TOUCHED BY GOD
By Carolyn Dale Newell
But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”
Matt. 17:7 (NKJV)
The sense of touch is more important to me now that I have very little vision. It’s more than just using braille. When I meet someone, I like to shake their hand. I guess it replaces eye contact. I relish the softness of my cat’s fur. I feel the beauty of a flower. Even when I walk, my white cane is just an extension of my hand as it helps me “feel” my way down the street. Although, touch is essential for me, there is a special touch that I only receive from God.
I have never seen Him; yet, I have felt His arms hold me as I cry. I have been touched as He guides me physically, spiritually, and as He sets the stepping stones of my life in place.
Touch was also important to the Jews when Jesus was with them. He touched the leper, and he was cleansed (Matt. 8:3). He touched blinded eyes, and they could see (Matt. 9:29). He touched the deaf mute, and he was made whole (Mark 7:33). He touched a coffin, and the dead lived again. (Luke 7:14). He touched the little children and blessed them. People went to great lengths to touch Jesus – even just the hem of His garment (Luke 8:44), and they were healed.
Our verse tells us that Jesus touched Peter, James and John, the only apostles who witnessed the Transfiguration. In the holy presence of God as He spoke of His beloved Son, they were afraid. He touched them, and he vanquished their fears.
Jesus tells us the same thing; do not be afraid. These are fearful times with home invasions, ISIS, illness and with each passing day it grows worse. We do not have to fear. Jesus wants to touch us, and His message – “Do not be afraid”. Get alone with Him and feel His tender touch.
Jesus,
When You walked this earth, people longed to touch You. One touch from You and they were healed. Lord, we are a needy people, and we long to feel Your touch to heal us, to calm us and to comfort us. Watch over us during these difficult times. Thank You,amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Matt. 17:1-9.
HIKING THE TRAIL
What does it take to get alone with God? If necessary, schedule a block of time just for prayer. Find a quiet place and stick to it.
Copyright 2015 Carolyn Dale Newell.
A Mountain of Faith 
You are my neighbor at Suzie’s place. Thanks for this powerful reminder. Wow. Beautiful reminder of faith my friend. Glad I stopped by.
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Hello neighbor! Thank you for reading and commenting. It’s so good to make these connections with my sisters in Christ. Blessings!
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Glad to connect. I enjoyed the words you wrote.
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Carolyn…so good! I especially love that you recognize that it takes more than natural sight to experience the tangible presence of something. One touch from the Master does indeed prove that He is ever-present with us.
Love you for righting this!
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Thank you Yolanda, and can you imagine how we were on each other’s blogs at the same time! That is so God! Have a blessed day!!
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Carolyn, this is such a good reminder of our Lord’s love for us. He is so faithful and loves us so much more than we can fathom. Yes, we need to go to Him and let Him take away our fear. Thanks for sharing such a good message in your post. Blessings to you.
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Gail, you are absolutely right – God is amazing. Thank you for stopping by. Blessings!
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A touch from the Master. Enough said. Thank you for sharing. #bloggercaregroup
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