"The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." (John
1:9, NIV)
That true light refers to Jesus. Unlike the many that base their messages solely
on words, Jesus went way farther:
"Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues (Notice, not His!),
proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom, healing every disease and sickness
among the people." He confirmed His words through his healings. Notice that He
healed everyone with no exceptions.
Is it possible to forget such occasions where God's power is so vividly
demonstrated?
John the Baptist forgot, just like we forget when adversity hits us head on.
After all, if we were living in a dark dungeon, discouragement could easily
become our sole reality as well! This is why John sent his disciples to Jesus
with a simple question: "Are you the one we've been expecting, or are we still
waiting?" (Matt 11:3b, NIV)
At times we, too, find ourselves in such circumstances where doubts creep in.
May we always remember Jesus' response to John's disciples: "Go back and tell
John what's going on: The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleaned, the deaf
hear. The dead are raised, the wretched of the earth learn that God is at their
side." (Matt 11:4-6, MSG)
Did we notice that Jesus didn't defend Himself? He pointed out what His Father
was doing: healings like never before. Although He was proclaiming God's
message, His emphasis was on healing.
Why?
There are many that proclaim things, but these are based solely on words. They
are the ones that use persuasion to get their message through. Not so with
Jesus. Jesus confirms His message with the power from on high, not with
persuasion. How does He does this? Through healings!
The ones who proclaim a message devoid of the power from above only use
persuasion. Sad don't you think?
Imagine that you accept the Good News Message that Jesus broadcasted, and the
cancer that is troubling you is instantly driven away. What if your club foot
changes and becomes normal right in front of your eyes? There's no way you would
ever forget that! The healings confirm without any doubt that the Message
declared is truly true. The healing has created a bond between you and your
Heavenly Father. Any time you are facing discouragement, that healing will come
back vividly in your mind and will fill you with adrenaline.
The same is true when we see others being healed miraculously by our Father.
Discouraged? Maybe it's time for you to experience your Father fully!
There was a time in my life when I attended the evening service every Sunday at
a distant town. I had a hard time driving as people like me who can only see in
2D have a hard time driving in the dark, as well as parking a car!
One evening we were encouraged to go to the altar in order to pray for one
another. Strangely enough, when I went forward I had in mind the problem of
driving in the dark. Someone put her hand on my shoulder and I felt power from
on high going through my body. It felt good, for I realized my Heavenly Father
had healed me from this handicap. From that day on, I was able to drive at night
and park my car to my heart's content, even though I still see in 2D. My Father
had taken care of me.
Often I remember this occurrence when I am discouraged, and it truly fills me
with hope, for I know my Father is with me.
Discouraged?
Get your fill from your Heavenly Father. This will sustain you for life!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.