My Restorer

I am completely grateful that Jesus is my Restorer.  He restores my dignity when circumstances in this fallen world remand it from me.  What's more, He restores my dignity even when I have willingly dragged His name to some very UNdignified places.  Praise Him!!

A week ago our Associate Pastor preached from Mark 5 about the woman who was healed after she touched the hem of Jesus' cloak.  I have always admired her incredible faith.  But, God shed some light on a while different aspect of this story, this time.

"At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from Him.  He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched me?" .......Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at His feet and, trembling with fear, told Him the whole truth.  He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you.  Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."  "  ~ Mark 5:31, 33-34

This woman was healed immediately.  Jesus could have easily let this be and gone on His way, but He didn't.  After all, she was "unclean" and probably had such a stigma attached to her in the eyes of her community.  Thankfully Jesus doesn't allow stigma to silence Him.  He calls its bluff and nixes it as soon as we cry out to Him.  Only Jesus can cleanse me of the filthy stigma and disgrace that tries to brand me with shame & condemnation.  He restores my dignity, heals my scars, and strengthens me to walk in a renewed, deeper faith.  Thank you, LORD.