Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Stand Here

How are you?  No, really...How are you?  Has your fall been as crazy as mine? All good things, but just a lot of LIFE and a LOT of lessons.  God is faithful in everything isn't He?

Not too long ago, I was sitting in our bedroom studying in Luke. (Yes, I'm still in Luke) It was a few days before we were to leave for our mission trip and I was in Luke 6.  The passage I was focused on is a familiar story, the man with the withered hand. You can find it in Luke 6:6-11

On this day, a particular phrase stood out to me.  It's found in verse 8. But first, here is a little summary of what is going on. Jesus knew that the good old "church people" were looking for any reason to accuse him of breaking Sabbath, but Jesus saw a need. That need was more important than any discussion those scribes and Pharisees wanted to have. 

Verse 8 says:

But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, "Come, and stand here." And he rose and stood there.

Come and stand here.

In my life there have been times when I believed that to stay wounded in the broken place was easier than taking a step toward the healer.  That was a lie.

I am convinced that sometimes we miss a healing encounter with Almighty God because we refuse to move.

There is so much more to this short little passage, but for today God has put the brakes on.  Here is the question I feel impressed to ask myself... and you....

Here you go...

Is your unwillingness to move keeping you from experiencing the healing hand of God?  

Is God asking you to "Come, stand here" today?

I promise you, a step toward Him is a step to healing, to freedom...

Return to your stronghold (JESUS), oh prisoner of HOPE! (Christian!)
Zechariah  9:12 (bold, my emphasis)