“She was bent over and could not straighten up at all” (Luke 13:11). For this crippled woman in ancient Israel, walking was awkward and slow. Looking people in the eye required painful contortions. Carrying burdens was difficult. People pitied her, ignored her, mocked her. For eighteen years she could see little but the ground in front of her. If her family didn’t help her, she had to beg. Depression and hopelessness darkened her spirit.
My grandmother suffered from osteoporosis, which almost doubled her over. It slowed this energetic woman down and threw off her balance, making her prone to falls. When standing, she had to twist her head or lean on her walker to look you in the eye. But she had a supportive family, a walker, a determined spirit, and faith in the Lord. Although sometimes discouraged, she never gave in to hopelessness.
Jesus laid his hands on the crippled woman and healed her. She stood straight and praised the Lord. Jesus took my grandmother home, where she stands straight and sings His praise.
In hopeless situations, Jesus is the key. Sometimes He brings physical healing, sometimes He comforts us in our painful circumstances, but He always gives hope. “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” 1 John 1:5.
How has the Lord helped you in dark situations?Labels: hope