Suffering: Physical Pain, Like The Woman With A Spirit Of Infirmity

Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

Luke 13:10-13 (NKJV)

Crippling arthritis, herniated discs, or any misalignment of the back… carries a prodigious amount of pain.

Even with modern diagnostic tools, back injuries remain mysterious. Treatment can be like a roll of the dice. Will it help or make the suffering worse? Can the hurt be healed, or will it linger?

Nagging pain demands full-time attention, like a blazing, non-stop temper tantrum. Aching victims face crucial decisions:

  1. To focus on grievous circumstances… and trade their faith, joy, and dreams for despair.

  2. To hope on doctors and their prescriptions… although no one and nothing seems to help.

  3. To move forward like soldiers in wartime… pushing through “impossible” obstacles.

  4. To trust God for an eventual cure… praising and thanking Him, no matter what!

Jesus met a lady in the temple who selected the latter plans of action. Please note two facts of her deliverance:

  1. She evidenced patient continuance, which God promises WILL reap great results.

  2. Her condition had spiritual ties, as in –Satan bound her for eighteen years.*

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

I’m sure you want everyone’s afflictions to be healed, like this faithful woman's was. Although her miracle came instantly, she'd been hurting and waiting a long time.

Does physical pain have any upside? Many Bible Chapters suggest it does– such as 1 Peter 4 and Romans 8.** 

But if YOU’RE the one carrying that pain, and YOU’RE the one praising and pushing through (or possibly a loved one close to you), don’t shun the option of deliverance as one strong Arm of your Father’s healing.

Suffering: Physical Pain, Like The Woman With A Spirit Of Infirmity (Part 42)

* Entire Bible passage: Luke 13:10-17 NKJV - A Spirit of Infirmity - Now He was - Bible Gateway

** 1 Peter 4: 1 Peter 4 NKJV - Christ’s Example to Be Followed - Bible Gateway

** Romans 8: Romans 8 NKJV - Free from Indwelling Sin - There is - Bible Gateway

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban