I laid in bed and starred at the bedside table. Sickness claimed my body and I struggled to get out of bed. Tissues, a thermometer, essential oils, cough medicine, Vicks vapor rub, Tylenol, and a glass of water, filled the table next to the bed, beckoning me to health and wellness. My mind thought of little else except feeling better. I wanted to be well.
At first I thought the sickness might be covid, then considered that it might be a severe flu, but after eight days in bed without improvement, the doctor diagnosed me with walking pneumonia. No wonder I felt like molasses flowed through my veins and activity seemed impossible. My head throbbed, throat burned, body ached, and chest quivered. I was very sick.
Sick – Affected by physical illness. Feeling unwell.
Although the doctor prescribed antibiotics for the bacterial infection, the viral infection needed to run its course. I don’t recall ever being so sick. I wanted to be healthy, not sick. I rescheduled numerous appointments, missed out on family gatherings and struggled to accept this sickness. I needed to embrace the counsel I offered others, “Look for Jesus in the hardship.” As much as I was able, I tried to look for Jesus.
During a lucid moment, I remembered Jesus response to some disgruntled pharisees: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Luke 5:31). I thought about that a lot and pondered the presence of Jesus who came to heal those who knew they were sick. I was sick and longed to be healthy. Jesus was with me and offered healing. I found myself thanking Jesus for healing the eternal state of my soul. He is the healer of the sickness of sin that separates each of us from God. I needed Jesus healing many years ago when I welcomed Him into my soul and I needed His healing in the present as well.
Have you recognized your own sickness? How have you welcomed Jesus to heal the sickness of sin in your soul?
I realized that I not only needed the healing of God for salvation, but also for transformation. I began to consider those sick areas within my soul that needed the healing of God; those spaces in my soul where wounds, pride, greed, selfishness, apathy, and fear exist. I needed Jesus to heal the sick areas and brokenness within me.
I prayed for the medical doctor’s prescription to be used by God to bring physical healing to my ailing body. And, as I laid in bed, I felt Jesus presence with me as I confessed my own soul sickness and invited His healing not only to my physical being, but into my inner being. He was a kind and tender Doctor as He covered me with the spiritual prescription of His love and grace for my soul.
What about you? When did you last consider sickness more than just physical, but also spiritual? Do you want to be healthy? Do you recognize your need for God to heal you, physically and spiritually? Let your loving God help you identify sick areas in your soul, confess them, and receive the heavenly Doctor’s cleansing and healing. Allow God to transform your brokenness into wholeness.
Even when I feel “healthy,” I want to remember that Jesus entered humanity to bring healing to the sick. While Jesus healed many physical infirmities, the ultimate healing He offered brought eternal life to the soul. As I anticipate physical healing and restoration, I desire to continue to bring the sick areas of my soul to Jesus for His healing touch and transformation. What about you?
Even if you feel healthy, will you bring the sick areas of your soul to Jesus? Do you want to be well? He loves you and lives to heal, transform, and create wholeness.
We begin a season of waiting and expectation with Advent, beginning Dec. 3. Let’s look to the healing Jesus offers. We each need the Doctor of the universes to care for our souls eternally and presently. May we boldly share with others the healing Jesus offers.
Surrender to God the sick spaces in your soul and receive His tender transforming attention as you follow Him and live as His light in the world today. Happy Advent Season!
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Luke 5:31-32 – Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Isaiah 61:1 – The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
E.W. Kenyon. Jesus the Healer: Revelation Knowledge for the Gift of Healing. New Kensington, PA. 2020.
Shelly Beach. It Is Well with My Soul: Meditations for Those Living with Illness, Pain, and the Challenges of Aging. Grand Rapids, MI. 2012.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Gateway Worship. Jesus is My Healer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmQwYDRotqQ
Kari Jobe. Healer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=j2W88vWt30A
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
Manila, Philippines – Click here if you’d like to watch the message I preached at Manna from Heaven Center. The actual message is from roughly minute 31 until 1.17 on the recording.
November 29 – Littleton, CO
Sisterhood, Southfellowship Church