A Year in Review: October 2022 – Hope: The Lord, Our Healer

Oh, October! So many friends joined in for October’s Embrace the Word as we jumped into the theme “The Lord, Our Healer.”

We focused on scriptures about physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Let’s revisit one of the beautiful stories that we studied in October.

In Luke 13:11-13 we see Jesus teaching in the synagogue one Sabbath. There was a woman there who had been afflicted with “a spirit of infirmity” for 18 years. While Jesus was teaching, He took notice of her. Jesus called this woman over and said, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity,” then He laid His hands on her. At that moment, the woman could stand up straight and began praising God.

We don’t know the specific condition of the woman, but we know that she was affected physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This woman’s story still speaks today because many of us can relate to her suffering.

Let this account bring you hope again, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Remember:

• Jesus sees you. Just as He noticed this woman, Jesus has taken notice of you. Your pain has not escaped His knowledge. He has seen every moment of your existence, from your greatest triumphs to your deepest hurts. We can find hope and comfort in knowing that we are under His loving care.

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. Psalm 34:15

2. Jesus calls you to Himself. Jesus called the woman over amid the crowd. He brought her closer into His presence. Jesus is always drawing us closer to Himself. When we answer His call and come closer to Him, He will come closer to us. He desires to have an intimate relationship with us. When He brings us closer to Him and His heart, we receive the hope, help, and healing we need.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8a

3. Jesus speaks over our life. Jesus told the woman she was loosed from her infirmity. His Words spoken over her life provided the release that she needed. Jesus is still speaking over our lives today. His Words are Spirit and Life. If you are suffering, speak God’s Word over your life. Find truths that speak to your circumstances and speak life. Let His Word come forth from your lip and receive His healing.

He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Psalm 107:20

4. Jesus has His hands on you. Jesus laid His hand on this woman at this moment, but truthfully, He had His hands on her the entire time. Her whole life led to this divine moment. Just as God has seen every moment in your life, He has always had His hand on you. He didn’t leave you in your darkest moment or forsake you in your sins. Instead, He was always there. His hands have always been on you.

You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16

Circumstances will make us feel bowed down and bent-over. We don’t have to stay that way. Trust the Lord, our healer. He sees you, draws you to His side, speaks Words of life over you, and can heal you with His loving touch.