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Sick…

By May 21, 2017August 30th, 2022Devotional

Well, it finally has happened. I almost never get sick, but to be sure, this week-end I have been a little under the weather. I think the traveling last week and trying to make sure that I got everything done, in addition to all the other things on my plate, has finally overtaken me and I need a little rest. I could tell last week that I was fighting a little something, but was unable to discern what it was.

I have terrible allergies anyway, but last Sunday night I had a tough time with tremendous congestion and even sat up part of the night in a chair as I was unable to get comfortable in bed. The last week has been a whirlwind and yesterday, it finally hit me. That all too familiar feeling of coughing and being unable to swallow without discomfort has been plaguing me.

I ran to the drugstore to pick up cold and allergy meds, but I knew that I was in for several days of coughing, congestion and soreness. So I am writing this evening, wishing that I had a post or two I could fall back on, so I could just take it easy tonight…

That being said, this is a short one. The Bible is full of examples of Jesus healing the sick. We have the story of the blind man, several people who had died, including Lazarus, who were raised from the dead and people of faith who came and reached out to touch the garment of Jesus – being healed in the process.

These are remarkable stories about the healing power of Jesus and affirm that Jesus is capable of anything. I know that I am guilty of taking good health for granted yet I know many people who are chronically ill. They live with infirmities and make the best of it. I, on the other hand, are not a gracious sick person and I don’t do sick very well. Our son, Andrew, dealt with this same sickness several weeks ago and he advised me to go to bed and forget about working through the pain. And while there are times that I feel I could carry on, those moments are short-lived and it doesn’t take much to get me light headed and tired out.

It’s important to note that I rarely get ill – but when I do, it tends to hit me pretty hard. Even so, I am in denial tonight and I still hope that everything will be better in the morning. The verse for this evening gives us insight as to how we are to handle severe illness. James, the half brother of Jesus, tells us, in James 5:14-15, “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.”

Years ago, I was actually anointed with oil during one of my illnesses. It was quite a special experience with people praying over me and invoking the name of the Lord petitioning Him for my health. My encouragement tonight is that Jesus wants us to depend on Him and He is capable of performing miracles – including healing us. My prayer is that you will send up prayers for those who are ill and petition the Lord of the universe to heal them. There is too much sickness in the world and we need to do everything we can to lessen the burdens of those who are really suffering. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…

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