Risk to Reward

Then He put His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. – (Luke 13:13)

 

Eighteen years of crippling pain. Eighteen years of torment that hunched her body over to the point that she could not stand up straight… One moment, on one hope-filled Sabbath, her life was forever changed. Though she was a lowly crippled woman (as viewed through the lens of society at the time), Jesus noticed her. Not only did He notice, but He called her forward, individually. Imagine the internal angst that she must have wrestled with in going forward. Fear of public exposure and ridicule, yet hope of healing by this man about whom she had heard. When she arrived within His reach, Jesus spoke to her and told her she was set free from her infirmity. However, it was what happened next that transformed her body, heart and mind. Jesus touched. He placed His healing hands on what was crippled and bound, and in an instant, she was free! Upright and able to move for the first time in eighteen long years, the woman praised God immediately. Imagine the sight and sound in the middle of the stuffy synagogue, as this dear woman had been set free…

 

What is binding us where we are, and are we willing to obey what He asks in order to be set free? A moment’s risk often reaps an eternal reward. We must listen for His voice and make the choice, to go forward in faith, wherever He calls us to move. He is faithful to meet us if we choose to operate in obedience to that which He asks. May we go forth in faith, trusting Him in all things, ever aware of the miraculous that transpires all around us.

 

The gentle whisper,

that calls unto us;

says, “Come unto me,”

the voice of Jesus.

As we walk in faith,

miracles are seen;

for Christ is faithful,

as He makes us clean.

Cleansed from the sinful,

freed from the binding;

loved in brokenness,

His hope reminding.

May our response be,

one of endless praise;

let our hearts reply,

with thanks all our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You see us and know us, and call us by name. Thank You that You call us out to help and heal us, and that You come close and touch. Forgive us for the times that our immediate response to You has been anything other than praise, for You are so very good to us. Help us to be ever aware of Your presence and Your promises, so that we may hold fast to Your hope, even on the more difficult days. Teach us to walk with unwavering faith, so that we may love others as You so generously love us. Let those who are looking, be found forever in You. Be glorified O God, as we go forth in faith. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise. – James 5:13

Worry’s Worth

When trouble comes, or difficulty is looming ahead, it is in our own strength, impossible not to worry about what we are meant to do, or how to see things through.  However, when we slow down and give it to God (through earnestly seeking Him), we are better able to gain His perspective, and worry seems to give way to faith.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” – (Luke 12:25)

Worry, according to dictionary.com, is to torment or harass with cares, anxieties or trouble.  Interesting word choice, as it sounds much like what we are told is the objective of the enemy of our soul.  That being said, the antonym for worry, is reassurance, which essentially, means FAITH.  Faith is found when our relationship with the Lord is sound.  The more we know Him, the more we are assured of His goodness, faithfulness, and His promises to never leave us nor forsake us – the very things that combat worry.

Worry not,

when troubles come;

great is He,

the Faithful One.

Cast your cares,

unto the Lord;

trust in Him,

all faith afford.

No good comes,

where worry lies;

anxiousness,

defeated cries.

By His strength,

victory gained;

perspective,

in Him, remain.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Overcoming One.  Thank You that we can cast all our cares upon You, and trust in You – reassured that You are faithful to Your promise to be present and provide what is needed to see us through.  Thank You that You are always good, and that You can use every circumstance for our ultimate good – even when it seems no good will ever be found.  Forgive us for our worrying ways, and help us to press into You.  May faith rise up and silence the whispers of worry that try to freeze our hearts with fear.  Help us to walk confidently by faith in You, and may many come to know the blessed assurance that is found through faith in You.  Let those who are looking, be led into the safety of Your loving grace.  Be glorified through the love lived out in the lives of we, Your people.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Legion Lost

They called me wild.

image by Elle Alice

Had me bound in chains.

Isolation.

Made deeper my pains.

Among the tombs,

the voices, the noise.

Broken, bleeding –

seemingly no choice.

My screams not heard;

exhausting torment.

Made way to move,

despite their intent.

Then on that day,

when everything changed,

before me – Hope,

removal of stains.

Voice deep within,

called Jesus by name.

Who was this man?

What would be His claim?

Oh my dear friends,

you must hear the news.

He took my chains,

and clothed me in truth.

All the spirits

that had tortured me,

commanded out,

in pigs, then in sea.

My thoughts now clear,

my mind is at peace.

A life restored,

a captive set free.

I begged follow,

but He said to stay.

“Go tell others,

what I’ve done today.”

So now I speak.

I shall never cease.

I once was bound,

now cling to true peace.

(Responding to Mark 5:1-20)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not leave us in our bound up and broken state, but that it is Your joy to set the captives free.  Thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to do just that.  Thank You that my every sin, stain, fear and failure is finished, as it was nailed to that cross, as He died in my place.  Please forgive us for trying to take back, that which has already been forgiven and forgotten, and help us to do the same.  Teach us to trust You completely, and to walk in ongoing obedience to all that You are asking.  May each of us find the freedom that You have for us, so that we might move mightily in Your Name.  May many come to know You as we move where You ask.  Lead us in love today.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present