Healing, Hope, & Mysteries

Well, we're already four days into 2024. I don't have much wisdom to offer, except that I expect the next few months will be filled with new and old joys and challenges. But as cliché as it might sound, I ultimately believe in the faithfulness of Jesus. In 2023, I dealt with (what were for me) intense moments of terror and doubt. However, I also faced fears head-on, and experienced freedom and peace in areas I thought would always be dominated by anxiety. I trust that this year will be similar - moving from strength to strength and glory to glory through the power of Jesus, even amidst struggles and setbacks.

I'm learning that growth rarely looks like a steady upward trend or a put-together life. Many of the people I most greatly respect have faced excruciating loss. While they are honest about their failures and pain, they also exude an unbelievable amount of joy. Somehow, without slipping into denial, they've found a strength in Jesus that transcends circumstances. I don't think I'm quite there, but this is my life goal. All this reminds me of a line from the song "We Will Survive" by Andrew Peterson: "It's only when the straight line breaks and heals a little crooked that you ever see the grace".

As with any conversation, though, there's another side to this coin that needs to be discussed. While God does give us the courage to endure devastating storms, He can also bring supernatural healing and restoration. I touched on this earlier, but both have definitely been true in my story. I keep thinking about the verse that says Christians are called to be the light of the world. Maybe another way of putting this is that we're meant, through Jesus, to bring healing and point others to the Healer. Of course, an obvious way to do this is by praying for those who are sick or suffering. While this is crucial, I believe there are also endless other ways to fight back the darkness. Some might be called to write and sing songs that set people free. Others might feel stirred to craft books, paintings, or podcasts that ignite hope, or open their homes to those who seem unlovable. Even something as simple as a pot of soup or a phone call could impact someone's life, especially if we ask God to infuse these things with His Presence.

There's so much about this that I don't understand, and a lot of what I've written here is probably inaccurate. However, I feel like it's important, especially in light of the New Creation. If you're unfamiliar with this term, it refers to the idea that someday (again, this might not be totally right) God will restore our world, Heaven and earth will become one, and He will rule among us. Based on Biblical study, scholars such as N.T. Wright suggest that the beautiful paintings, music, architecture, etc., that humans create may exist in some form in the New Creation. In any event, beauty can point to Jesus and the future restoration of the earth. Someday, I might write a post about this, but if you're interested in this topic, I'd recommend reading Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright.

Thank you for sticking with me this long! I realize I've rambled a lot. If you take anything away from this, maybe consider these questions: How can we mature into hopeful people who believe for miracles, but also acknowledge grief and mystery? How can we, through the Holy Spirit, bring healing to our world? If you feel overwhelmed, please don't dismiss small beginnings. I hope you'll join me on this journey of seeking greater wholeness for myself and others, and in all things glorifying God.

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“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."

Matthew 5:14 (NIV)