Look Upon Our Healer

I have a question for you. When Jesus stood before a sick person, what do you think He saw? The sickness or the person? I know what I think He saw, but go ahead and take a moment to let the scene set in before trying to answering right away.

Do you have your answer? Good. I believe Jesus saw not only the person standing before Him, He was moved with a compassion the likes of which we’ve probably seldom experienced. Yes, Jesus drove out demons, but it is my belief they got very little of Jesus’ attention; just the minimum in order to get the job done.

The miraculous power of healing takes many forms. Healing from physical ailments, healing from emotional trauma, healing from addictions, and so on. Throughout the Old Testament God brought healing. Throughout the New Testament Jesus healed, the Disciples healed, and even non-disciples healed (Mark 9:38-39) Healing miracles happen today, just as they did back then. There’s even an app for that which we covered in Cultivate Collection Weekly Issue #12.

What Gets Your Attention?

They say “what you focus on you make room for.” which is a pretty good summary of the point I’m trying to make. Wherever we need healing in our lives, what are we focusing on? The thing that needs to get healed or the Healer?

I’m not immune to the effects of sickness and disease. I still cannot have children because I chose to have a vasectomy at 26 years old. Two reversals later and no sperm; I need a miracle if we want to have a family. My mom continues to battle cancer; she needs a miracle in her body. I have family members who struggle with addiction; they need a miracle.

I could continuously dwell on every one of these issues which are very much real. Or I could choose to turn my attention to the divine Healer. Do I understand why I’m not healed, or why those around me struggle with all sorts of issues? Nope. But that doesn’t matter, because I don’t need to have the answers for everything. I’d rather lock eyes with Jesus than give my attention over to the one who kills, steals, and destroys.

He Who Has Seen Me Has Seen The Father

There Phillip sat, hanging out next to Jesus and he asks what he believed to be a pretty valid question; “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” (John 14:9 NIV) Jesus responded by saying that anyone who has seen him has seen the Father.

There was a time my mind was filled with thoughts of doom rather than thoughts of God, and you know what? Nearly everywhere I looked I saw doom and gloom. I was cynical, and a pessimist. Funny how that works right?

Then something happened. Little by little, year after year, as my walk with God grew my perspective began to shift. Optimism, hope, belief in others. Sure, there are times when the old man wants to grab the microphone, but I celebrate those times as the enemy showing his hand as the worlds worst poker player. Those times only solidify my resolve to stay focused on Christ, and cause me to run right back into His arms.

The most incredible thing about miracles is they happen.

G.K. Chesterton

It’s easier for me to stand in the presence of sickness now and see the person, not the disease. Getting here took nearly a decade of getting to know God on a deep, personal level.

Knowing God

Amy and I spent the last seven weeks sharing aspects of how we connect with God. Beginning with our first blog post, we set the stage for what a healthy, meaningful relationship could look like.

The outdoors are an amazing place to go and encounter God. There are so many stories in the Bible about others encountering God in His creation. We feel the same way which is why our next blog post and podcast focused on encountering God in the outdoors. I love how getting to know Him better often happens in situations that bring us joy.

Over the past 10 years, we’ve traveled a lot and have experienced so many great places where people have gathered together to seek God and share His love with others. Two of those amazing places were The International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC) and The Bible Project in Portland, Oregon. Just like being out in nature, if you’re looking God can be found in so many places within big cities. He just seems to be everywhere when you’re looking for him. Maybe it’s like when you’re looking at a certain car and you begin seeing them everywhere on the road! Haha!

As our relationship with God has grown over the years, so has the occurrences of miraculous provision. It’s almost as if entering into a greater awareness of being sons and daughters of the One True God brings about an increase in surprise gifts from our daddy in Heaven.

A lot of these stories and experiences may have been forgotten if it weren’t for Amy’s journaling habits; something I have yet to get into but am glad Amy does it. In Mark Batterson’s book, The Circle Maker, he highlights the importance of documenting things God has said because when He follows through on His word, it is amazing to go back and see the miracle after miracle He has creatively orchestrated in our lives. He truly is the God of miracles.

Ain’t Got Time For That

The more I focus on God, on Jesus, and tune into the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, the more I lose interest in the problems and obstacles in front of me. It’s hard for me to explain the peace that washes over you when you’re locking eyes with Jesus. He’s so much better than anything else out there.

I guess in the end, it’s like choosing between two tv or radio stations. One is filthy and makes your head hurt, the other is beautiful and delights your heart. I’d like to believe Jesus had that same feeling when a sick person, or an obstacle was standing before Him. Even in the midst of trouble, it was the joy set before Him that His focus was turned to.

When Moses said to the Israelites “See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.” (Deuteronomy 30:15 NIV) I choose life and prosperity, because frankly, I an’t got time for anything else.