Luke 8:26-56

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(v37) Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. 
  • Jesus was rejected for even doing the good things like casting out demons
  • However he wasn't focused on the approval or the fame and glory. Even when he was feared he did not try to explain himself but merely just left
  • If I am to live solely for God alone, the rejection of people in this world is going to come but I can rest in comfort and persevere knowing that Christ has paid for my sins on the cross already

(v39) "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. 
  • Jesus healed this man by casting demons from him and he still went out rejoicing
  • What about my soul? 
  • Jesus has saved our souls, and I should be rejoicing in how much God has done for me. How much he gave up because he loved us.
  • This truth that Christ, whom was perfect and spotless died so that I might be set free from sin and enjoy eternal life with God. I should be comforted by this truth and it should lead me to rejoice

(v48) And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace."  
  • The woman who was in desperate need of healing came humbly before Jesus' feet and having faith that he was able to heal, she was healed
  • Much like any struggle, we simply need to come to the cross and to Christ with faith and humility 
  • It is only through this faith that we are able to be healed and cleansed from our unrighteousness
  • and because of this we actually have true peace through Christ
  • This peace means that I don't need to fear, doubt or be anxious about life because I know that my life is already set apart for God

(v50) But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well."  And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. 
  • When the family doubted Jesus all he said was to not fear, but to believe instead
  • When I'm in a situation where it may seem like a terrible situation, Jesus says to not fear and just believe - not necessarily that he will do whatever I want him to do, but to believe that he has already conquered the ultimate battle
  • This reminds me of the confidence that I actually have in Christ
Prayer:
Dear heavenly father, I'm sorry that I fail to trust you and to be at peace when the things of this world don't go my way. Lord I'm sorry for being full of bitterness and disappointment especially at Jess. Would you fill me with a heart full of love and peace that comes from faith in you. I pray that I would reflect on your death on the cross daily - would you remind me constantly of how much you sacrificed for my soul. Would this bring me ultimate joy and satisfaction as I reflect on the love you have shown me. Would this love overflow to those around me - that when I'm knocked by things of this world, I'm so filled with love and grace because of you, it causes me to show this same love and grace.
In your name I pray,
Amen

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