NOW
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalm 103:3-5 (NLT)
We live in an age of immediate gratification and NOW answers. Microwaves are too slow and a drive-thru doesn’t provide fast enough service. We want it NOW! I want to be healed right NOW, no more aches and pains in my knee and pelvis. I want those days to be far behind me. But they are not!
ME: Jesus, why won’t You take the pain away right now?
JESUS: You cannot always have what you want when you want it!
ME: I know that, but this is about discomfort and I don’t like it!
JESUS: I know that too. No one said you have to like it but sometimes healing of any kind involves pain. It is the kind of pain you never forget. You do not relive the pain, but you remember that you had it.
ME: I still don’t understand why we must endure pain.
JESUS: What is this pain teaching you?
ME: Right now, I am learning to resent it but I’m sure that isn’t the answer that You want to hear. …Well, I could lean on You more, like a crutch and then I’d know You are right there with me. …But Jesus, if You love me as You say You do, why not take it away NOW?
JESUS: You are not ready yet. You must learn to be content in any situation and that includes pain. Praise Me for your healing. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Me for you.*1 My precious child, have you learned to do that?
ME: I guess not.
JESUS: Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.*2
ME: Jesus, I want to sing Your praises but some days I just don’t feel like it.
JESUS: That is when you need to the most. Ask me for that healing touch. Rejoice because you know I am merciful and I will give it to you—when the time is right.
ME: So, You are asking me to be patient—not pushy?
JESUS: Yes! I’ve got this covered but not as immediately as you desire. Just trust Me! We will get through this together.
ME: I don’t really have much of a choice, do I?
JESUS: Not really, but you can rejoice in the decision that you have made.
*1 Thessalonians 5:18
*2 James 5:13