I wondered whether I would be so quick to thank God.

Luke 13:1-21

Reference:  v.13  Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  Imagine being crippled for 18 years.  In this Bible passage Jesus heals a woman who has been crippled for probably the majority of her life.  However, it was the woman's response that caught my attention.  I was struck by the way that she was willing to praise God straight away.  It was like as soon as she had straightened up she started praising Him.  I wondered whether I would be so quick to thank God.  When good things happen do I just feel happy and relieved or do I turn my thanks to God?

Application:  The interesting thing to note in this story, however, is that the woman was praising God before she was even healed.  This miracle occurred in a synagogue on the Sabbath day, therefore the woman was already in a place of worship before she was healed.  If I saw the powerful hand of God at work I think I would turn and praise Him, however the bigger question is am I willing to praise God before I have experienced the miracle?!  We often desire God to move powerfully in our lives however those that are truly faithful are willing to praise God even before the miracle has occurred.

Prayer:  Lord, may I live out my faith so that I believe and trust in You even before I experience your power and might.  Amen.

Are you willing to praise God before you see His hand at work?