Healing the Hurting - Martin Wiles

The crowds asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” Luke 3:10-11 NLT

God brought the saying to my mind; I never imagined anything would come of it, especially healing the hurting. 

Bimonthly, I changed the saying on the sign in front of the church. Since I was tired of trying to find unique sayings—and since we didn’t have anything special happening to advertise--I tried to listen for God’s still small voice. “Hurting people find healing here” came to mind. Appropriate, I thought. After all, churches should be places where anyone can come for emotional, spiritual, and even physical healing. 

A couple in our church who own a construction company had been remodeling our Sunday school area and feverishly trying to finish it before our annual Vacation Bible School. As they worked late one night, a stranger banged on the door. Wary at first to let him in since the stench of alcohol clothed him, they eventually decided to open the door. He wanted nothing but to talk. “You may have saved my life,” he said later when he left. 

Hundreds of years had passed since anyone had heard from a prophet of God. Then John the Baptist emerged from the wilderness. Not the kind of person you’d think God would send with an important message, but, then again, God often operates outside of the box. After destroying their trust in their family heritage as a source of salvation, John hears them ask what they should do. Share with others was his answer. Doing so would demonstrate love. 

Jesus parroted John’s message. As God’s representative, we must share his love with others. The only way we can do this is through tangible acts that touch their lives. Even those incapacitated by health ailments can carry on an active intercessory prayer ministry. Other acts might include supporting an orphaned child, encouraging missionaries serving overseas in dangerous areas, carrying meals to shut-ins, or teaching in a local church. 

Opportunities abound, but healing the hurting is a mandate we can’t ignore. Through acts of love, we validate our relationship with Christ to ourselves and others. When they see love in action, they will be more likely to trust the Savior we serve. 

Think of one way you can help heal those who are hurting.

Father, motivate me to reach out in love to those who are hurting.

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Reaching Up to God - Karen Huffaker

And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Acts 3:7 ESV

Sometimes, reaching up to God isn’t the first thing we do.

 

For months after an excruciating ankle injury, I wore a boot and then a brace and then went to physical therapy. My ankle was swollen beyond measure and discolored, but thankfully not broken. I couldn’t put any weight on it for weeks.

Peter and John were about to enter the temple area when they met a poor lame man sitting by the Beautiful Gate. He was helpless. Peter spoke to him in the name of Jesus Christ for him to get up and walk. Then taking him by the right hand, he raised him up. At once, his feet and ankles became strong. It was a miracle. The man jumped up and walked.

My ankle recovery was not as immediate, but I learned through the slow healing process to reach up to Jesus. Each day Jesus offers His hand of hope to me to raise me up. If I reach up and take His hand, He will guide me through my struggles.

I can lean on God for strength, encouragement, and wisdom through reading Scripture. Through prayer, I can seek God’s healing in those areas that need His healing touch. He will be my help in times of trouble. I don’t have to struggle or go through them alone.

The lame man praised God, and the people who witnessed the healing were amazed. I, too, am praising God. My ankle became strong. Jesus helps me to face whatever comes.

What struggles are you experiencing that could use God’s healing touch?

Tweetable: What struggles of yours need God's healing touch? 

Karen Huffaker is a freelance Christian writer. She has taught children’s Sunday school and single mom’s Bible studies and written poetry. She is from the Deep South and loves reading Christian books, devotionals, genealogy adventures, fishing, and all things family. She is also passionate about her grandchildren’s sporting events. 

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Healing and Hope - Casey Wayne

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 NKJV

As my daughter and I played outside one afternoon, she tripped over her own feet and fell to her knees.

In the following days, my daughter got upset when she saw the scab developing on her knee. She begged me to take it away. I explained how scabs work, insisting I could not take her scab away and that it was a sign her body was healing.

God can’t keep us from all the pain in the world. The Bible teaches we will face pain, trials, and tribulations. But in our moments of pain, God is there for us. He can heal and restore us. Just as He did my daughter’s skinned knee, He can heal our wounds and restore our soul. It doesn’t matter if it's a physical, emotional, or spiritual wound—or a combination. He can heal them all. He may not take the wounds away, but He will be there with us as we endure them, providing strength and hope for us to take one step at a time.

Through prayer and scripture reading, God can help us persevere through the pain. While pursuing God, He gives us hope as we learn to trust His plan. Giving our pain to God allows Him to restore us and gives us a way to share His hope with others. Then our story can become an example of God’s grace, mercy, and hope for all who put their trust in Him.

Lean into God and let Him work on you as He gives hope and healing.

Tell us where you find hope and healing. 

Tweetable: Where do you find hope and healing? 

Casey Wayne is a regular contributor for Inspire Within, writing a monthly faith-based article.  She also shares her heart for the Lord through her Faith and Family Instagram account @peace.of.faith. As a stay-at-home Mom of two toddlers, she loves to share her journey of faith through her writing.

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Oiled Down - Martin Wiles

Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14 NLT

Our middle grandson didn’t know it, but he was about to get oiled down—and not with lotion.

We struggled financially, so my wife and middle grandson—three at the time—were on their way downtown in search of help to stock our food pantry. Colton had already fallen once and skinned one knee, and on the way into the building, he fell again, skinning the other. This brought on tears and whining, both of which followed them inside.

As Michelle and Colton waited for assistance, an older lady in the next room witnessed about her love for Jesus, preaching to all who would listen—and to all who didn’t want to. When she heard Colton crying, she headed to help. Colton wanted a Band-Aid. Pulling out her “church bag,” she searched, but came up empty.

What she did have—and what she told Colton would help heal him, with the help of Jesus, of course—was a small container of oil. My wife, coming from a church tradition that used this frequently, knew what the lady was going to do. But instead of just a drop, the concerned lady lathered Colton’s knees with oil and said, “Jesus is going to heal you.”

Colton, not understanding what she did, merely said, “I want a Band-Aid”—which the helpful lady preceded to go into the backroom and retrieve.

Churches may debate the efficacy of oil—and on whom to use it—but James simply says when someone is sick that they should call the elders of the church and let them anoint and pray over the sick person. This woman couldn’t call the elders, but she could anoint and pray—which she did.

Beyond the debate of healing and using oil is a deeper issue: love. The elders coming, anointing, and praying are symbols of love and concern for someone who is sick physically—and perhaps spiritually. As the woman was for my grandson.

Whether or not we actually anoint people with oil is beside the point. We can lather them with kindness, love, mercy, and grace. The same qualities God rubs all over us daily. When we ask God for opportunities to do so, He’ll provide them. Oiling down others’ lives enhances our appreciation to God, and it has the potential to change someone’s life forever.

Tell God you want to oil others down in His name and watch what He does.

Prayer: Father, use us to pour and rub the oil of love and kindness into others’ lives.

Tweetable: Are you oiling others down? 

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Flashback Friday - Depression's Deception - Martin Wiles

Depression’s Deception

Things don’t have to be bad for it to sneak up. In fact, life can be good. 

Elijah was the man of the hour. When God wanted to punish his people for their disobedience, Elijah was the one he used to announce a drought. God then demonstrated that he’d take care of his man by multiplying the flour and cooking oil of the widow who was caring for him. When God wanted to demonstrate his superiority over the pagan god Baal, he sent Elijah to the top of a mountain to have a fire delivering contest with them. And when God had made his point and it was time for the drought to end, he again used Elijah to summon rain. Read more...

Tweetable: Things don’t have to be bad for depression to sneak up on you. 

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Flashback Friday - Dealing with Depression - Martin Wiles

Dealing with Depression

“Take the medicine and stay out of the Emergency Room.”

Those were my doctor’s words when I finally accepted his diagnosis of depression. My home and professional life were in shambles. I felt like I was in a tailspin—barely able to keep my head above water. Dark clouds were my constant friends. Pains afflicted various parts of my body. Was it stress, worry, or an approaching heart attack? Read more...

Tweetable: Is depression depressing you? 

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Cry Out - Martin Wiles

But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. Psalm 18:6 NLT

She raised up on the bed, writhing in pain.

I’d watched my wife suffer with kidney stones before. Over the course of a week, her abdominal pain had worsened to the point that it merited a trip to the local emergency room. After a shot of morphine and a CT, the doctors sent her home. No explanation—but no emergency either.

Four days later, the pain had intensified. We made another trip. As pains shot through her abdomen, causing her to almost come off the bed, nurses shot her with morphine—again. Nothing helped. After changing the pain medication, she finally found some relief. Seeing her pain—and hearing my frustration, the doctor finally consented to perform another CT scan. This time, the culprit raised its ugly head: diverticulitis.

I’ve watched others struggle with more pain than my wife experienced. Some cry out to God, and some cry out against God. Others curse and cry. Some bite their tongues and close their eyes. The psalmist chose to cry out to God. A jealous king—and other enemies--was after him. He needed deliverance. And David believed God heard him.

Jesus was God’s representative on earth. He said to see Him was to see the Father. He also proclaimed that He always did the Father’s will. One trait He demonstrated consistently was His concern for others. He continually went about doing good. As people heard of His love and miracles, they hounded Him when He approached their region or either left their homes to find Him.

Though no longer here personally and tangibly, Jesus still cares when I face distressing circumstances. And there is no end to the things that can cause us pain, sorrow, frustration, and confusion. Regardless of what it is—whether small or large, Jesus wants us to cry out to Him as David did. Time is of no concern. God is up continuously. He doesn’t rest or sleep. Nor is He confined by time. It’s never too late to call upon Him.

How God hears the thousands who pray to Him at the same time is unexplainable and takes a leap of faith to believe. But He does, and He demonstrates He does by answering our prayers according to His will—which is perfect.

When you’re in distress, call on the One who always cares and who will always answer.

Prayer: Father, thank You for coming to us and delivering us in our moments of distress. 

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Conquering Stress - Martin Wiles

In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:6 NLT

Living a stress-free life is impossible.

Women report they experience stress because of the following reasons: contradictory feelings, changing expectations, new freedoms but fewer options, guilt over working outside the home, too much to do with too little time, fatigue, boredom, unrealistic expectations, role conflicts, and pressures from the workplace. The top five stressors reported by women were death of a spouse, divorce, marriage, death of a family member, and being fired from their job.

For men, the four major stressors concern their bodies, careers, families, and personal issues. Though men and women face similar stressors, men seem to handle them in an unhealthier manner. Symptoms that show up as men age are high blood pressure, body aches, ulcers, heartburn, and headache. Statistically, they also die earlier than women. (Wright, H Norman. Winning over Your Emotions)

The nation of Israel faced her own set of stressors—many brought on by their repeated disobedience to God. God often used pagan nations to correct their wayward behavior, but He also assured Israel of His love and protection when they obeyed.

Small doses of stress are good. They get my adrenaline flowing and propel me into actions that can benefit me, my church, my community, and even the world. A life completely free of stressors would be boring and uneventful. Too many stressors—or the wrong type, can inflict emotional, physical, and spiritual pain—leading to my detriment.

A correct view of God helps control stress. God is not a distant deity who has no concerns for the events in my life. He walks beside me, lives within me, and wants to direct my paths to an abundant life. But I must give Him control and believe He is in control.

Building time to relax into my schedule is also important. Opportunities to serve God and others abound, but I can’t take advantage of them all. Asking God which ones He wants me to snatch is important. As Jesus took time to relax, I must also have time left over for my family and myself.

Re-evaluating the view I have of myself is essential. The why of what I’m doing that’s leading to stress is more important than what I’m doing. If there are ulterior motives involved, stress is sure to accumulate.

Don’t let stress conquer you; let God help you conquer it.

Prayer: Father, give us life guidance so our bodies will not be conquered by the ill effects of stress. 

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Peeled like a Potato - Martin Wiles

When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. Hosea 1:2 NLT

I stood with a bag of potatoes beside me, a knife in my hand, and what appeared like eternity in front of me.

Corporal tunnel surgery had not slowed my wife down much—and I was glad since she was our cook at church for Wednesday night meals. Though I was prepared to fix the meal under her supervision, I got off with a lighter duty.

“How good are you at peeling potatoes?” she asked.

“Okay I suppose,” I answered and took the knife she handed me.

“Peel half of this bag.”

When I finished peeling, she said, “Now slice them and then dice them into small pieces so they’ll cook quickly.”

The dish was simple. She was merely browning the potatoes and adding a little butter and other seasoning. Yet almost an hour was spent getting ready to make the dish. Peeling and preparing a potato can be a lengthy process.

Hosea was peeled like a potato. God’s call to him involved marrying a prostitute—or a woman with promiscuous leanings, and having her bear him children through adulterous relationships. Seems like a strange plan, but his life episode was to be an illustration of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God.

God’s plan often comes in layers like a sliced potato. He doesn’t show us the entire schemata, just bits and pieces. Hosea’s wife didn’t stop with one promiscuous affair but continued until Hosea finally brought her home and confined her. My obedience to each stage of God’s unfolding plan demonstrates my determination to do what He wants me to do—even if I can’t see the end.

God’s plan can be painful as it was for Hosea and as it was for my back while I stood for an hour peeling. No spouse enjoys being the recipient of unfaithfulness. God often allowed His prophets to demonstrate their messages in graphic ways, and Hosea’s aligned with the norm. Hosea hurt. Through pain, we grow spiritually and are drawn closer to our Creator.   

And God’s plan will always entail change. Never can I stay where I am and go with God. The potato won’t become a hash brown casserole, French fries, or browned potatoes as long as it stays in its original state.

Regardless of the pain or the change required, determine to follow God’s plan for your life.

Prayer: Father, give us the courage and faith we need to say “Yes” to Your plan. 

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