Posts by Vickie Oakley
When God Promises Healing
When God Promises Healing
“There was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.” – John 4:46-47
When Jesus arrived in Galilee, he met a man who came pleading for his son’s life. The man was a royal official and most likely had plenty of money and servants.
But even wealth and power don’t guarantee that a person will never face hardship or pain. So, an anxious father found himself in a crowd, begging Jesus to return with him.
“Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” (John 4:48)
Again, the man begs, asking Jesus to accompany him before his son dies from his illness. Then Jesus tells him to leave, promising that his son will live.
When he returns home, the man finds his son well. So, he calls his servants and asks what time the boy improved. He smiles when they mention the time because it was the exact hour that he was with Jesus.
There may be an illness or relationship in your life that Jesus has promised healing in. As the days pass, you may wonder why you haven’t seen it yet. Though the man had the assurance from Jesus that all would be well, he still had to travel a long distance before he would see it fulfilled.
Sometimes, healing happens long before we see it. Don’t lose faith, dear one. If God has assured you that you will experience healing, it’s a promise that He will keep.
God, thank You for Your faithfulness. I haven’t seen healing (in this area of life) yet but I know that You are working all things for my good. Let Your name be magnified through this healing work that You’re doing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Healing in Unexpected Ways
Healing in Unexpected Ways
“On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years.” – Luke 13:10-11
When Jesus was teaching in the synagogue (or church), he saw a woman crippled. Many versions of the Bible explain that the woman was doubled over, unable to straighten her spine at all.
Imagine the pain of walking hunched over for years. Suddenly even mundane tasks like grocery shopping or cooking dinner would be unbearably painful. Your joints and muscles would ache constantly from compensating for your spinal column. Your neck would be at angle, making conversations and eye contact difficult.
So when Jesus saw the woman, He was overcome with compassion. He called out, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” (Luke 13:12)
But an interesting thing happens then. As everyone else rejoices and praises God, the church leader grows angry. He says there are six days to work on and the seventh is meant to be holy. “If you want to be healed,” he says, “Come on the right day!” (Luke 13:14, paraphrased).
Jesus become angry and calls the man a hypocrite, asking, “Should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”
Healing doesn’t always present the way we would like it to. Jesus may choose to heal that woman from her violent spouse by allowing a divorce. He may choose to heal a sick man from cancer by taking him to Heaven.
It’s important as Christians that we don’t judge the healed for how they’re healed. Rather, we’re just to rejoice that Christ has done a beautiful miracle.
God, help me to rejoice with those who have been healed. I don’t want to be so caught up in what I think healing should look like that I miss it when You perform a miracle. I thank You and praise You for the healing that has happened to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Who Is Your Lazarus?
Who Is Your Lazarus?
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” – John 11:40
Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, were close friends of Jesus. So when their brother was ill, the sisters sent for Him, saying, “The one you love is ill.” (John 11:3)
But Jesus didn’t drop everything and leave. He waited two days before journeying to see Lazarus. As He departed he told his disciples that Lazarus was asleep and it was time to wake him.
When Jesus arrived, Martha hurried out to meet him. Her anguished cry reflects on our own during times of pain, “If You were here, this wouldn’t have happened…”
This is when Jesus reminds her of his Divinity. He says He’s the Resurrection and the Life and asks her if she believes.
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11:27)
In times of pain—before the Lord has healed an illness or restored a relationship—it can be tempting to focus on what hasn’t happened or get trapped into an endless cycle of questions.
But Jesus encouraged Martha to focus on His identity, rather than her pain or her circumstances. Re-affirming what you believe about Jesus can be a powerful way to find peace, even in the middle of deep pain.
Jesus, I believe You are the Messiah. You came into the world to rescue and redeem me. I don’t know why it seems that You haven’t moved in my situation but I’m choosing to trust in Your character. You are good and faithful always. Amen.
Fulfilling God’s Plan
Fulfilling God’s Plan
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear.” – John 18:10
When Judas betrayed Jesus, he brought with him men to take Jesus by force. But headstrong Peter grabbed a sword. His heart may have been in the right place but as he picked up the weapon, he struck one of the servants.
With one clean stroke, the man’s outer ear fell to the ground. Surprisingly, Jesus doesn’t thank Peter or congratulate him for his skill. Instead He says, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11)
In Luke 22, Jesus reaches out to the servant. Touching him, He heals the man’s ear. It’s his final healing miracle before the Cross.
At a moment when Jesus is about to enter the darkest time of His life, He has compassion. Jesus understood the servant was fulfilling God’s perfect plan by being there that night.
Sometimes, we rage against the people that are merely trying to do their job—like the cop that gives a ticket or the coach that pushes you each practice.
But often, these people are in place to make sure God’s plan is fulfilled. That cop who gave you a ticket may have saved you from a horrible wreck. That coach who pushed you may be the reason you become a better athlete.
Don’t resent those that God has placed in your life. Many times, they are doing His will, even if you don’t see it in the moment.
God, help me to respond with grace and compassion to people I find difficult to like. Teach me to be humble and kind to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Gods GLORY Displayed
God’s Glory Displayed
He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told
me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” – John 9:11
When Jesus and His disciples encountered a man that was blind, they were curious.
So, they decided to ask Jesus an interesting question. They said, “Who sinned that this
man was born blind? Was it his parents or him?”
Some well-meaning Christians believe that every illness or disability must be the direct
result of sin in a person’s life or in the person’s family. But that is rarely the case. Often,
no one has sinned or done anything wrong. Illness happens because we live in an
imperfect world.
And sometimes, God allows suffering for His own purpose. This is what Jesus meant
when He replied to His disciples.
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the
works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:3)
God can use any and every illness or disability to bring glory to His name. Sometimes,
He does that through physical healing (as the man born blind) and sometimes He does
that by giving you the strength to keep pressing on even when you’re living in a sick
body.
God, let me rejoice in illness and in disability, for I know the plans You have for me are
good. Use my brokenness to show the world how magnificent You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen
“Stretch Out Your Hand”
Stretch Out Your Hand
Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. – Matthew 12:13
Jesus was in the Temple or church on Sabbath. Under the Jewish laws, no one was supposed to do any work on the Sabbath. It was meant to be a day of rest and reflection for the Jews.
So, when a man with a withered hand shows up, all of the religious leaders look to Jesus. They want to know if He’s going to heal this man or wait until another day to perform the miracle.
But Jesus asks another question: “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?”
When silence is the only answer from the religious leaders, Jesus turns to the man. “Stretch out your hand,” He commands and instantly, the man is healed.
Sometimes, God speaks and healing comes instantly. But sometimes, God asks us to take action first. It might be that God wants you to write a letter to an estranged family member or seek counseling for your depression. If you feel God is telling you to “stretch out your hand”, then do it, whatever that may look like.
Be The One
Be the One
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.” – Luke 17:15
Leprosy is an infectious disease. It attacks the nerves in a person’s hands, feet, and face. As nerves begin to die, the patient loses sensation. This means that cuts, scrapes, and bruises on the skin cannot be felt.
For many people, this leaves them vulnerable to even more infections. Severe infections can even result in disfiguration as doctors remove portions of skin, in an attempt to save the patient.
In Biblical times, leprosy meant a person was “unclean” and couldn’t interact with the rest of society. Instead, a leper would have to leave their friends and family to go live with others who also suffered from the disease.
That’s why when 10 men saw Jesus, they cried out in unison for healing. Jesus promised them healing and told each one to go see the local priest who could then declare them “clean” so they could rejoin society.
On their way, all ten received healing but only one came back to praise Jesus for his miraculous healing.
Many times, God heals us in seemingly little ways, like helping you recover from the flu or strengthening your body after strep throat. Maybe you or your loved one recovered from Covid. Have you thanked God for these moments of healing? If not, consider doing that now…
God, thank You for all the times You’ve healed me—from minor illnesses to bigger health problems. Help me to remember Your faithfulness, no matter how I’m feeling. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Unseen Daughter
The Unseen Daughter
At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” – Mark 5:30
She’d spent years suffering from heavy menstrual periods. She went from doctor to doctor, spending everything she had. She was tired frequently since fatigue was a symptom of her constant blood loss.
She was lonely, too. In her culture, she was considered unclean. Anything she touched or slept on was also unclean. If others touched her, even to offer a simple hug or pat on the shoulder, they would have to go through a ceremonial cleansing in order to be pure.
When she heard about Jesus, she knew He could heal her disease. She tried to push through the crowd but she couldn’t make her way through the throng of people. So, she dropped to the ground and crawled on her belly until she came to Jesus.
Reaching out, she touched his cloak and felt healing instantly. She knew in that moment that He was truly the Messiah.
But as she moved to leave, she heard Him call out. He wanted to know who had touched Him, so she came trembling and poured out the whole story.
Many people have theories on why Jesus wanted the woman to come forward. As the Son of God, He surely knew who had touched Him. So, why stop and address her? Why not let her leave now that she had been healed?
It could be that Jesus longed to show her the woman that her pain and struggle had been seen. It’s easy when encountering pain to feel like God is ignoring you or that He’s forgotten about you. But just as Jesus saw the woman with the blood issue, He sees you, dear one.
God, help me when I feel unseen to remember You are the God who sees. You know my story from beginning to end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Should Follow Good Advice!
Action Should Follow Good Advice
An Up and Coming young business woman approached a Savvy older entrepreneur to seek out advise about how to overcome her business growth problems.
“How can I grow my business?” Up and Coming asked.
“Have you done ___?” Savvy asked.
“Oh yeah, tried that – didn’t see much in the way of results.” Up and Coming replied.
“Have you done ___?” Savvy asked.
“Yeah, that was a dud.”
“Have you done ___?” Savvy asked.
“Yes, did that once. Nothing good came from it.”
“Have you done ___?” Savvy asked.
“Nah, sounded like too much work.”
Savvy sighed and said: “I don’t think I can help you, young friend.”
Up and Coming scowled and replied “I knew you wouldn’t have any new ideas for me. I don’t know why I bothered.”
Proverbs 26:16 reads:
“Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors.”
Business is not now and never has been EASY.
Even businesses that can one day be run passively require a lot of hard work up front to develop.
Most of us have already received so much advise that we’re not following and we’re still out there seeking more of the same.
When you learn something good – put it to good use!
Action Should Follow Good Advice
Action Should Follow Good Advice
An Up and Coming young business woman approached a Savvy older entrepreneur to seek out advise about how to overcome her business growth problems.
“How can I grow my business?” Up and Coming asked.
“Have you done ___?” Savvy asked.
“Oh yeah, tried that – didn’t see much in the way of results.” Up and Coming replied.
“Have you done ___?” Savvy asked.
“Yeah, that was a dud.”
“Have you done ___?” Savvy asked.
“Yes, did that once. Nothing good came from it.”
“Have you done ___?” Savvy asked.
“Nah, sounded like too much work.”
Savvy sighed and said: “I don’t think I can help you, young friend.”
Up and Coming scowled and replied “I knew you wouldn’t have any new ideas for me. I don’t know why I bothered.”
Proverbs 26:16 reads:
“Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors.”
Business is not now and never has been EASY.
Even businesses that can one day be run passively require a lot of hard work up front to develop.
Most of us have already received so much advise that we’re not following and we’re still out there seeking more of the same.
When you learn something good – put it to good use!