Hebrews 12:2, New International Version

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Recently the things happening in my daily life have brought me to a deeper understanding of Hebrews 12:2. Considering the situation I was in, I read this verse in a special (my weird) way. Here is how I read it: “Fixing my eyes on Jesus, His Kingdom, who is also my brothers and sisters, and He, is the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who I look up to and follow. So, I will not lose hope that I will be fully healed. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. I will also see that joy before me, and endure the cold sores and scabs that it caused me to endure. Then I will stand up and testify His victory and of His glory forevermore again.”

My suffering could not compare with what Jesus went through for me (for all of us). Yet, I learned His word is active and alive, and it has application in each and every situation. It is useful to teach us truth and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:16) This time I was inspired by the sickness that I had, and I call it “my scab learning lesson.”

Right around Christmas, my husband and I were sick. We could not even get up from bed. But the worst was this: I was left with fluid-filled blisters all around my lips and nose. As the days passed, they turned to scabs, and I couldn’t even open my mouth to eat or find a clear way for my nose to breathe. Thank you Jesus, for the grace!( I could sip bit- by- bit and still breathe.) Whenever I sat alone, I found my fingers would pick at the scabs and my mind began to be very bothered by the situation. My picking made the situation worse and extended the healing time. Did I know it was not good to do this? Did I know healing takes time? Yes, I knew. But at that moment it bothered me, hurt, and bled. What could I do then? I prayed, and the Lord responded. He gave me strength to have fellowship with one another.

Having scabs over my nose (in and out) and my lips was not pleasant, However by His word, we are instructed not to be concerned about our outward appearance. I praise God that I healed well, and I am blessed by the strength that He has given. My husband and I can once again get up and serve, and that is His privilege for us to do for His people and have fellowship with them. By this, I then recognized my mind shifted and my focus was on the joy that He placed before me. Oh how loving and kind is the Lord we are serving!

Not only that, but I also found that no one judged or was scared by how I looked during that time. Instead, they cared for our wellbeing and celebrated with us once we were healed!

My dear friends, please don’t isolate yourself and allow the enemy’s schemes to stop you. You are loved and cared for. Let the Lord show His love, His caring, and His truth with you through fellowship with one another today.