Michael Jackson

I watched a lot of the coverage since he died. It’s all so sad.

An abused child became an abused adult. In trying to lose himself, he destroyed a handsome face and changed his skin color. Even his “child-likeness” seemed like a symptom of his brokenness—as if his growth was stunted.

He had a gift for music and the love of fans. But he was so alone. And like the other “king”—he was surrounded by people who wanted to help themselves more than him. He even had enough money to make doctors forget their oath to do no harm.

All week I kept thinking—if only he knew Jesus.

So many times the gospel is presented as the way to heaven—which it is. But that’s only a piece of it. The good news of Jesus isn’t just future, but now. Jesus can heal all the hurts—past and present.

Faith is supposed to be used. It heals us. It strengthens us. It grows us.

How do we use it?

By operating as though it’s real. Counting on it. Stepping out on it and walking.

Believe that God really does love me. That his word tells me the best way to live.
Believe that the Holy Spirit really lives in me. That I have all the resources I need to live.
Believe that Jesus really intercedes for me. That I am not meant to live this alone.

So, let’s live like we’re not alone. Come to him in confidence.

He knows the hurts we hold and he wants to work with us to heal them. Trust him. And hold on tight. He’ll do wonderful things.
