07/05/2021
Some of us are feeling weak and faint today, and in our sickness or suffering, we have lost hope, but there is one source of hope and strength for us that will never fail us; that is able to heal every ill. Our God, the God of Abraham, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He is our unfailing hope, and the source of strength to the sick and suffering. He restores health and vigor to those who will trust in Him, and who come to Him in the name of Jesus… His love for us is unfathomable, and He walks with us through every valley.
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”
Isaiah 40:29 ESV
Sometimes life brings us to incredibly bleak places, we find that our strength has dwindled so completely that we can barely raise our head in the morning, or gather enough strength to whisper the name “Jesus” as we attempt to pray. In such moments we find that our hope has escaped us; it has been dashed upon the rocks of life, and our faith can find itself homeless. Have you ever found yourself in this place? Has your physical health deteriorated to this point where your suffering has become too great to endure, your lack of faith left you hollow and empty, or your depression become so great that you are lost in unsearchable darkness? Well if you are there at this very moment, then take heart, for our God desires to heal you, and to give you relief from your suffering. His love for you is such that even a whisper, or brush of His Son Jesus’ garment can call it to action, and heal you… one faithful touch at a time.
“And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.””
Luke 8:43-46 ESV
It appeared that this woman was healed by simply touching the physical garment of Jesus, but in fact she was healed by her belief that if she could only touch Him she would receive a healing, and by God’s power, that was resident in Christ, this is what happened. Listen to Matthew’s account of this same instance…
“for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.”
Matthew 9:21-22 ESV
In those times when we have expended all of our hope, and energy God will restore us through our belief in Him, and Jesus. He will work a miracle in us out of His undying love. Jesus was the vehicle of this woman’s healing, but it was her faith that prompted God to touch her as she touched Christ. Jesus didn’t feel her individual hand, but He felt the power of God flow through Him. Remember His words?
“Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”
We too can be healed, and reinvigorated by our faith. Our belief, and even a drop of faith within us, will lead to our own garment of hope, and the power of God. Although God works in mysterious ways, He will always work. Sometimes we will be called away to be with Him, sometimes we will be cured of our ailment, and at other times He will give us the strength we need to endure, but He will always work for our good, and for His glory. Remember the source of Paul’s strength? Do we think that ours will be different? Maybe it will, but it is just as likely that it won’t, and our hope will come in the form of our own nagging weakness.
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 ESV
So if we are feeling weak and faint today, and in our sickness or suffering we have lost all hope, then we should remember that there is only one source that replenished hope and strength, and that it will never fail us… our God, whose never ending love for us is indeed the source of all hope and strength. Are we ready to believe this? Are we ready to reach out and touch the garment of his mercy… to accept His healing, His hope, and His strength?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your love for us, and the power it brings forth to heal us in every way. Thank you Lord for your merciful touch that strengthens us when we are failing, raises us from our sick beds, gives us the ability to endure when it is your will that we remain stricken in some manner, and that provides us with hope as we walk through life’s many valleys with you. Help us Father in our disbelief, and strengthen our faith so that we can love you with greater strength as we open to you our hearts, souls, and minds. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who heals and soothes us. Praised be your name for every ounce of strength you give us, and the breath you provide as we run our race of faith. Cleanse us in the blood of Jesus that heals the wounds of our sin, and conquers death. Lift us up Holy Father, and see no spot or blemish in us… only the perfection of Jesus… pronounce us healed, strengthened, and made whole in Him. Call us yours, and pour out your hope upon us forevermore.
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:29-31 ESV
Rich Forbes