Two viruses. Individually weak, but powerful when combined. Organ-attacking, antibiotic-resistant, and having a rip-roaring good time inside of me.

But aren’t we all, in some way, under attack? Maybe not from a bacteria on steroids, but definitely from the Enemy and from the temptations of our own sinful nature.

Fortunately, I was at the doctor’s office with my son the day this virus exploded in angry blisters on my shin. Blisters that erupted and covered my knee and lower leg in a few short hours.

The doctor cautioned me with words I wish I could pull out of my ears and forget.

Words like: Resistant. Urgent. Deadly.

What if God’s plan for my life includes illness? A serious illness? What if it includes hospitalization? Maybe death?

But the great Physician is always with me. I know He is able to provide physical healing, if He desires. And I rejoice that He is even more eager to do the bigger miracle of forgiving my sin.

Matthew 9
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus Heals a Paralytic

9 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing[a] their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Sometimes, like the scribes, we are so blinded by the physical circumstances that we miss the greater miracle. With that in mind, I prayed a hard prayer—not my will God, but Yours. And I waited for God to do in my life what He planned before the beginning of time to do.

I praise God that the antibiotics worked and I am now symptom and blister free. I also praise God that He has done the bigger miracle and forgiven my sins and healed my spiritual sickness. Sickness that would have ended in eternal death and separation from Him, had Christ not intervened.

Another plan that God put into place from the very beginning.

Praise God indeed.