Have you ever had days where nothing goes right? We live in turbulent times, full of tough days. At times we may feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and disconnected from each other and from God. We may wonder if Christ has anything to teach us as we face difficulties ahead. What if you could read a brief story for a few minutes each day that would offer Biblical and Godly encouragement to face those inevitable tough days?
Down to earth easy to read stories that also add Biblical insight and spiritual encouragement. This particular book covers daily stories for three months - April - June.
Each story could be dramatic, mission oriented.
April 9 – Prayer for Healing
Luke 9:18-20
I was visiting someone scheduled for surgery. She
was concerned. But when I asked if I could pray with
her, she answered, “No! I don’t believe in prayer.” She
noticed my surprise and continued: “Don’t get me
wrong, I believe in Jesus, and I know I will have eternal
life and all that stuff. I just don’t think God is in the
healing business anymore. I think God has left that to
the doctors.”
After a few seconds, I found my voice and asked:
“Don’t you think God cares about what happens
to you?”
She answered, “I think those healing stories in the
Bible were because Jesus was on earth. Today, it’s no
longer the same. He’s not here anymore.”
In all my years of ministry, she is the only one I
remember turning down prayer at a critical time. But
there were other times, when I offered to pray and I
sensed that although the person said, yes, I wasn’t sure
they really meant it.
In the Scripture, Jesus asks: “Who do you say I am?”
(Luke 9:20) It’s not about how well you attend church
or how many times you read the Bible. Here is what
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A Daily Dose of Godly Encouragement: Medicine for Tough Days
matters: What do you believe? What do you put into
practice when it comes to living a life patterned after
Jesus? Peter understood: “You are Christ! You are the
Son of the almighty God! You are my Lord!” (Luke 9:20)
Years ago, I was passionate about my faith. Today, I’m
more mature. Ouch! It’s not that I don’t believe, but I
struggle at times with complacency. Sometimes, I need
reminding that Jesus Christ is still healing and working
miracles. We are called to believe not just with our
head but also with our whole heart which results in
our desire to be like Jesus and to pattern our lives after
Him. So, what do you believe?
Remember the person I tried to pray for? I had no
answer but someone else did. Someone she respected
was witnessed how Christ changed and healed her.
Through her witness the woman facing surgery
rediscovered her lost faith.
Jesus Christ is as meaningful today as He was two
thousand years ago. Jesus slips into our lives today –
sometimes quietly, sometimes compassionately,
sometimes to heal, sometimes to comfort but Christ is
always there ready to enfold you in his loving arms.
Prayer Challenge: What do you believe about Jesus?