Luke 13:10-17
Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. -Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)
For several years I suffered with severe back pain, and I used a metal belt for support. I prayed that God would heal me, but I could not stop using the belt. Then one day, I took off the belt and discovered that the pain had disappeared, and I was able to walk freely again. Now I know that God had been healing me all those years; I just had to let go of the belt to discover God’s miraculous healing touch.
My experience reminded me of the account of the woman healed by Jesus in Luke 13. She had been unable to stand up straight for 18 years. Jesus called to her saying, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” He then put his hands on her, and she was healed. So she straightened up and praised God.
We might struggle to open ourselves up to accept God’s grace. We often cling to thoughts, beliefs, and actions that hold us back. But when we let them go, we allow God to work on us and set us free.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are our healer and sustainer. Help us to receive your grace and healing so that we may bless others. Amen.
Thought for the day: I will open myself to God’s healing.
Navamani Peter (Karnataka, India)
