Spiritual Scrapbook, part 5

I want to share a Bible story with you. You know this story: Jesus was on His way to heal a dying girl when he was interrupted by a sick woman.

Just then, a man named Jairus came. He was a leader of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus' feet and pleaded with Him to come to his house, because he had an only daughter about 12 years old, and she was at death's door.

While He was going, the crowds were nearly crushing Him. A woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years, who had spent all she had on doctors yet could not be healed by any, approached from behind and touched the tassel of His robe. Instantly her bleeding stopped.

“Who touched Me?" Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the crowds are hemming You in and pressing against You."

"Somebody did touch Me," said Jesus. "I know that power has gone out from Me." When the woman saw that she was discovered, she came trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the people, she declared the reason she had touched Him and how she was instantly cured. (Luke 8:41-47)

Jesus could have kept this healing secret. Jesus was in a hurry, the woman was completely healed—why stop to talk about it? Well, it shows us that Jesus cares for each of us and values us individually, but I also see that it was important for this woman to share her story with the crowd. It was probably embarrassing—this sounds like one of those female problems that one doesn't usually talk about with just anyone. But Jesus had done something for her, and she was supposed to share.

As a follower of Jesus, you too have a story to share. I don't mean just an account of How You Got Saved, but your journey, your life with Jesus. He is your constant companion, leading and guiding you and encouraging you.

Remember I told you I have a lot of scrapbooking stuff and I never use it? You have the materials to make a spiritual scrapbook. It's like a very condensed journal. You need a Bible and a pen and some paper. Don't wait til you can make it look pretty with scalloped scissors and glittery stickers. That would be a fun project, but start now. Start simple.

Think about the seasons of your life. You might have recognized some of the seasons I mentioned. You might think of others: joy, productivity, weakness, repentance, waiting, rest, endurance...

Write down the verses you have held on to during those times. And when you find a verse that encourages you right now, in this season, write it down. Sometimes you can't label the season til it's over, but you'll have a verse handy.

And when you have those written down, talk to God about them. Have a little praise session, thanking Him for His presence and His guidance and His faithfulness.

You'll have those verses ready to share with others in similar seasons of life.


Finally, brothers, rejoice.
Be restored, be encouraged,
be of the same mind,
be at peace,
and the God of love and peace will be with you...

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:11,13)