“And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.” (Luke 13:10-13 | ESV) Now, Jesus performed this miracle on the Sabbath and was mocked by the rulers of the synagogue. But, I find another meaning to this story, one much closer to home, and I’m sure as you read it, you’ll find it close to you as well. Let me tell you about it.
Many of us know people in our lives who have chronic illnesses. I don’t know about you, but I can handle pain quite well; what I don’t do well is seeing a loved one hurting and being unable to help them stop hurting. I struggle here, as I’m sure you do as well. These are the times I feel helpless and vulnerable. God humbles me at these times, and I beg the pain to stop.
My wife Lisa has accepted her thorn and is stronger than I will ever know. She loves Jesus and doesn’t blame Him for what she goes through; she’s glad He’s there with her. She hates the mornings when she can’t get up to attend Church as she loves the fellowship and being with the Spirit of the Lord at Vision. But, she is so thankful that she can lie down, get her iPad, and worship and receive the same message we do online.
God allows things to happen that I can’t understand this side of eternity; none of us do. But at the end of the day, I trust Him as we all must. He’s my creator and knows precisely what He’s doing.