All will be well

There’s an old saying: “A man never steps into the same river twice.” The same is true for books. I’ve read The Lord of the Rings a few times, and each time, something new becomes my favorite part.

But this is especially true of the Bible—and the Gospels, in particular. When I’ve read the Gospels in the past, it was often Christ’s words or actions that struck me. But lately, I’ve been paying more attention to the words of the people around Him.

Let’s be honest—if I’m comparing myself to anyone in these stories, it’s not Christ or His apostles that I relate to the most. It’s the people who are lost, sick, blind, or desperate for help. It’s their words that feel closest to my own.

Two powerful examples come from the same Gospel story. Jesus is approached by a synagogue official whose daughter has just died. As Jesus heads out to help, a woman suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years touches His cloak and is healed. And then, Christ goes on to raise the synagogue official’s daughter from the dead.

In the middle of this, we hear these simple yet profound professions of faith:

"My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live." (Matthew 9:18)

"If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured." (Matthew 9:21)

What faith! What powerful prayers for us to echo in our own lives.

Lay your hand on her, and she will live. Lord, lay your hands on us, bless us, and we will live with You forever. This is my prayer for myself, my wife, and my children.

And again: If only I can touch His cloak, I shall be cured. If only I can draw nearer to Jesus, I will be well. Everything will be well, as the Lord wills it.