Franny J. Crosby was a well-known American poet and lyricist, known today for the many hymns she composed.
She was also blind.
At 6 weeks old, a doctor’s incorrect treatment of her eye infection caused permanent blindness. (Some scholars assert that she was born blind.)
A preacher once said to her, “I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when he showered so many other gifts up on you.”
Without hesitation, she replied, “Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I was born blind? Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.”
Crosby’s disability—which would have discouraged most people—was used to show the power of Christ in her.
Even for the most faithful Christian, sickness, disability, and incurable diseases are challenging. Inevitably, many wonder why God doesn’t provide healing or relief. Watching loved ones suffer is its own form of pain, particularly when healing seems improbable, or worse, impossible.
When Jesus lived on earth, he did the impossible for many who suffered. Some of the things he cured include:
- blindness
- deafness
- muteness
- lameness
- paralysis
- fever
- leprosy
- demon-possession
- death
In each case, the glory and power of God and His Son was revealed to the person healed and the people who observed. Many who had been gripped by grief and hopelessness were invigorated with joy and hope.
Of even greater importance, Jesus provided a cure for the disease no Physician could conquer: sin.
This month, we will write out scriptures from the book of Luke (who was himself a physician). The passages at the beginning and end of the plan are prophecies from the book of Isaiah pointing to Jesus being a healer of both physical illness and spiritual disease. As you write through the passages, be sure to read the context surrounding them.
Here are some questions to consider as you read/write these passages:
- What illness/disease is being healed?
- What is the attitude of the person who seeks healing?
- How does the miracle support Jesus’ claims?
- How does the miracle bring glory to God?
I hope you find encouragement as you write through the plan this month, particularly if you are wrestling with illness, infirmity, or disease. As always, there will be regular posts throughout the month on the Elihu’s Corner Facebook & Instagram pages. I am currently working on putting together an email list service for those who wish to receive the daily posts via email. Stay Tuned!
Download a printable copy of the plan here:
Download tracing and copying sheets for your young scripture writers below:
Special thanks to Sarah McBroom and Liz Smith who work with me in this endeavor each month!
Elihu's Corner 