we are not responsible for finishing everything we begin.

Are you struggling with a sense of failure because something you have prayed for diligently and deeply has not come to pass? Taking on false responsibility can lead to feeling burdened down, like the woman in the Bible with a 'spirit of infirmity'. She was so overwhelmed by whatever it was that had not been resolved that she was physically bent under its weight. All who saw her could see her belief in dragging around some burden by herself.

A little boy tried hard to lift a heavy object. His father saw what was happening and asked him, "Are you using all your strength?" The boy said that he was. "No, you are not," his father said gently, "You have not asked me to help you." If a burden seems too much, have you asked God for help? In
I Corinthians it says, "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also may a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

We sometimes feel like we have failed when the answer does not come or the healing occur. Our job is to not give up but to wait patiently. The prayer is effective, we might not understand the timing.  The healing must be complete and sometimes there are pieces at work that we do not see.

1. The woman with the 'spirit of infirmity' was not so far depressed that she took to her bed. She was out and about despite appearances. She must not have given in completely.
2. When Jesus saw her he may have been in the Temple. The account in Luke says that the ruler of the synagogue was a witness to what happened. Others saw it as well and rejoiced when they saw what was done.
3. Jesus was present. The Christ was right there bringing them together. She would not have approached him as Jewish custom did not think women should speak to men in public. But he sensed that she was spiritually receptive to his healing message. He called her to him. She must have obeyed because she was then close enough for him to put his hands on her, maybe even on those very shoulders bowed down. He was not daunted by an eighteen year history. He only saw her bound by Satin, shackled with believing in mortal laws. In his sight, these did not apply to her. She needed to be told that she was 'loosed' from it.

What an example of divine Love's grace toward us. No situation, no matter how serious it appears to be or how long it has been present, can resist the power of Love. Love which fills all space leaving no room for a belief in illness or misfortune. Think of what this healing must have meant to Mrs. Eddy in her deep study of the Bible during the years she was struggling with chronic back pain and illness. Writing about this incident she says, "Then classify sickness and error as our Master did, when he spoke of the sick, "whom Satan has bound," and find a sovereign antidote for error in the life-giving power of Truth acting on human belief, a power which opens the prison doors to such as are bound, and sets the captive free physically and morally." (S&H 495)

Do you believe yourself to be bowed down with an incomplete resolution or healing? Remember who is responsible for your health and well-being. Divine Love. Always present and operating, even if we do not see how the healing is moving forward. What would have happened if she had just stayed at home?

Rejoice that you are free to walk in the Truth all day today and every day. That Truth will make you free.