The God Who Heals

Healing. Do you also find it a complicated subject? We struggle with it quite a bit. We struggle with the brokenness of the world we live in. We struggle when things go differently than we hope or expect.

Yes indeed, God heals. Even today. We believe it and we see it. And it makes us intensely grateful. But we also see situations where things go differently. Where God does not heal. Where healing comes in stages. We see people suffering immensely. We see people dying.

And sometimes we also see that, right through physical suffering, God does a work of restoration in hearts. Quite apart from whether someone receives physical healing or not.

What about this? How should we deal with the questions we have no immediate answer to? In the midst of the questions and uncertainties we have, do we dare let God be God? And how does that work?

While we are in the midst of this tension, do we dare to continue to follow Jesus and do what he did? Jesus promises, as we read in today's text, that we will do greater things than he did.

Do we, like Jesus did, dare to keep stepping out in this? By continuing to pray for people and ask that, in the name of Jesus, healing may come? So that, in His time and in His way, something of His greatness will become visible to those affected?

In this episode, Jesus' love and commitment to the people around Him come out very clearly. He knows exactly what is needed and at what time. "I see you." Today we reflect on these words again.

Jesus sees Peter. He sees Eden and her mother. He sees what Peter is struggling with. Yes, Peter is eager to follow Jesus, but can he abandon his wife now that her mother is so ill?

Jesus is lovingly and compassionately present in their situation to speak words of encouragement, to bring healing. A burden falls from the young couple's shoulders.

Maybe you or someone close to you needs recovery. Maybe you are struggling with that. Maybe you dare not step out to pray for that other person. Maybe God gives a different answer than you expect. Maybe you don't understand any of the answer He gives.

We want to challenge you to hold on to the words, "You will do greater things" and cling to the God who sees you and your situation and knows what is most needed.

Take the following questions to think about:

• What place does the theme of healing have in your life?
• Do you sometimes struggle with the theme of healing and how to deal with it?
• Do you believe we will do 'bigger things' than Jesus?
• Do you know and feel seen?

Prayer:

"Lord, I need courage to pray for others. I need courage to trust You. Lord, You know my struggle, but You can do it. Lord help me to reach out for that. To keep praying for healing for those who need it, trusting that You know what is right. In Jesus name. Amen."