Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter, ” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the women was healed at that moment.Matthew 9:22 (NIV)
“It’s gonna get better, because God is in control…”
In the Northwest, precipitation can be part of the weather forecast for months at a time. When it’s not raining, the skies look like a grey sheet of metal. Some people, myself included, are deeply affected by the lack of sunlight. The condition is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and symptoms can manifest as depression and anxiety, among others. Some treatments involve special lamps and vitamin D supplements. I’ve tried them with little success. I’ve found myself crying often over nothing at all. One day, a friend said, “Look up. There’s a little spot of blue, right there. I lifted my gaze to the dreary sky, and indeed, there was a speck of blue. I felt like I’d been thrown a lifeline. I stared at the tiny break in the clouds and couldn’t tear my eyes free. Sometimes no amount of treatments or therapies can help us as much as the promise of heaven and the hope we receive through Jesus. A whole world of light and life awaits us, beyond what we can see. When earthy forms of medicine fail, I can turn to the Great Physician for help. He’ll never leave or disappoint me. I only need to trust in Jesus and be patient. He’ll either lift my mood or stay by my side as I wait for spring. Whatever trials I encounter, I try to remember there are blue skies and sunshine just out of sight. I only need to keep searching the skies. And have faith to hold on and wait.
FAITH STEP: Sometimes Jesus heals by removing the pain and sometimes by staying with us as we wait it out. Pray for him to carry you through a trial or an illness you’re enduring.
GROWING IN FAITH: God sees every problem we have. He listens to every prayer. He answers our prayers with love! How has God answered your prayers?