All Who Were Ill

"News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them."

— Matthew 4:24

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

You didn't come for the healthy, you came for the sick and oppressed. And people who needed healing were discovering that you could help. They probably didn't understand why. They probably didn't fully comprehend who you were. They just were desperate for relief and freedom from pain and suffering.

You met them at their point of need and healed them. It's interesting. You didn't preach at them. You didn't explain why they were sick. You met them at their deepest point of need, in their desperation, and brought healing. The next verse, Matthew 4:25, declares that as a result, large crowds followed you.

Lord, as you send me to these same people: people ill with various diseases, those suffering from severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, I want to bring your same healing presence and power to them. I will let the results speak for themselves. I will come with your loving kindness and gentle presence and rely on you to work through me to bring your healing relief and freedom. And then, as people inquire "How did this happen?", I will boldly proclaim the good news of the Kingdom to them (Matthew 4:23). I will share the truth about you and your power to heal every disease and illness. I will trust you to touch hearts and change lives. I will pray for and expect more to come and follow You!

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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