“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light…” – Ephesians 5:8 (KJV)
The account of the demon-possessed man told in Mark 5:1-20 rings with sincerity. Though I was never demon-possessed, I needed God’s healing touch as much as he did. I, too, was afraid of Jesus coming too close, so like Nicodemus, I worshipped from afar.
Like that possessed man, I experienced rejection, even in the womb. This intensified when I was born because I did not look like those before and after me. I was virtually living in the tombs of loneliness, bound with the fetters of fear, poverty, and impending doom.
I found solace in books. I read anything and everything I could, including the Holy Bible. In the pages of this Book, I read about fathers — some who loved fiercely, like Jacob with his son Joseph and David with his son Absalom. I read of fathers who made mistakes, like Eli with his sons, Hophni and Phineas. But most of all, I read about our Heavenly Father, the Creator, God Who loves me with an everlasting love, as His Word declares.
I wanted to believe. I needed to believe! But the evidence against this was so compelling! Why was I experiencing so much heartache, illness, trauma, and loss? Where was this great love that compelled God the Father to send His Only Begotten Son to die in my place? Did Jesus die for everyone else except me?
The questions came hard and fast, and I resigned myself, like the demon-possessed man, to life as it was. I immersed myself in the pleasures of this life, self-harming with substances and ungodly relationships, until one day, Jesus passed by the ‘tombs’ where I dwelt, and I ran to Him and worshipped Him. I no longer question His love for me. I KNOW now that He loves me.
Do I still experience rejection? Loss? Trials? Sickness? Yes! to all of those questions. But the difference is, along with my healing, I received instructions. I have now been sent, like the man who was once demon-possessed, to tell you, my friends, that Jesus loves you, and He wants to heal you, like He healed me. He wants to catapult your purpose, too. I have not been called to a pulpit, but the Holy Spirit has called me to evangelise, to tell others of God’s great love and compassion.
Beloved, if you are in need of healing and finding purpose, now is the time to see that Jesus is near! Run to Him! Worship Him, receive your healing, and your assignment.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help! I love and need You, Lord! Here I am. Heal me and send me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.