My two daughters Kyla and Kaiah are introverts like me. They enjoy isolation and are uncomfortable around big crowds. We often talk about our similarities and how being introverted makes it much harder to do some things, like carry on a simple, light-hearted conversation with a stranger.

Although every introvert is not exactly alike and some are more outgoing than others, needing alone time is something every introvert has in common. Solitude recharges us.

You know, many people are surprised to learn that I am an introvert. I guess it’s because my ministry-related duties require me to do the things that extroverts do naturally, and I appear comfortable in certain settings. But looks can be so deceiving! Over the years, I’ve learned to lean on God’s grace a lot to fulfill the assignments He has entrusted to me.

When I look at Jesus’ earthly ministry, I sometimes wonder if He was an introvert too. I’ll never know for sure, but He did have at least one introverted tendency: He loved stealing away to replenish after ministering to the multitudes. Luke 5:16 says, “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

As I read the fifth chapter of Luke in its entirety, there is something Jesus did just before He retreated to a place of solitude that captured my attention. In verses 12-15, the Messiah healed a man who was afflicted with an extreme case of leprosy. And we know it was extreme because the Greek word “plérés” is used to describe the extent of this unnamed man’s skin condition. And this Greek word means that a surface is “covered in every part.”

So then, from the top of this man’s head, down to the tips of his toes, his skin was leprous. Every inch of him was covered, so there was no way he could hide his disease. Anytime anyone saw him, they saw what they considered to be the judgment of God. Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 explain that lepers were regarded as unclean and shunned by society. They were deformed, mangled and scarred by this awful malady.

Nobody wanted them around, so I see why this leper in Luke 5 was unsure whether or not Jesus would help him. But he was desperate, so he begged anyway. “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean,” he said with his face bowed to the ground.

Jesus replied, “I am willing,” and then He commanded the disease to leave this man by saying two words: “Be clean!” Immediately, the man was healed, and the leprosy vanished. Where he was once covered in a disease that represented sin, disgrace and judgment, by the power of Jesus Christ, he was now covered in the supernatural grace that made him clean. Amazing!

As you consider this story, think about yourself. Though you may not relate to having a skin disease like leprosy, I’m sure you have had something negative overtake your life at some point. Sometimes, trouble overwhelms us and makes us feel like a small child stuck under a huge blanket with no idea how to get from underneath it. In moments like this, we must do what the leprous man did and make our way to Jesus who is always willing to help.

It doesn’t matter how persistent the problem, how dire the situation, or how insurmountable the obstacle, the Lord is able. What seems too hard to manage, too difficult to handle, and too complicated to resolve does not challenge God. He is able to command change and cause things to shift in an instant. The same power that Jesus exercised over leprosy, He still exercises over what troubles you!

If you currently need help, obey Hebrews 4:16 CEV, which is the Scripture I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration. It says, “So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, know that when trouble hovers, Jesus covers. He covers us in His grace and performs miracles on behalf of those who seek Him with their whole heart. Friend, you can be confident, be brave, and be sure that when you ask for help, God is available, willing, and more than able to work things out for you.

Now, let’s pray.

God, trouble has invaded my life, and some days, I feel overwhelmed by it. Today, as Your word instructs me to, I am coming confidently to You and seeking Your help. I believe with all my heart that You are willing and able to transform my circumstances. As a sign of my faith, I thank You for transformation and victory over what troubles me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!