Daily Inspiration

“Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.” -Mark 3:1-6
 
Consider for a moment the man with the withered hand. Everyone, including that man, could see the malice written on the Pharisees’ faces. Knowing this was also a test for himself, he risked retribution, trusted Jesus, and gave his hand to Christ.
 
No scheme of the enemy nor hardness of the heart of man can scathe the Most Holy Trinity. There is no amount of evil in the world that can change the plans of God. There is but one thing that can keep Him from healing you.
 
Christ wishes to heal you today. Will you let the scheme of the enemy or harness of your heart keep Jesus from His wish? Will you risk retribution from the world, trust in God's power, love, and mercy, and reach your hand out to Christ? 
 
Saint Anastasius, the Persian, pray for us.
 
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Jesus, I trust in you.