We all have areas of our lives that need healing. It might be physical, emotional, physiological, or spiritual. Healing takes time, and it is often a painful process. Sometimes we avoid the doctor, counselor, or God until the last possible minute. Some people even wait too long to get help, and what they hoped for is not possible. What are our expectations once we seek help?
Why Does Jesus Not Heal Everyone?
Theologians have debated that question countless times. In John 5:1-9, a beggar who came to the pool many times to be healed hesitated when Jesus asked him if he wanted to be made whole. The beggar did not say yes to Jesus but instead made excuses why he could not be healed. Do we struggle with our desire to be healed? Are we afraid to be healed? The beggar was unable to enter the pool and required assistance. Why did Jesus not heal every person there at the healing pool in John 5 that day? Was the beggar the only person at the pool who needed the help of Jesus? Most people actively sought out Jesus for healing. Why did Jesus heal the beggar in John 5, even though he seemed to lack faith?
Faith and the Forgiveness of Sin
In Mark 5:25-34, a woman with a bleeding disorder was healed because of her faith. In Mark 2:1-12, Jesus heals a man who has palsy. Jesus told the man that his sins were forgiven as he healed the bedridden man.
Following Instructions
Some healing in the Bible required the person to follow specific instructions. Such is the case of the healing of the blind man in John 9:6-7. The blind man needed to wash his eyes in the Pool of Siloam, and afterwards he was healed. If God gives us any instruction, it would be foolish not to follow His instructions.
Possible Reasons
Jesus, in Mark 6:4-13, did not heal in Nazareth due to unbelief. Some Theologians believe that numerous factors prevent healing, including a lack of relationship with God, unforgiveness, unconfessed sin, disobedience, doubt or lack of faith, or the fact that the requested healing does not align with God’s purpose for the person, or it’s not yet God’s timing. Bottom line: We need to be willing to receive whatever gift or healing that Jesus has for us, do our part if there are instructions, and believe Jesus can do what he promised. If God is using our circumstances to teach or strengthen us in some way, we need to hear God and learn. The healing God has in store for us might not be what we expect and may be more far-reaching than we can comprehend.
Pray in Truth and in the Spirit of God
Lord God Almighty, help me pray in the name of Jesus Christ through Your Holy Spirit for the healing You know is needed in me and all of Your people. Help me pray truthfully and with understanding. Heal any doubt or other factors that prevent me from praying according to Your purpose or plan. Be glorified as You move upon this prayer and bless Your Children so they will receive this blessing in Your Spirit of love. You know what is needed by the person I lift to You now. In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray for Your mercy and grace to heal this person I lift up to You now. Amen.