The One We Turn To

And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all. Luke 13:10,11

Eighteen years! Think of what your life has been like for the past eighteen years. Now imagine living your life doubled over and unable to stand straight up, walk straight up, or even sit straight up. Looking at the ground and people’s feet instead of at the sky and into their faces. Humiliation would mark your daily existence. All could see your condition and their responses would probably range from pity to disgust.

We are not told the age of this woman so we don’t know how old she was when it happened to her. We are not told the circumstances that lead up to her condition. But we are told a spirit was involved. At some point in her life she was open and vulnerable to this attack and the enemy wasted no time in seeking to destroy her life.

I imagine her internal world was filled with shame, resignation, and hopelessness. She was robbed of more than the ability to stand straight. She was robbed of value, normalcy, comfort, dignity, and all the things we take for granted. How many people would have stayed involved in her life? How many places was she able to go? And yet on the Sabbath day we find her in the synagogue listening to Jesus’ teachings. While some would choose to blame God and turn bitter, this woman is still found in a place of worship.

I wonder how many would read this account and admit they are still affected by something that happened to them many years ago. It might have been brought on by themselves, by a family member, by a stranger, or even by the enemy himself. It may have come through a choice they made or, like Job, it may have happened even in the midst of living right. Consequences of our own choices, other people’s actions, or satanic attacks are not reasons to walk away from God. They are the very reasons we need to draw close to Him and allow Him to redeem what is left. The question is, will we do it?

Father, may nothing in my life cause me to turn away from You, blame You, or distrust You. You are the only One who knows me completely, loves me fully, and can still bring beauty for ashes. Amen.