“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:1-2

“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

Back in the Game

As I was praying and pondering the Word of God, I came to the passage in Luke 9 where Jesus is commissioning the twelve disciples. He grants them power and authority over demons. He sends them out to cure diseases, preach the gospel, and heal the sick. That was a little intimidating to me. That kind of ministry and power was to the apostles. I am certainly not an apostle. Nope, I don’t do that stuff. The apostles were playing in the major leagues and I play T-ball. And then I felt the check of His Spirit.

Fast forward to our passage in Luke 13. This feeble woman was miserable for eighteen years, and yet in a moment Jesus changed everything. It doesn’t matter how long the suffering. It doesn’t matter how far He has to go—when Jesus comes to us and calls us to Himself, nothing is impossible. And she glorified God. Indeed! Oh, the glorious things that are done by Him.

Once again my thoughts censored and edited God’s truth. Yeah, ‘cause He’s Jesus. You know, Jesus, not me. Right? And then I felt the check of His Spirit. He began to remind me of the things I have experienced in this journey of faith. He called to remembrance my participation in prayer and quiet conversations and testimony and caregiving. The revelations He prompted were every bit as miraculous and wonderful as the things I was reading about. He is the same God.

I have seen addiction broken. I have seen cancer inexplicably cured. I have watched the hell-bent turn and embrace the ways of the Lord. I have seen provision from unexpected places. I have seen the wee ones who were drowned and dead made whole and alive. I have seen the prisoner set free and made productive. I have known doors closed to me unexpectedly opened wide. I have seen the hurt and wounds of broken and bitter relationships healed in tender moments of forgiveness and grace.

He is the same God of wonderful works then and now. He has given His power and authority to even me. He will use me if I am willing and do not disqualify myself.  I finally got it. and repented of my little faith.

And so, if you are like me, and attempt to put yourself on a shelf, I encourage you to take heart. Take God at His word and watch what He will do!

“Oh my Father, You are still amazing! You always were, and forever You will be. Thank You for graciously allowing me to be part of Your eternal purpose. Amen.”