Healing- In His Time

There come moments in our lives that we wonder if God is going to heal us of our ailments. At some point or another, we will all face this uncertainty; whether it’s a broken heart, infertility, loss, cancer… We will question the point of the pain (whether it’s physical , emotional or mental- there will be pain) (John 16:33).

(2 Corinthians 12:8-10): “⁸Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. ⁹Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. ¹⁰That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” My Bible’s commentary additionally details (and particularly hits me.) (Tyndale’s Life Application Study Bible, NLT) “Three times Paul prayed for healing and did not receive it. He received, however, things far greater because he received greater grace from God, a stronger character, humility and an ability to empathize with others. In addition, it benefited those around him as they saw God at work in his life. God, according to His sovereign plan, doesn’t heal some believers of their physical ailments. We don’t know why some are spared and others aren’t. God chooses according to His divine purposes. Our task is to pray, to believe and to trust. Paul is living proof that holy living and courageous faith do not ensure instant physical healing. When we pray for healing, we must trust our bodies to God’s care. We must recognize that nothing separates us from His love (Romans 8:35-39) and that our spiritual condition is always more important than our physical condition. Although God did not remove Paul’s affliction, He promised to demonstrate His power in Paul. The fact that God’s power is displayed in our weaknesses should give us courage and hope. As we recognize our limitations, we will depend more on God for our effectiveness rather than on our own energy, effort or talent. Our limitations not only help develop Christian character but also deepen our worship, because in admitting them, we affirm God’s strength. When we are strong in abilities or resources, we are tempted to do God’s work on our own, and that can lead to pride. When we are weak, allowing God to fill us with His power, then we are stronger than we could ever be on our own. God does not intend for us to be weak, passive or ineffective—life provides enough hindrances and setbacks without us creating them. When those obstacles come, we must depend on God. Only his power will make us effective for him and will help us do work that has lasting value.”

I don’t mean for this to sound hopeless or morbid, that God isn’t going to heal you or save you from your suffering. (Nothing is beyond His control and power). But what resonated with me is that, maybe He’s not healing you because His plan for you is to use you to help others find Him through your pain. Your courage and strength and faith throughout the situation will grow you closer to Him. In your positivity others can draw strength from you in their moments of weakness. But also, maybe He’s not worried about your physical ailment right now, but focusing on your spiritual ailments (we all have them). Maybe He’s made you weak in body, to make you strong in His Body. We are all children of God, and He wants all of us to come home to Him. Maybe He’s helping guide you and strengthen you spiritually because He loves you that much. He wants you home with Him (whenever that may be).

The uncertainty, the helplessness and even anger you may be holding onto as you face your situation as it seems to be beating you will pass. However, I can’t stress the light you have to show through it. You don’t know who you’re reaching and who you’re teaching about Jesus through your faith and trust. Hold onto that. God can heal you; if it’s His will. (And I pray that it is). But if it’s not, whatever time you have left, or regardless of how difficult things continue to get; grow closer to Him, and draw others with you. All we have in this world is Jesus. And too many people don’t understand, don’t know or don’t care about Him; regardless of how much He loves them. You can help show them.

Maybe through this temporary weakness, God is showing you how much He loves you; at least a little glimmer (because I don’t think any of us truly understand the depth and magnitude of that love until we meet Him). Never give up hope. Jesus will take your pain; and He will heal you. When is the only uncertainty.

May you see God’s blessings in your struggles and feel His (eventual) healing.