Paying Attention and Making a Difference

Different things can happen that leave us in need of healing. Sometimes, we are injured physically, and we know we have a long journey ahead of us. Those times can be scary, and we might fear that our bodies will not heal as they are supposed to. There are also times when we are injured emotionally, when something happens in our lives that makes us feel hopeless or scared for the future.

But there is always hope. God is a God of healing. Our world is broken because of sin, but when Jesus—God in flesh—came and lived among us, He healed all kinds of hurts (Matthew 9:35; Luke 4:17-21). He took our sin upon Himself when He went to the cross, and He rose from the dead—beating sin, death, sickness, and every kind of brokenness. Pain will not have the last word. Jesus will heal all of creation when He returns. And He gives us glimpses of that healing when we come to Him. Whether we have been hurt physically or emotionally, God has a way of saving us and making things better. Even in the midst of pain, He gives us hope.

I injured my finger recently. The injury was pretty scary at first. It took me a couple days to calm down and notice the healing that was already taking place. It took weeks for my finger to start looking the way it used to, but every time I looked at my finger, I saw God working. The healing that He was bringing about amazed me.

Sometimes, God brings healing naturally or through the people around you— such as friends or medical and mental health professionals. No matter what you have gone through, God can heal you. Who better to turn to when you need to be healed than the One who is all-powerful? • Emily Acker

• Have you ever seen your body heal from an injury, even just a small cut or a bruise? How does the way God designed our bodies reveal His kindness?

• Have you ever prayed for healing, either for yourself or someone else? We can always ask God for healing. Sometimes He heals right away, other times gradually. God works in all kinds of ways—through miracles, medical care, therapy…and when Jesus returns, He will fully heal all of creation, including us! If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can look forward to that day (Revelation 21:4).

• What needs healing in your life—a relationship, an injury, a broken heart? God knows what you’re going through and has compassion on you. You can bring your hurts to Him in prayer. God also gives healing through community (the church). If someone has hurt you, tell a trusted adult right away.

O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone! Jeremiah 17:14 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Gal.6.2|Ps.82.2-Ps.82.4