:14 (ESV) tells us, “‘Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.’”
Healing. No matter your need, you can trust that God knows and wants you to turn to Him.
This year, as November is midway through, I’ve come to realize that my unknown word has been “healing.”
Miraculous healing of my husband Brian who was diagnosed with a complicated heart condition in spring of 2018. Brian’s healing is ongoing, but we’ve seen so much improvement over the past year and a half. When the doctors say that the improvement they see rarely happens--we give all the glory to God!
Miraculous healing of a bad bout of bronchitis for me. This October and the first half of November were spent coughing and lacking the energy to fully make my commitments. Thankfully it wasn’t pneumonia, but I still struggled to breathe for weeks while my body slowly recovered. Now I am breathing better and feeling good about the upcoming holidays!
During both of these times, I had my moments of fear and doubt. Worry. Wondering if healing would come. It’s important to remember that healing comes in many forms, and it comes with God’s perfect timing.
In addition to our own personal struggles, we’ve seen healing in the lives of family members and friends who have been healed or are on a road to healing with various physical and spiritual needs. We are praying for all to have complete healing in Jesus Christ.
It’s been fascinating to see how my personal Bible devotional time (thanks, First 5!) has intersected with the messages I hear at church every Sunday. You see, I went through the First 5 reading and teaching on the gospel of Mark, and now, about a month later, our pastor has started an in-depth sermon series on Mark. What both have reminded me is that not only does Jesus heal people physically, but his healing is spiritual. It is the complete healing of the individual. Complete forgiveness of sin.
In Mark 5:25-34, a woman who has been ill for years reaches out in faith and touches Jesus’ garment, and is immediately healed. Verse 34 (ESV) gives us Jesus’ words to the woman, “And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’”
By faith, the woman was healed.
In Mark 2:1-12 (ESV), Jesus encounters a paralyzed man. Verse 5 tells us: “And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” The interesting point here is that the man is first told he is forgiven, and then is told to get up and walk (physically healed).
Jeremiah 17:14 (ESV) tells us, “‘Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.’”
Healing. No matter your need, you can trust that God knows and wants you to turn to Him.