A leper's story

And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." (Matt 8:2)

This reminds me of the time in my life when I suffered from psoriasis, which was confirmed by a physician. It was a stressful time and I believe my anxiety manifested itself in this disease of the skin, which was quite visible and covered large areas of my face, body and hands. After suffering with this for quite some time, I had come to a place where I had accepted that this was “how it was going to be”, had made my peace with it, so to speak. It was rather humbling, but then I guess I needed to be humbled.

I remember clearly a day at church a friend, upon seeing me, joking cried out “leper, unclean . . .” but then he wrapped his arms around me and prayed for Jesus to heal me . . . and He did.

I am still humbled, not by anything in me but by His love for me. My desire is to make knowing and rejoicing in Him the passionate pursuit of my life.

A morning prayer

ABBA, FATHER – sitting here, thinking, remembering . . . last night at group, the thought of how “rock solid” my relationship is with You – not because of me but all because of You, Your calling me to be Your own and how secure I am in You. It’s the “others” that I seem to struggle with and sitting here just now I thought it’s others that hurt me. Relationship with others is at times very painful and challenging – because they can not meet the need in me, only You can fill that void. And so, FATHER, I ask You to fill me with Your presence, let Your Spirit overflow within so that You can reach out and touch those whom You have placed in my life; let me live and respond to others from that place of abundance, where You are my all and all. More of You, Lord, and less of me.