Meditation

Read Isaiah 53:1-10                                             —Isaiah 53:4 (NIV)

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering. 

Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with chronic malaria. Every week I had to go to the hospital to receive proper treatment, and because of that, I faced deep despair. Some time later a work colleague invited me to attend an activity at his church. At first I was afraid, but my husband convinced me to go. While I waited for the start of the event, the songs deeply touched my heart. Then I heard the local pastor preaching on Isaiah 53, about how the Lord heals all our diseases. From that moment I noticed a difference in my life and gave myself completely to God, having learned to pray in a new way.

Since then, I have been praying about my distress, and my worry had disappeared. Often my prayers have been answered. God helped me to keep my mind and my heart focused on Jesus Christ. My illness was cured with the help of medication. But nothing was more effective in pulling me out of the darkness than the clear words of God.

Prayer—Thank you, Lord, for words that bring healing and illuminate our lives. Amen.

Thought for the Day—Scripture offers me hope in times of trouble.

Madalena Manuel Simao (Luanda, Angola)