Out for the count

Scriptures: Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, Luke 4:38-39.

Peter's mother-in-law was in bed suffering from a high fever. When in such a state, we are likely to become self-centered, concerning only about our own problem. Peter’s mother-in-law was out for the count, and did not notice that Jesus entered the house. She did not see him, but he saw her and her situation; “When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever” (Matthew 8:14).

When we don’t see Jesus in our difficulties we easily complaint, both over our situation, and because we don’t experience his presence in it. The truth is that Jesus will never leave us, He knows everything about us. In the book of Job we read that “Job, you say you can’t see God; but wait patiently - your case is before him” (Job 35:14 GNB). Jesus knew of her situation, and was willing to help. What stopped him was the lack of faith, because faith is needed for him to act.

Peter’s mother-in-law did not see Jesus, but his disciples did. When they were aware of her situation, they turned to Jesus, “...and they asked Jesus to help her” (Luke 4:38b). This proved their faith in him, so that he could act. “So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her...” (Luke 4:39a). Jesus stood by the bedside, and bent over her. This symbolize his power, nothing and nobody is greater than Jesus. He is above all our problems, sickness and crisis. No matter the circumstances, Jesus has authority to raise us up. “Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death” (Psalm 68:20).

Don’t lose hope when you face difficulties, rather share your heart with someone close to Jesus. When his disciples turn to him, the one down for the count will experience that Jesus is in the house!