Written by Amy Carol Wolff. Artwork by Christine Hwang.
“And there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, ‘Woman, you are freed from your disability.’ And he laid his hands on her and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God.” — Luke 13:11-13
This story mirrors the joy of freedom in finding our identity in Christ. When I think of how the Lord has touched my life, setting me free of “disabling spirits” which have so crippled my day-to-day life, I’m brought to a place of awe.
What if you were there that day when this lady was healed, and then a few months later saw her bent over once again in the streets? What would you say to her? Take this situation and apply it to your own life. In Christ, we are set free from that which held us captive. We can walk straight. However, disability can be comfortable. Healing is life altering and we humans hate change. So there exists the temptation to return to what we once knew: the old habits, the lifeless complaining, the tainted understanding of truth.
The Bible says there is freedom in His healing (Galatians 5:1). How do we continue in it? First, know God. Pursue Him through the reading of scripture, prayer and discipleship. The more we discover about His character, the more it brings us to our knees in worship. The less we understand about Him, the more prone we are to bending over once again. Second, surround yourself with individuals who know of your healing and who can testify to His work in your life. That family of fellowship can be an encouragement when it seems more comfortable and perhaps makes more “sense” to go back to what you know. And third, rejoice! Actually take the time to praise Him for who He is.
Choosing His healing demands true change, but that change brings with it a life in the Holy Spirit that is Life indeed. Do you want to be free?
Reflection Questions
1. What areas of your life have been healed by God? Take the time to thank Him for how He has worked in your life!
2. Of the three ways to continue in freedom (mentioned above) what do you need to work on most? How can you continue in each of these ways?