Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ can heal, restore and deliver you

Jesus Christ Can Heal Your Body and Restore Your Health
A devotional by Erica Bryant

And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God.

—Luke 13:11-13 (ESV)

There is a powerful story tucked in the Gospel of Luke, right between the teachings of Jesus Christ found in chapter 13.

One day, while teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, Jesus noticed a woman who had been afflicted with a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and unable to fully straighten herself. Can you imagine the woman? Hunched over and in deep despair. Her gaze most likely was downcast as feelings of hopelessness weighed heavy on her heart.

However, what’s beautiful is that this woman was in the synagogue. Despite her suffering, she chose to be in a place of worship. As Jesus taught, He saw her. Scripture states, “When Jesus saw her . . .”. It is one hope-filled phrase that changed her life forever. Jesus called her over and said, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” He laid His hands on her, and immediately she could stand up straight and began praising God. From bent over in despair to standing straight in healing and victory, this woman was healed and set on a path of freedom.

While scholars may have different opinions about the specifics of her affliction, it’s clear she suffered physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Many of us can relate to her condition. Perhaps we, too, feel bent over, suffering, and void of hope. Let this story bring you encouragement if you find yourself in a similar situation.

Here are a few important truths to remember as you journey through life:

Truth #1: Jesus sees you. Just as He noticed this woman, Jesus has noticed you. Your pain has not escaped His knowledge. He has seen every moment of your existence, from your greatest triumphs to your deepest hurts. We can find hope and comfort in knowing that we are under His loving care. The Bible says in Psalm 34:15 (ESV), “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.”

Truth #2: Jesus calls you to Himself. Jesus called the woman to Him despite the crowd. He brought her closer into His presence. Jesus is always drawing us closer to Himself. When we answer His call and come closer to Him, He will come closer to us. He desires to have an intimate relationship with us. The Bible says in James 4:8a (ESV), “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” When we draw closer to Him and His heart, we receive the hope, help, and healing we need.

Truth #3: Jesus speaks over our lives. Jesus told the woman she was loosed from her infirmity. His words spoken over her life provided the release that she needed. Jesus is still speaking over our lives today. His Words are Spirit and life-giving. If you are suffering, begin to speak God’s Word over your life. Find truths that speak to your circumstances and speak words of life. Let God’s Word come forth from your lips and receive His healing. The Bible says in Psalm 107:20 (ESV), “He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.”

Truth #4: Jesus has His hands on you. Jesus laid His physical hand on this woman to heal her in that moment. But truthfully, He had His hands on her the entire time. Her whole life led to this divine moment. Just as God has seen every moment in your life, He has always had His hand on you. He didn't leave you in your darkest moment or forsake you in your sins. Instead, He was always there. The Bible says in Isaiah 41:10 (ESV), "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Remember: Circumstances will make us feel bowed down and bent over. We don’t have to stay that way. Trust the Lord, our Healer. He sees you, draws you to His side, speaks words of life over you, and can heal you with His loving touch.

Take some time to think about these questions (listed below) or write them down in your journal. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you can grow and then take steps to live out God’s Word. The questions: Are there areas of your life where you feel “bent over”? How can you draw closer to Jesus in those circumstances? What specific truths from Scripture can you apply to your painful situations? How can you actively seek the Lord's healing and His presence in your life?

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for seeing me in my struggles and for always having Your hands on my life. Help me to draw closer to You and embrace the healing You offer. Teach me to speak Your truth over my life, allowing Your words to transform my heart and spirit. I trust You to turn all my pain into praise. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “He Has His Hands on You” by Marvin Sapp. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Healer” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "Broken But I'm Healed" by Byron Cage. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “The God Who Sees” by Nicole C. Mullen. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “God Loves You” by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Erica N. Bryant is a passionate Bible teacher, speaker, and author who desires to see believers live in the complete freedom and joy of the Holy Spirit. 

As the founder of Sparrow's Song Ministries, Erica invites a community of believers to get to know God by falling in love with His Word. Through Bible study resources, devotionals, teaching, and mentorship, Sparrow's Song encourages others to grow in intimacy with God and walk daily in the power of His Holy Spirit. She began The Word W.O.R.K.S. campaigns to help believers walk in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success.

Erica is a writer with several published works including devotionals for adults and children, topical and textual Bible studies, and Scripture journals. In her debut book, Dwell: Living Life Fully Knowing that the Holy Spirit Lives in You, Erica draws from her own journey of healing from childhood trauma, rejection, and the struggles of fear and anxiety. With honesty and hope, she invites readers to embrace the life-giving truth that God's Spirit resides within them. Erica believes that when you know the Holy Spirit dwells in you, everything changes.

Erica is a passionate speaker who effectively communicates God’s Word with clarity and conviction. She speaks a relevant word to hearers and ministers to their hearts, inspires practical application, and empowers them to grow in faith and purpose.

Erica is a devoted wife and loving mother who actively serves in various roles at Strait Gate Deliverance Center.

Ultimately, she is just a girl in love with God and she is a soldier for Jesus Christ.