Amen, Jim! If people remain unaware of the presence of Christ, or fail to discern their need, there are many who are almost ready to perish within reach of abundant help.
I was so thankful to read chapter 35 in The Desire of Ages today because it reminds me again of how Christ has healed me fully from bipolar disorder, giving me healing of mind and body from having been afflicted by Satan and oppressed with darkness when my mind was unsettled by deep grief of having lost my parents and habits of life that enfeebled and weakened me physically, mentally, and emotionally, so that my life became a weariness. I was just reading this morning in 2 Timothy chapter 1 as well, and this paragraph quoted one of my favorite "life texts" (verse 7) because it promises God's Spirit to us:
"The encounter with the demoniacs of Gergesa had a lesson for the disciples. It showed the depths of degradation to which Satan is seeking to drag the whole human race, and the mission of Christ to set men free from his power. Those wretched beings, dwelling in the place of graves, possessed by demons, in bondage to uncontrolled passions and loathsome lusts, represent what humanity would become if given up to satanic jurisdiction. Satan's influence is constantly exerted upon men to distract the senses, control the mind for evil, and incite to violence and crime. He weakens the body, darkens the intellect, and debases the soul. Whenever men reject the Saviour's invitation, they are yielding themselves to Satan. Multitudes in every department in life, in the home, in business, and even in the church, are doing this today. It is because of this that violence and crime have overspread the earth, and moral darkness, like the pall of death, enshrouds the habitations of men. Through his specious temptations Satan leads men to worse and worse evils, till utter depravity and ruin are the result. The only safeguard against his power is found in the presence of Jesus. Before men and angels Satan has been revealed as man's enemy and destroyer; Christ, as man's friend and deliverer. His Spirit will develop in man all that will ennoble the character and dignify the nature. It will build man up for the glory of God in body and soul and spirit. 'For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.' 2 Timothy 1:7. He has called us 'to the obtaining of the glory'--character--'of our Lord Jesus Christ;" has called us to be "conformed to the image of His Son.' 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Romans 8:29." {The Desire of Ages, page 341, paragraph 1}
Was it too hard for Jesus to heal "incurable" demoniacs? No--He is able! Was it too hard for Jesus to heal "incurable" lepers? No--He is the Great Physician! He is near you today--whatever your struggle with sin, with your health, or any other difficulty, come to Jesus and invite Christ to abide in your heart by faith! He is our lovely Savior and specializes in "incurable" situations--because then the glory goes to Him and others take courage that they, too, can be healed.
Jesus led me to apply the principles of a consistent life of "NEWSTART"--Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest, and Trust in Divine Power (God's power through His promises). It has been over 6.5 years since I have had bipolar disorder and God has healed me so fully that I do not need any medication and Jesus is the one to whom all praise and glory belong! While there were times in 2010 and 2011 in that journey of healing when it seemed like a life and death struggle to speak faith and claim His promises, when I began to learn that Jesus means what He says EVEN WHEN I DO NOT FEEL IT, that was a game-changer. I came to trust that He can lift me from depression as I speak words of hope, faith, and healing--not words of doubt and unbelief. He can heal us and make us His witnesses of His love and power! Praise God!