Daily Devotional for September 17, 2014

Acts 10:37-38
“You know the story of what happened in Judea. It began in Galilee after John preached a total life-change. Then Jesus arrived from Nazareth, anointed by God with the Holy Spirit, ready for action. He went through the country helping people and healing everyone who was beaten down by the Devil. He was able to do all this because God was with him."

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

When we think of “healing”, we think of some sort of physical illness or injury.  But everywhere you look, people are in need of “healing” from all kinds of “ailments”.  Students are struggling with homework assignments and concepts they can’t seem to grasp and retain. Parents are concerned about every aspect of the lives of their children. There are people struggling with bills, jobs, physical illnesses and injuries, loneliness, relationship issues, and grief. Seniors have a plethora of troubles related to aging and declining health.  And we haven’t even mentioned those “sicknesses” that grip our headlines...abuse of children and spouses..., conflict and combat in American cities and on foreign soil...retaliatory beheadings and senseless brutality...and even natural disasters like drought, wildfires and flooding. We truly are a sick world in need of healing!

What struck me instantly about the scripture passage today was this sentence...
”He was able to do all this because God was with him.”  Even Jesus - the Great Healer and Physician - needed God’s power and presence. If Jesus Christ needed God with Him in order to be well and heal others, don’t you think we certainly need Him in our lives?

Let’s be honest...we can’t do this on our own or under our own power!  The only way we even have a CHANCE is to embrace God and ask Him to wield His power in our lives. Our “healing” starts with a liberal dose of the anointing by God with the Holy Spirit - who will dwell in our heart and guide our steps.  Again, if it was important for Jesus, it surely is vital for us!

Does this guarantee that we will have “smooth sailing?”  Is this an instant “cure” for all that ails us?  Yes...and NO!  Think of it this way...if you have allergies, you take an antihistamine to alleviate the symptoms. This drug doesn’t remove your condition – but you are able to manage it. If something causes you pain - like a splinter in your hand or a broken toe - you determine the problem and take measures to address it.  Sometimes these ailments or injuries can be fully cured and alleviated. At other times, we determine methods of coping with these challenges and relieving some of the symptoms. 

This is how it is with God’s power and care.  There are burdens and “ailments” that He will remove from you completely. In other cases, He will show you how to cope with your circumstances...and grow and learn from the experience.  But God will never leave you to flounder and struggle without any hope of relief.  He will never allow you to be completely beaten down by the devil.

So think about what “ails” you today. Consider the “sicknesses” of this world and how the devil attempts to beat us down each and every day.  Then turn to God and ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit...to “inoculate” you against Satan’s attempts to capture you and destroy your “health” – in every area of life.  Trust God to know the right “prescription” for you and your circumstances...and never, ever let go of His power and presence!  If Jesus needed God with Him...surely we do, as well.  Who is your “Great Physician”?


©2014 Debbie Robus

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