When there is an unfavorable diagnosis it’s surreal, after all I believe God still heals today; in April we celebrated the sacrifices Jesus made, Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. My Bible says that by Jesus’ stripe we were healed. He did it once before but why not, yet, this time? I have experienced personal healing, witnessed others healed, prayed for individuals who received healing, including cancer; so what’s different? It is certainly an age old question but of this one thing I am sure, God’s word is true, he hears our prayers, and does heal.
God desires to heal as he desires to save. Psalm 103:2-3 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases…” We know not everyone is saved but it doesn’t change the fact He desires no one be lost; not everyone is healed but it doesn’t change the fact that He desires to heal. There are some things that may remain a mystery in this life.
So what to do? That is an enormous question! I can only attempt to offer thoughts that are not all inclusive and based on where I am and have been when a step-daughter and parents passed; facing each one brings different challenges – as it does now with potentially a spouse.
Trust and hope, a great place to start, even in the dark night hold on to them; even if the outcome is not what we may prefer God promises to always be with us, the thing I have found is I have to let Him into the situation and not hold him at bay or blame him. One scripture tells us to comfort others as we have been comforted, another says He sent the Holy Spirit to give comfort; if we were never going to need comfort I doubt He would have told us these things. Sometimes his comforting presence is tangible, other times he sends people to us to give comfort, to be strong when we are not. I find being vulnerable in some situations not easy, in part from being in a leadership role or when others need encouragement; I think, but not that they do, they expect me to be stronger and grounded in faith, yet at times I find my eyes moist with a tear escaping; but God can’t help or send me help if I put up a facade that all is well. Hebrews 10:25 is taking on a personal meaning “not forsaking our own assembling together [with other believers], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another”. I am grateful for my brothers and sisters in the faith, we need each other. When we face difficulties – it does not always mean it is not well with our soul.
Pray? Yes!
Pray how?
…continuing next month
Beyond the Silver Coin 