Back when my daughter was two she got a horrible MRSA infection. She was in the hospital for a full week and was very sick. Our small group was amazing during that time. Someone from our group was there every. single. day. They brought us food, magazines, crayons and coloring books, and the comfort of knowing there were people there for us, pulling for us. It meant the world. Her infection was not going down without a fight and after days on iv antibiotics the doctor told us if she didn't see a vast improvement when she came back the next day (Sunday afternoon) we would be scheduling surgery for her in the morning. If you’re a mom you know that is the LAST thing you want for your two year old! Panic began to set in my heart so we did the only thing we knew to do- we let our church family know what was going on and they prayed. And I mean the whole congregation prayed that Sunday morning during service. It was amazing. The doctor came in Sunday afternoon and much to her amazement the infection had diminished by more than half. Vast improvement and no surgery was needed. To say we were relieved would be a huuuuge understatement! We were blow away by the way God moved through the prayers of his people to bring healing to our little girl. It will forever be a huge part of our testimony.
But it doesn't always happen that way, does it? I know, because I’m still waiting for my healing. I did hair for 15 years and loved every minute of it. Making people feel beautiful was a gift I could give to others and I was so blessed by it. And can I just tell you, I was good at it! Yeah. I said it. When I had to suddenly give up my career and close up my shop because of a complicated problem with my arm there were no answers to be found. Just questions.
What the what??
Why Lord?
Did I miss something?
Did I misuse this gift?
Do you not need me and my talents?
Did I pray for healing? Yes. Did others pray for my healing? You betcha. And I believed and had faith, and still do, that God is not only able to heal me but that my healing was bought and paid for at the cross. Look it up. It’s in there. But I’m not healed, and I don’t get it. I’m not saying this so you’ll feel bad for me. Not at all! I just want to be totally honest with you; sometimes our reality doesn't line up with God’s word. But here’s the thing, God’s word trumps my reality. I either believe that all of God’s word is truth, or none of it is. There’s no in between. It’s all or nothing with this one and I dont get to choose which parts I like and which ones I don’t. And so until my reality lines up with God’s word, I’m going to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. I never want it to be said of me that I could have received healing but didn't because I didn't ask.
Sadly, I know that some of you may have been hurt when you questioned why a healing didn't come and were told it’s because you didn't have enough faith. Can I just tell you, that’s a lie. It takes faith just to pray for healing! God can handle all your questions and doubts and it won’t even make him mad at ya! Ask him about it! But please don’t take on the burden of thinking that someone’s healing didn't come because of you. God knows what he’s doing and answers our prayers exactly the way we would if we knew everything he knew.
Here’s what I do know for absolute certain- Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.” I can't tell you how many times I have hung on to that verse. See, it doesn't say some things, or most things, or things that aren’t too messy, it says ALL things. Do you love God? Then he’s working for your good. Trust him. I know that’s so much easier said than done! Especially if you’re in pain all the time. How can this possibly be good?? But again, God’s word trumps my reality, and it’s either all true or none of it is. So if I believe that baby Jesus was born to a virgin in a manger, then I believe that God can bring something good from my pain, develop some amazing character trait in me that wouldn't come in any other way. Sometimes I could swear he’s trying to turn me into Mother Theresa! Yeah. I know, and if we’ve met you know too- I’ve got a loooong road ahead of me for that one to happen! But we have a choice while we're waiting, we can either go through it gracefully and try not to miss one single thing God wants to show us, or we can go through it with weeping and gnashing of teeth. And to be honest I’ll probably do some teeth gnashing for a day or two. Again, Mother Theresa I am not. But I can't camp there, I'm just passing through. And maybe your healing will come miraculously, or through the hands of a surgeon, or maybe not at all on this side of heaven, but don't let that stop you from asking and believing that God is who he says he is and can do what he says he can do.
If there’s something you need healing for please feel free to leave a prayer request in the comments. I’d love to pray for you.
Till next time…
