All Means ALL

When I started this blog, I wasn’t sure what I was going to write about. You see, I’m a little rusty. I know it. You know it. We all know it! I think the last year has affected us all in many ways. It has been extremely easy to fall out of sync of our routines because of being quarantined for so long, the worry and threat of Covid (the new hated “c” word – and trust me, I do), the loss that this disease has brought with it, the actions and reactions of people over every perceived offense, real or imagined, and so much more.

I could get on a soapbox, but I won’t. Not yet. Instead, I want to tell you what’s happened in my life in the last year… rather, the last few weeks/months. Because I believe someone out there needs this.

If you refer back to the first paragraph in this blog, you’ll notice something we’ve all been affected by: separation. In being quarantined, we all were separated from life. Literally. Call it what you will, but having the entire country shut down because of a pandemic caused us to be separated in more ways than just having to stay indoors and only come outside for necessities. And in coming out for necessities, we were inundated with shortages of the most bizarre things (Toilet paper? Really?). We now wear masks because, well if you don’t, others fear death. Seriously. Now, I’m not negating their fear. I’m calling it out. Common sense and rational thinking have gone out the window.

In the first part of John 10:10 Jesus said, “The thief comes to steal and to kill and to destroy…” Look back on the last year. We have been robbed of our common sense, rational thinking, physical contact of any kind; our freedom of speech, freedom of religion, our rights in general, even our freedom to think for ourselves, and many other things. We are now being told what we should believe, how we should act, what we should do and not do, and if we don’t conform we are punished and persecuted.

This is not a political or racial statement. You see, in revealing all the things I’ve mentioned above, I’ve revealed the attack of the devil. Even as I write this I am under attack in my own body and mind, which are healed by the way. And that brings me to the crux of this post.

On May 30, 2021, I will celebrate nine (9) years since my miraculous healing from severe depression, anxiety, and intimidation. The end of March (as I am reminded right now), was one (1) year since my physical healing from the effects of a hiatal hernia. HOWEVER… although I had the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual healing – my mind and body remain under constant attack. Just not as severe as they once were.

So… you may be wondering, was she really healed? ABSOLUTELY!

Psalms 103:3 (NLT) says, “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.” Did you catch that important word? All. He (the LORD) forgives all my sins. I could stop there, which most people do. But they forget another very important statement: “… and heals all my diseases.” Wait a minute. All of them? YES. ALL of them. How do I know?

 *Ahem*

In the original Greek and Hebrew translation/transliteration, the word for all means (now wait for it) … all.

I don’t mince words when it comes to healing. Many people want to debate about it. I don’t. Not anymore. After experiencing the healing that Jesus promises and the Word confirms (“By his wounds you are healed.” 1 Peter 2:24, NLT), there really is no argument. I’ve also learned over the years that no one can dispute what you yourself have experienced, and if they do, I usually just say, “You weren’t there, so you can’t know what I experienced.” That may sound harsh to some, but it’s the truth.

Therefore, where does that lead me in this post? During the year-long quarantine/pandemic, looking back at when we first had to “shelter in place,” I began to struggle. Yet, I realize everyone was struggling during that season… still struggling, I know. My own walk was hindered. I struggled to pray. I struggled, wondering if God was still among us, listening, caring, loving, forgiving, or anything His Word says He promised. I tried reminding Him of His Word and felt as if it was all hitting a brick wall. Then, slowly I fell off, sinking into my struggles, yet trying, however inconsistently, to keep my faith intact, all while wondering if I even still had it!

We all struggle at one time or another, dear friend. We all do. Even the healed ones. Even the apostle Paul struggled and he admitted it! “… I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me,” (2 Corinthians 12: 6b-9, NLT).

His grace is all I need. His grace is all you need. The devil tried to take us all out a year ago. He is still raging and ramping up his attacks. BUT… if you know Jesus, the devil also knows he is defeated and has no power over us, as long as we remember that Jesus gave us the authority over all the power of the enemy (the devil) which renders him powerLESS!! Hallelujah!!

At the beginning of 2021, I decided to begin a read through the Bible in a year plan. Fortunately, I found one with a podcast & can listen and follow along in my Bible. I’ve re-ignited my prayer time however patchy it is at times. In doing so, on one particular day, out of my mouth came, “You forgive all our sins and heal all our diseases because your name is above all names.” At this moment, the word all became bold within me and I literally heard in my spirit, “All means all. All of them.” And I said out loud, “Everything that has a name, Jesus, your name is above it.” Again, I felt in my spirit the words, “That’s right.”

At this moment I had two reactions: giddiness and peace. So, I did what I hoped anyone else would do. I laughed and cried at the same time!

Friends, the name of Jesus is above all other names; depression, anxiety, hiatal hernia, abuse, neglect, cancer, covid, sadness, loneliness, fear,  EVERYTHING THAT HAS A NAME!! Name something you struggle with. Jesus is above it. This is a game-changer! A life-changer!

If you’re struggling today, please be encouraged. Jesus hasn’t forgotten you. He’s still here. He’s still in control. It may look bleak to your eyes, but that’s what the devil wants you to believe. And don’t mistake what I’ve said. If you’ve experienced a loss during this time, I am sorry for that loss. And it did not go unnoticed by the Lord. I can’t explain it. But I do know He loves you and His plans for you are good. Keep trusting Him. One day we will all understand.

Oh, PS: In the second part of John 10:10, Jesus said, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Be blessed, my friends!

Further Study:

Jeremiah 33:8

Psalms 65:3

1 John 1:9