On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. -Luke 13:10-13
Can you imagine being that woman? Literally, bent over for 18 years. People staring...people laughing...no social life!!
Although most of us have never even come close to being "bent over" physically for 18 years, the reality is that each of have encountered situations (and may be encountering one now) that seemingly has us BENT OVER! We walk upright and go through all of the motions that we are expected to; however, we are mentally/emotionally/spiritually BENT OVER!
IT'S TIME for our miraculous healing. In spite of your struggles, people still needed of you...your job still demanding of you...your family still wanted of you. Now, God is saying because you showed up...you can be set free from whatever has you BENT OVER!
When God decrees that we are set free, we have a responsibility to straighten up. It is easy to wallow in the cares of the world- especially when they have been a part of us for an extended period of time. However, we can learn from this woman in Luke 13. After Jesus laid His hands on her, the scripture records that she immediately straightened up!
Upon reading this blog, I dare you to take a moment and straighten up. Stand up tall and walk with your head held high because Jesus has laid His hands on you. Oh yeah- the fun part...and praise the Lord! You see, the praise party that follows this woman's healing confirms for the onlookers that it was not ever about her. It was really about God getting the glory! There are people around you or in your life who know that you have something in your life that has you BENT OVER. When you straighten up, they are going to want to know what changed. Don't be ashamed to tell them that it is all about JESUS!
Blessings,
Pastor C
