January 13, 2010

NEVER TOO LATE

Key Verse
For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. (Acts 4:22 NIV)
Read More READ THE PASSAGE

Central Truth

Most of us will never need a miracle of physical healing, but all of us need healing of our hearts. Patterns of thinking, needing forgiveness, letting go of bitterness, loving others better: all could be areas were we need a miracle and praise God that it is never too late.

Reflections

I try to get still and quiet, but my soul is restless. Facebook, TV, and trolling Match.com are all things I do to distract myself. For weeks I have read the passage over and over and nothing resonates until I get to the last verse; "For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old". Every time I read this verse it jumps out at me. I think I understand the intent, the fact that the man had been lame from birth makes his physical healing even more miraculous. It filled the people with wonder and amazement and opens their hearts to the message of Christ - except the leaders.

For me though, God is seeking to heal my crippled heart. This year had been a journey down into the belly of the whale where God has brought me face to face with myself.....again. I have a need to control my world: surely God can't handle it without my help. My unwillingness to ask for help, I'd rather drown than bother someone. How stupid is that? Oh wait, another way to be in control. I too am paralyzed and waiting at the gate because I need a miracle. I need God to heal me from the fear that drives me to control my world, something I have been doing for over forty years.

Like the lame man, I must abandon all hope of healing myself. I must abandon the lie that I can control my world and trust God even when it feels as if everything is out of control. I must trust that when fear rises up in me that God will not fail me; trust that He is present with me; trust that asking for help won't kill me. I must trust that this season will pass and like the lame man I will leap up with a new understanding of God's grace. And like the lame man I must praise God for my miracle: the miracle that God is healing and changing me with His amazing grace even though I am over forty years old.

Discussion Questions

1.  What are some areas in your life that need God's healing?

2.  Find scriptures that are meaningful and memorize them for God to bring to mind. Write them on your mirror and carry them with you.  God will speak to you through His Word.

3.  Find a small group or friends that will pray for you and be honest with you.

4.  How can you express your gratitude for God's work in your life? Never forget to share with others how He is healing you.

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Fellowship Bible Church.

  1. michelle key

    January 13, 2010 06:10 AM

    Hi Diana, thank you for your honest, openess and vulnerability and sharing it with us. Who doesn't need more healing in our heart, soul or minds? This was great! Peace, michelle key ps. Come by the front desk. I work there on Sundays, Monday, and Fridays

  2. Tori Fowler

    January 13, 2010 07:26 AM

    Diana- I am over 40 as well and need healing every day! I also try to control my world and fall miserably short most of the time. Thanks for reminding me what my focus should be! Blessings, Tori Fowler

  3. Jim

    January 13, 2010 07:51 AM

    What an invaluable insight for the rest of us "over-40 and think we need to be in control" people; God is the One in control, and the only One capable of maintaining control . . . when we allow Him. God bless you!

  4. John Randall

    January 13, 2010 09:25 AM

    Diana, Very well done. I also feel that God is healing me and saving me from myself through His amazing grace, even though I am over 50 years old. It is a lie that I can control my world to suit my self will. Thank you and God bless, John Randall

  5. Jon Cody

    January 13, 2010 09:40 AM

    Awesome truths in this honesty that Diana has laid out for us. God has spoken to me through that alone, not to mention the scripture itself. Thanks Diana and many thanks to God!

  6. Gary Brandenburg

    January 13, 2010 09:52 AM

    Thanks for your transparency Diana, and for your willingness to press through and finish the devo which is such an encouragement that God may wait 40 or more years to give us what we are looking for.

  7. jgarellano

    January 13, 2010 12:59 PM

    Diana, Your thoughts are a good reminder that God never givings up on us. I'm trusting that "He who began a good work in you (me) will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. peace, jga

  8. Margaret McCrummen

    January 13, 2010 01:32 PM

    I greatly enjoyed your devotional. Open...honest...beautiful! Praise God that He is in the restoration business!

  9. Diane Lafving

    January 13, 2010 01:58 PM

    Dianna, I love your entry! I identified with almost every single thing. Hope you do another entry in the future. Love, Diane

  10. Martha

    January 13, 2010 10:24 PM

    Hi Diana, I loved your insight...or should I say, Christ's insight? I'm sure Jesus was waiting for the perfect moment to "speak" through you. Thanks for being open to His voice.

  11. Linda Knox

    January 13, 2010 10:40 PM

    Diana, thank you for your honesty. I am way over 40 and still find it hard to wait on God's best for me. Thank you for the encouragement. Much love...

  12. Julie Kuklish

    January 14, 2010 09:56 AM

    Diana, Thanks for the reminder that "it's never too late" - happy thursday. Blessings, Julie

  13. Jason Jackson

    January 15, 2010 12:09 AM

    Thanks for hanging in there and writing this great devotion!

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Diana Spann

Diana Spann

Excited to be on the third year of the journey with you. It's 28 degrees outside, home sick from work (I really am sick) and settled in with a cup of coffee the electric blanket...cat..dog....a bit of heaven. Hard to believe that a little over a week ago I was in Honduras, scuba diving.  I love the variety and surprise that God's creation offers us. 

Okay it's three weeks later, Christmas Eve and snowing...and this is all I've written, but tonight I am not going to bed until this is done...:-) 

December 30...deadline today, must finish devotional....  :-)

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