And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. Luke 13:11-13
There is a beautiful story tucked in the Gospel of Luke, right between the parabolic teachings of Jesus found in chapter 13. Jesus was teaching in the synagogue one Sabbath. There was a woman there who had been afflicted with “a spirit of infirmity” for 18 years.
One of the beautiful things here is that she was in the synagogue! She could have been anywhere else, but she was in a place of worship.
While Jesus was teaching, He took notice of her. The scripture says, “But when Jesus saw her . . .” That one hope-filled phrase changed this woman’s life.
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.
From bent-over to standing straight, this woman was healed and set on a path of freedom.
Scholars disagree on the nature of this woman’s illness, but we know that she was suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Many of us are in the same position as this woman: Bent-over, suffering, downcast gaze, void of hope. Let this account bring you hope if you are physically, emotionally, or spiritually bent over. Remember these things:
- 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
- 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
- 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, begin to 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
- 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.
Hey, I love you guys.
Until next time, remember: The Word W.O.R.K.S we are walking in WHOLENESS, OBEDIENCE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, and KINGDOM SUCCESS through the Word of God.
Erica
