Dancing Minds

What is healing? We can see on TV and YouTube a myriad of miracle healing stories. In these stories, healing is always presented so triumphantly: I have cancer. My church prays. Cancer goes away. In my work as pastor, I do not see that kind of healing very often. Of course, people do get sick and healthy again, but usually, in addition to prayer, a whole array of treatments and hard work are required. And then, often enough, people do not get healthy again. They remain in need of care for a long time. Sometimes they die. Does that mean they do not receive God’s healing powers? Does that mean their prayers do not count?

I don’t believe so. I believe that every prayer and every person counts. And I believe that healing comes in many ways. Bodily healing is wonderful, but not always possible. Bad stuff does happen to good people. And sometimes people simply grow old and their time to die has come. In these situations, when God’s healing comes in the form of peace of mind, of spiritual healing, I rejoice. It is a true miracle to me when God turns mourning into dancing (verse 11), even though the outward situation might not have changed.

Gracious Lord, be with me in my joy and in my sorrow. Amen. — KLB

Contributed by Dancing Minds

What is healing? We can see on TV and YouTube a myriad of miracle healing stories. In these stories, healing is always presented so triumphantly: I have cancer. My church prays. Cancer goes away. In my work as pastor, I do not see that kind of healing very often. Of course, people do get sick and healthy again, but usually, in addition to prayer, a whole array of treatments and hard work are required. And then, often enough, people do not get healthy again. They remain in need of care for a long time. Sometimes they die. Does that mean they do not receive God's healing powers? Does that mean their prayers do not count? I don't believe so. I believe that every prayer and every person counts. And I believe that healing comes in many ways. Bodily healing is wonderful, but not always possible. Bad stuff does happen to good people. And sometimes people simply grow old and their time to die has come. In these situations, when God's healing comes in the form of peace of mind, of spiritual healing, I rejoice. It is a true miracle to me when God turns mourning into dancing (verse 11), even though the outward situation might not have changed.
Eternity for Today