Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV

I confidently walked into the audiologist’s office for my second hearing test, sure my hearing had improved while I had taken steroids. Despite how things sounded, the test revealed no significant change had occurred. This meant the steroids had done nothing to improve my Sudden Sensory Neuro Hearing Loss (SSNHL). I cringed thinking about the next treatment, only minutes away. I was about to receive the first steroid injection into my ear.

As I anticipated what I feared would be the most painful experience in my life, I put my prayer request on our church Facebook Messenger group. Immediately, people began praying. 

I waited alone in the treatment room. I had left my husband and guide dog in the waiting room, not wanting my attentive guide to witness my pain. I prayed intently. Fervently.

Jesus’ presence invaded the room. As the doctor began to administer the injection. I repeated, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...”

The Lord spoke. Relax! I forced my muscles to loosen up, as the injection began.

I will not promise you that Jesus will shield us from all pain, but in that instance, the pain was minimal. In the following weeks, the second and third injections were both surrounded by His grace. His comfort covered me like a warm blanket.

There is power in the name of Jesus. Not that repetitive chanting of His name works like magic. The key is in the relationship. Knowing Jesus and His power is invaluable. When Christians call on Jesus, He is available.

Friend, I don’t know the pain breaking your heart right now. But I do know the One who comforts. Call on Jesus. Ask Him to intervene. Beg Him to assist. He wants to hear from us. He doesn’t want you or me to face tribulations alone. He wants to walk us through the valley. Whether it is illness, job loss, or too much month and not enough money. He will carry us when the mountain becomes too steep to climb. Whether it is the strain of a relationship or the strain of caring for sick loved ones. He wants to deliver you from the stronghold. And He wants to give you the breakthrough you have prayed for. One thing I can promise you:  you will never experience Jesus in the light as you will in the darkness.

Before we can call out Jesus’ name, we must know Him. We must know Him as Savior. Then we must develop an intimate relationship. What steps can you take today to strengthen that relationship? 

Lord Jesus, Yours is the name above all names. We love You. We praise You. We worship You! We bring our greatest needs before You, believing You will prevail. Amen.

Exchange fear for faith, worry for worship, and panic for peace with Carolyn’s new book, Eyes of Faith: Winning the Battle Between Our Feelings and Our Faith.