Courage, Dear Heart

Faith.  Such a loaded word. Such a loaded concept.  After getting sick 13 years ago, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the words, “You just need to have faith. Then God will heal you.”  Countless times I have read the story of the woman who had been bleeding for 7 years. She had tried doctor after doctor, treatment after treatment, to no avail. She spotted Jesus through the crowds and she just knew ,  “If I only touch His garment, I will get well ” (Matthew 9:21, NASB).  Sure enough, as soon as she touched the hem of His garment, her bleeding stopped. She was immediately healed. And then she got to hear the beautiful words I have longed to hear these last 13 years,  “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well ” (Matthew 9:22, NASB).  I have begged, I have pleaded, “God, please, I have that faith! I know that You have the power to make me well!” When I remained sick,   I just prayed harder; for more faith, more healing, more hope...

As I continued to read from Ezekiel this week, I came across a passage that hit hard: “ Behold, I myself will search for my sheep and seek them out. I will feed my flock and I will lead them to rest ,” declares the Lord God. “I will seek the lost, bind up the broken, and strengthen the sick ” (Ezekiel 34:11, 15-16a, NASB).  I don’t know about you, but the last several months have certainly left me feeling exhausted, lost, and broken. 2020 has been a year for the books.  Worldwide pandemic.  Racial injustices.  Job losses.  Financial insecurities.  Spikes in mental health disorders.  Anxiety, panic, fear... Where do we go from here?  I’m sure all of you can relate to at least one of these circumstances; I’ve yet to talk to a person who hasn’t felt some of these same burdens. On my part, it’s almost ironic; I was given all of the time in the world to spend with Jesus, but during that first month I felt so lost, alone, and broken that “Jesus-time” be...