Healing And Helping!

March 20, 2025

Healing And Helping!

I was sick with a sinus cold for three weeks in February.  You know how it goes; sinus congestion so tight you blow your nose constantly, upper chest congestion that makes it difficult to swallow, a stabbing ear-ache that takes you to your knees, a continual cough that leaves your throat sore and your patience thin, and a head-ache and body-ache that are unrelenting. 

We rarely left the house for three weeks.  I prayed often that Jesus healing touch would bring relief, comfort, and healing to both of us.  I was miserable!!!

I was reminded again that when it comes to being sick, I prefer instantaneous healing.  I pray for healing, I seek the help of medical professionals for healing, and I do lots of home remedies and a few prescriptions for healing.  But, I want to be healed now! 

I was reminded that sometimes healing comes from Jesus in an instant.  There are other times healing comes from Jesus through treatments and time.  I know that I don’t get to choose the timing of Jesus’ healing touch but being patient for His healing is hard. 

Healing is possible through the work of Jesus.  Sometimes healing is Jesus’ response to our faith-full and trusting prayers.  Sometimes healing is about Jesus showing His power in us, His love for us, and His grace around us.  Sometimes healing is about Jesus cooperating with our effort to help ourselves.    

The problem is that many Christ-followers want the healing of Jesus but often are not interested in doing what is necessary to help the Lord accomplish that healing in our life.  I am reminded when Jesus raised his friend from death to life.  When Lazarus comes out of the tomb, he is still wrapped up with burial cloths.  Jesus instructs the people to unwrap Lazarus and set him free.

In John 11:42-44 we hear; “I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.”  When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’  The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth and his face wrapped in a cloth.  Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’”

Jesus says, “Unbind him, and let him go.”  This simple instruction reminds us that we often play a part in the healing which Jesus and medical professionals are working in our life.  Too often, I watch as people pray for Jesus to heal them or go to a doctor to seek healing through treatment but are not willing to cooperate with or participate in the healing process.

I am acquainted with a person about my age who is suffering with a variety of health issues.  A complicating problem is the person is extremely obese.  As is the case with any of us, the excess weight is aggravating the other health problems. 

The person has been invited, encouraged, and challenged to lose weight.  In fact, the person has been told that if they do not lose weight, they will have to move to a nursing home that can handle their health needs as well as their obesity.

It is a difficult thing to watch because the person is unwilling to help themselves with any kind of weight lose.  They refuse to adjust the type of food or the quantity of food they are eating.  And yet, the person prays for the healing touch of Jesus.

Lazarus was healed but not free until some people helped to unwrap him.  People were asked to participate (help!) in the healing Jesus was doing in Lazarus’ body. 

The question for me and maybe for you is, “How am I cooperating with and participating in the healing and restoration and renewal Jesus is wanting to do in my life today?” 

We need to move beyond simply asking Jesus to change me or change things around me.  We need to participate in the work of healing and transformation by helping in the process.

I invite you to ask Jesus how you can help in the healing you are asking Jesus to do in your life or in your family or in your circumstances.  Go to Jesus each day for the next seven days and ask, “Jesus, how can I help you with the healing you want to do in me and through me?”     

When we begin to participate in our own healing and life transformation, we will see the changes for which we so long.  When we see those changes, our hearts will overflow with delight in the Lord. 

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug