Girls Gone Loose
Most of us have seen the movie Footloose. It’s a modern classic about a small town where dancing and listening to music is illegal. In the end, the kids convince the town to loosen up, and get to have a dance where they all become footloose, dancing the night away.
We can all probably relate to feeling restricted, or maybe even disabled. The book of Luke tells of a woman who had been disabled by a spirit, and was not able to stand up straight for over 18 years. She was in the synagogue where Jesus was teaching, in her stooped state, when this happened:
“But when Jesus saw her, he called 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 13:12-13(NKJV)
My attention is drawn to several things about this story. First, Jesus saw her. She came near Him and he saw her. He saw what she needed, and what she was capable of through his divine healing. He saw what others didn’t, the masterpiece that was predestined to bring great glory to His name in her own unique way.
He called her. He wanted her to see Him, her Healer, Creator, and Savior. He wanted her attention and affection on Him. He wants the same from us, and He calls to us, too. Jesus speaks through His word, through prayer and the Holy Spirit in us, and through the kindness of others. If we look with faithful eyes, believing in His presence, we will see Him.
He loosed her. He didn’t tell her how she could get herself loose. He didn’t fix those around her who were unkind and rejected her. He didn’t heal her physical suffering first. The very first thing He did was free her. There are things in life we can’t understand, and there are wounds on our hearts that may never heal this side of heaven. There is freedom in knowing Jesus. He will not let anything hold us captive!
She was made straight, and immediately glorified God. She was brought upright. Another translation says she was restored. We restore old cars, furniture, and homes because they are most beautiful when they are as they were created to be. The process of wear and tear is normal and expected, until someone sees what once was, what could be again, and takes the time to repair and restore. That someone, for us, is Jesus.
For those 18 years this woman suffered, I wonder if she tried to find healing other ways. If I were her, I might have sought medicine, the latest superfoods, or self-help books on the issue. I might have even bought some nice clothes or makeup as a cover. Sometimes it’s not the steps we take that are wrong, it’s the order in which we take them. We have to get out of the way and let God be God, first. Even the words we pray and the attitude we have make a difference. Have we asked for healing or just asked for help?
We are this woman, and can experience what she did. Come to Him first, dwell where He dwells, and let Him do what only He can do: cut us loose to live for Him!
Personal Reflection
1. Take time to simply stand, as is, in the presence of Jesus. Write down what he reveals, and how you feel.
2. If there is something you desire to be freed from, ask Him to take it from you.
3. Once you are freed from this, what can you do to bring glory to Him? In other words, how can your freedom help others to know Him?
Editor’s Wanted!
We are looking for two fabulous editors to join our volunteer writing team!
- Edit 2 articles a month.
- 1 monthly online meeting with the CW writing/editing team
CREATED WOMAN AGUST LINE UP: HEALING/SELF-CARE
Self-care is not selfish!
Self-care most often requires us to take steps towards understanding our hurts, disappointments, griefs, or life transitions. It’s not selfish, it’s a necessity. For you and the ones who are around you.
August theme is all about self-care. Yes, it might actually be called ‘Healing’ but aren’t they the same?
We believe we cannot be our best self unless we embrace the beauty of God’s healing power. By walking through and in His grace, we experience healing, strength, peace and restoration ultimately bringing life to others in our family and community.
Don’t walk alone, your tribe is right here and we want to walk beside you.
Isaiah 43:2 (NIV):When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Podcasts
August 13th, Marcie Elliott-Smith, Dreams never die Pt. 3
August 27th, Stacy McVane, Hustle To Healing
Weekly Devotionals every Monday & Wednesday:
- Heal Yo' Self Before You Wreck Yo' Self
- Untangling Hurts & Losses
- Raise A Hallelujah
- The Fine Art Of Healing Slowly
- Girls Gone Loose
- The Overwhelming Fear I thought Would Never End
- Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired