It’s Not True, Look Up

       Someone asked recently, are the things happening around the world and in the Body of Christ not strange? Not really! They were foretold long ago. In fact, based on the Scriptures, worse things and more deviant behaviors will increasingly happen as we see the Return of the Lord draw nearer. At the same time, these times will equally herald amazing workings of God among those that believe in Him. In recent times, because of the economic downturn of nations, political uprisings, contagious diseases and the likes, many have lost loved ones, jobs, businesses and homes. Some are going through tough and rough times, and it looks as if God has abandoned His people. This is not true! God is very much with His people! For as many that cry out to Him from a sincere heart and run to Him, He saves! Sadly, instead of running to Him, many do cry to Him but with a heart filled with grumbling, complaints and worrying. He asked us to ask, seek and knock not grumble, complain and worry. Such prayers will not be answered! 

       Beloved, we should not be alarmed at what is happening, the Bible had already told us what will happen and the state of hearts that will be prevalent in these times: “But know this: difficult times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy…holding to the form of religion but denying its power…” (2Timothy 3:1-2,5a). Sadly, for as many that succumb to the trappings of this present age are being changed into spiritually bent people! 

       In Luke 13:10-17, Jesus performed a miracle on a woman that was afflicted with a disease that caused her to be bent over for 18 years. She could not look up or raise herself up! Sounds familiar? So many can barely look beyond their pastors, doctrines or self; they are spiritually bent, unable to raise themselves up to see the Lord for themselves! For this woman, one could only imagine the pain she was going through; and very possibly, must have spent all her earnings on trying to get well. For 18 years! I can assure you that at this point she had resigned herself to fate! However, despite her physical limitations and pain, she attended the Service at the Synagogue; and Jesus saw her: “But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, ‘woman, you are loosed from your infirmity’. And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God” (Luke 13:12-13). 

       When the miracle was questioned by the leader of the Synagogue, Jesus referred to the woman as the daughter of Abraham. Meaning she had a covenant relationship with God. Beloved, because you are a child of God, the covenant made to Abraham covers you as well; it is not just in songs but in reality: “And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you” (Genesis 17:7); “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction” (Psalm 103:2-4a). Her infirmity was not caused by God but by the devil. Jesus referred to it as ‘bondage’. Through it, God displayed His authority over the devil and his works. Jesus declared: “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them…” (Luke 9:56b). 

       Beloved, that which you are going through, and it seems like God had looked away; it is NOT TRUE! He is with you and His intention is not to destroy or harm you, but to save you! By saying she is the daughter of Abraham, Jesus was saying it is her right to be healed and free from the torments of darkness as a child of God. So are you! Beloved, Jesus could have healed her from afar, but He called her to Himself first. In spite of her pain and situation, she obeyed His voice and came to Him. Beloved, understand this: God doesn’t manifest His power because someone has a need! His power is manifested when people have faith in His word and obey! Meaning, your faith in Him and obedience to His word activates that miracle you have been praying for! “Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23). God has not abandoned you, ONLY look up past the pain and the worry, in faith and obedience and your miracle awaits you, in Jesus Christ name. God bless you!