5-Day Devotional - Day Three

A Storybook Christmas: Part Five Shannon Haltom Day 3: Standing Up Straight Devotional For eighteen long years, she could only see the ground. The woman in Luke's Gospel had become so accustomed to being bent over that standing straight seemed impossible. Her world had shrunk to what was directly in front of her feet. Sound familiar? Many of us have been spiritually bent for so long that we've forgotten what it feels like to stand tall in God's promises. We carry emotional backpacks filled with worry, disappointment, and fear. Financial stress bends us. Relationship problems weigh down our shoulders. Health concerns make us hunch with anxiety. Past failures keep our heads down in shame. Like the bent woman, we keep showing up to church, going through the motions, unable to lift our eyes and see the hope that surrounds us. Jesus sees you. Just as Jesus called out to the woman, He's calling out to you today. You are free from your disability. The same power that straightened her spine can straighten your spirit. You don't have to stay bent! You don't have to keep your eyes fixed on your problems. Today is the day to stand up straight and see the goodness of God that's been there all along. Bible Verse “On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, He called her forward and said to her, ‘Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.’ Then He put His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.” –Luke 13:10-13 Reflection Question What has been keeping you spiritually “bent over”, and what would change if you truly believed Jesus wants to set you free? Quote “Are you coming to church bent?” Prayer Jesus, I receive Your touch of healing and freedom today. Help me stand up straight in Your truth and see the hope You have for my life. Thank You for Your restoring power. In Jesus’s name, amen.