Posts
Monday, October 4
***I interrupt our regularly scheduled program to bring you this word…***
“Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak. Heal me, LORD, for my body is in agony. I am sick at heart. How long, O LORD, until You restore me? Return, O LORD, and rescue me. Save me because of Your unfailing love.” (Ps 6:2-4a NLT)
Have you ever cried out to God like David did? A relentless condition that displays itself spiritually may besiege us and sometimes be healed more quickly than one that is physical in nature. We realize that, in time, God always heals our spirits, if we allow Him.
However, we all wonder why God physically heals some people and, seemingly, not others. This question of life does not automatically receive an adequate answer for God does not always pull back heaven’s curtain to permit us a peek backstage into the scripted plot of His plan of action.
Recently, I read a passage of scripture that had previously escaped my notice and, in a strange way, has helped me in wrestling with this question. Concealed in a story in John 5, it relates the healing of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda.
Arriving for one of the Jewish feasts, Jesus entered Jerusalem, possibly through the Sheep Gate, for it was from here that He strolled to the pool of Bethesda. I imagine this is what He saw…
A gathering of people, amassed around the fringe of Bethesda’s pool. The blind stood with the deaf. The withered sat with the weak and feeble. The diseased leaned against the porch pillars. The crippled laid on mats.
All anticipated the disturbance of the waters of healing, waiting to be the first to jump in like a flock of seagulls, hovering over a fishing dock, ready to swoop down for the catch of the day.
Jesus saw only one person. His eyes locked onto a man paralyzed for 38 years and lying on a mat. As He approached the man, He leaned over and asked him, “Would you like to be well?”
The man looked up into the most extraordinary eyes he had ever seen. “Sir,” he said, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water stirs, so someone always jumps in ahead of me.”
With a voice of power that could easily stir the waters on its own, Jesus said, “Stand up! Pick up your mat and start walking!” As the man jumped up, the prickly sensation of healing surged through his limbs.
Nothing is said of any other healings that day. I wonder why not. Did those there just stare at Jesus in bewilderment? Did they focus only on the water, awaiting their turn? Did they desire not to be healed? Were they afraid?
Maybe God desired no further healings because they would have endangered Jesus’ life even more, for the Jews sought to kill Him for healing just this one man on the Sabbath. What might they have done if He had healed everyone? For whatever reason, it was God’s purpose not to heal any others at that moment.
In my relentless physical condition, I no longer feel adrift on a sea of doubt, wondering why I am not healed. Whether I am or not, I remain part of God’s purpose and praise Him for it.
Jesus saw only one person. His eyes locked onto a man paralyzed for 38 years and lying on a mat. As He approached the man, He leaned over and asked him, “Would you like to be well?”
The man looked up into the most extraordinary eyes he had ever seen. “Sir,” he said, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water stirs, so someone always jumps in ahead of me.”
With a voice of power that could easily stir the waters on its own, Jesus said, “Stand up! Pick up your mat and start walking!” As the man jumped up, the prickly sensation of healing surged through his limbs.
Nothing is said of any other healings that day. I wonder why not. Did those there just stare at Jesus in bewilderment? Did they focus only on the water, awaiting their turn? Did they desire not to be healed? Were they afraid?
Maybe God desired no further healings because they would have endangered Jesus’ life even more, for the Jews sought to kill Him for healing just this one man on the Sabbath. What might they have done if He had healed everyone? For whatever reason, it was God’s purpose not to heal any others at that moment.
In my relentless physical condition, I no longer feel adrift on a sea of doubt, wondering why I am not healed. Whether I am or not, I remain part of God’s purpose and praise Him for it.
He has whispered to my spirit that He will heal me and I trust Him to keep His promise. I hold His hand as a child holds its father’s hand in trust to cross a dangerous intersection. I know that healing is still in my future, whether it comes while I am here on earth or in heaven.
For various reasons, some are healed and some are not. God knows them all.
For various reasons, some are healed and some are not. God knows them all.
~~This post is part of Bridget Chumbley’s One Word Blog Carnival. Please visit her site BridgetChumbley.com to check out the other posts on healing.
Lynn
Beautiful, thank you.
I sure don't know all the answers or even very many of them - but I do know God is good. And just as a loving parent wants the best for theirs - He does so much more. We are body, soul and spirit. The most important factor in divine health is a healthy soul and spirit - by the looks of things you've got that department covered - so you're more than three-quarters healed! These old tents are growing older the moment we're born - we keep praying they'll house our souls well ‘til we hear Him say, well done.
Oh and you can count me in to believe with you beyond the shadow of a doubt for your healing.
Oh, my! Doug, thank you so much. Thank you for taking time to read and comment. And thank you for your agreement for my healing. This tent is really getting older! LOL You are a precious man of God. Blessings to you!
One of the biggest questions in life Lynn... why some, why not? All I know is that God is a healer, it is in His character to heal. Jesus represented His Father's character while He was on earth. So, keep hoping, keep asking, keep proclaiming; you are simply reminding Him of who He is!
Blessings, my dear friend!
Hi Lynn,
Last week after having an exam, I received a call from my doctor to come in to discuss abnormalities from the X-rays taken. For some reason, I couldn't get beyond the word abnormal. I don't believe I was afraid, but I did want to peek behind the curtain.
Like you, I'm putting my trust in the Lord. I have not seen what lies ahead but I'm not worried; I will continue to run my race.
Regardless of our geography, I would run with you any day. I extend my hand toward you, affirming my agreement for your healing.
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
Think God has left me with my illness of Chrons for a reason, I know at one point it probably saved my life when i was making wrong choices, it would make me take breaks when admitted to hospital after flareups....I believe He also leaves the "Thorn in my flesh" to provide hope for others that may deal with the same issues but see hope in those that are dealing with them also on a daily basis.....Thank you for sharing, Your post are always great reading and a great inspiration...Thank You
Michael
As a three time cancer survivor and one who currently has a miracle of speech without the anatomy, I can say I am healed but not in the manner I would have desired or expected - a miracle that amazes the medical community.
We forget we live in a fallen world, this is not our final destination. Healing is part of the kingdom - we may not be physically healed until we live there fully which is still future.
This particular passage however, has always struck me. Everyone else was waiting for an angel. This man clearly said he was waiting for a man. :)
I've often wondered why some are healed and others are not. Especially when some seem so much more "deserving" than others. Which reveals to me my arrogance, because only God knows what his reasons are. My finite mind cannot begin to fathom his plans.
Lovely and true, Lynn.
I agree with this, after I quit wondering forever. I did start getting better physically?? Keep on doing your best, and I know you do.
kim
Ah ... one of the age-old mysteries/questions of life. It used to drive me almost crazy ... I thought I needed an answer, with time I've learned to live in the tension of that unanswered question.
He uses it all -- the good, the bad, the wounded, the healthy, the illness, the disease, the hurt, the pain. We often miss it, but just because we miss it or don't understand it doesn't mean that he doesn't, either.
Good post, Lynn.
Wow Lynn! Simply encouraging thoughts illustrated by beautiful writing! Your strength and faith inspire me!
For various reasons, some are healed and some are not. God knows them all.
The tough part is continuing to trust God when healing doesn't take place.
Hi, Lynn;
God has chosen to heal me several times in 60 years. He keeps patching this "tent" that was so frail from the beginning: polio, migraine headaches, post-polio syndrome (three times) and fybro. Now post-polio syndrome is back and He has chosen to leave it. As my Creator, I recognize His authority to make me according to His purposes. As Job said, "Though He slay, I will serve Him." Like the apostle Paul, I rejoice in being poured out in service to Him. When He heals me, the gift is amazining. When He doesn't heal me, He is even more amazing.
Be blessed,
Lynnda
Dear Lynn,
With this post I am reminded that on this Earth, we see as through a mirror darkly. We don't see the whole picture on this Earth. The Weaver is weaving a great masterpiece, and we only see the tangled threads on the backside. One day, we'll see the whole glorious tapestry.
Much love, Patti
A difficult question that always leads us to chose whether or not we will rest in and trust the sovereignty of God.
He is always good - even when we don't understand.
Praying with you for complete healing! He is able!
Bulls eye, Lynn!
Awesome thought, Marja! I do and will continue! Bless you! Love you!
Oh, my MTJ, what a precious thought! To have a special new friend running (well, let's walk, ok? LOL) with me. That is really touching. I'll be praying for you. May the Lord bless you with good results. Be blessed!
Michael, I so pray the Lord heals you. I pray His best for you! Such a dear friend. Thank you! Blessings to you!
Oh, my gosh, Karen! I never knew all that about you. Praise the Lord for His healing and grace. \o/
Kat, it does defy human thought, doesn't it? That's probably the first thing I'll ask the Lord when I get to His house! Thanks so much for stopping by! Be blessed! :D
Thanks so much, Steph! I appreciate your taking time to read my post and comment. Blessings to you!
Lynn -
This is great insight into John 5. I have never looked at it this way. But you are absolutely right.
I have always believed God has a purpose and plan, whether we understand it or not. Like you and many others, my wife also wonders about God's decisions in regards to healing. She has a condition that creates extreme pain in her face. She calls this the beast. But it's a pain that many who have this condition have considered suicide.
We've often prayed that God would relieve her and heal her of this pain. She has good days and some not so good. But most of all, she has hope. Our hope lies in an all-knowing and loving Savior.
It's always a blessing to see how other believers handle an illness, sickness, or condition. Many have such courage and strength. But for me, though I give them credit, I give God the glory. For we can do nothing apart from Christ.
Great post Lynn. Thank you!
Hey, Kim! So good to see you! Thank you so much for your sweet words. Be blessed! :D
Janet, I love the way you put that...learned to live in the tension. I totally understand. And whatever your tension, I pray for you. Be blessed!
Thank you so much, Glynn! I always appreciate your visits! Bless you!
Hey, Alisa! Wow! Thank you so much! So happy to see you! Your kind words truly bless me! Blessings to you!
Kevin, you are so right! Trusting is sometimes hard, isn't it? But we are defeated without it. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting. Bless you!
Wow! Linda, I didn't know you had been through all that. Bless your heart. Praying for you!
So true, Patti. So true! The thought just struck me. I use eyedrops in the morning that cause a short-lived blurriness and it is difficult to see. Sometimes I try to hard to focus...not just physically but spiritually, too! Thank you!
Stephanie, you're so right. God is good...all the time. Even if we do not understand His ways. Doesn't change His grace and mercy. Thank you. You bless me!
Anne...thank you so much! So nice to have you visit. Bless you!
Lynn, this is fantastic. We only need to trust God and in HIS own time will his healing come. I'm proof of it! Praise God! Thank You Father God for this lesson and reminder of Your grace and mercy.
Lynn, Thank you for your inspirational words. Indeed, we must trust in our Heavenly Father; He knows what's best for us.
The Bethesda Pool is among the most difficult healing examples in the gospels. Because of the way my brain processes, it's always a "EH?" one.
Thanks for sharing.
Beautifully written and so true, Lynn. I'm so happy when you're part of the carnival.