--GRIEVED & COMPASSIONATE~~

Luke 13:10-13 (NIV®)
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.

A spirit has crippled a woman for eighteen years. Why the spirit chose her, we do not know. We do know that is a long time to bear such a burden. Her healing is a beautiful snapshot of the compassion of God for people. I believe when God looks at our lives, the things that bind us and limit us—the things that bend us over, either literally or figuratively—grieve His heart. God does not want you bent over. Not with fear, not with worry, not with a sickness or disease. God wants you free, standing straight and tall. There’s much about healing that I don’t know, but I believe with all of my heart that our wholeness is God’s desire.

THINK ABOUT IT
Matthew quotes Isaiah 53:4 regarding Jesus’ ministry: “‘He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases’” (8:17, NLT). Because Jesus paid the price at the cross, we have a scriptural basis to pray for healing and deliverance.

PRAYER
--"Heavenly Father, thank You that through Jesus’ cross You amply provided for my deliverance, freedom, restoration, and healing. Regardless of my situation, help me persevere in prayer for Your deliverance and healing :#993399]--"for myself and others. In Jesus’ name, amen."
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson

[**Friend, No matter what sin you have committed, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is willing to forgive you. He reaches out to all those lost in this world, saying, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me and I will give you rest." [Matthew 11:28-30] COME!]