Meet Amy Tubbesing

It was the middle of the night, and I woke up to excruciating pain and swelling in both of my feet. I couldn't stand. I was frozen in pain and confusion. I immediately called my sister, a registered nurse, and asked her what to do. She didn't tell me anything; she just prayed. As I repeated Jesus' name through the tears, He held me until I fell asleep. It would be months of doctor visits, medication and a whole new level of dependence on Him before my body was healed.

Thankfully, years before the start of my illness, I had encountered God's healing in my heart. Before Jesus I was consumed with partying, people pleasing, and self-hate. It was His forgiveness and my relationship with Him that sustained me through my mystery illness. I had peace, knowing that if I were to be sick physically for as long as I was on earth, He still loved me and cared for me.

Christ's encounter with the paralytic began with His beautiful words, "Take heart." Jesus was compassionate, desiring this man to know that He cared for him. Christ healed the paralytic of his disease, but more importantly of his sins. Christ's first concern is always our heart, and He tells us to come to Him just as we are—broken and needy. That is the beauty of the gospel. Healing in our bodies doesn't always happen this side of heaven. Even the most devout and solid Christ-follower will encounter illness maybe for his whole life on earth. But there is a peace even in the pain, knowing that Jesus makes things right in our hearts.

No relationship outside of Jesus, no amount of money, no job or title can heal your heart. Christ is the great Physician. He is the Prince of Peace and our Sustainer. Christ alone forgives our sin; He alone makes us well. He is the One "who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy" (Psalm 103:3-4).