God heals

In the world we often see awful things happening sometimes in faraway places to people we don’t know and other times to friends and family close by.  It is difficult to understand why bad things happen and we may feel helpless as we witness things that we wish we could ignore and pretend they are not real.  

When we feel crushed with the pain around us we need to remember how Jesus prepared us ahead of time by saying “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33) Our peace is in Him, we can’t allow anything to take that peace away from us.

So what to do when bad things happen to people around us?  After we claim the peace that God has given us we need to remember that we are never bystanders; God has given us the power to act in every situation.  To those involved, He gives different responsibilities, all equally important because He wants us to put love into action.  “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)  We have to hold on tight to God’s promises, especially when everything looks the complete opposite; we need to say them out loud and be a witness.  Our attitude and our actions speak louder than our words, especially during difficult situations.

People who are suffering are looking for support, kindness and understanding.  They are looking for the healing and peace that only Jesus can give them. But so many times we offer long sermons and judgmental advice like Job’s friends, which made him feel even worst “Do you think your words are convincing when you disregard my cry of desperation?” (Job 6:26) or we are quick to offer solutions when maybe what they are looking for is someone that would listen to them.  

When others are hurting we need to reach out the way Jesus did, where they are, attending their immediate needs.  Love doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be a hospital visit, a homemade meal, a phone call, a ride to an appointment or an offer to buy groceries.  There are so many ways to bless people who are in emotional or physical pain, and we may think our actions are small and almost insignificant when compared to the huge problems they may be facing, but when we freely give, God multiplies our offering. He steps in and does His thing which can turn the smallest action into a life changing event.   

God’s plan for all of us is so much more wonderful than we could ever imagine that we can’t let sadness distract us from it, yes, pain and suffering are real, but so is the power of God over them. “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later.”  (Romans 8:18)  When people around us feel there is no hope, we need to remind them that there is and the best way is to show them. God has already healed us; Jesus “was wounded and crushed for our sins.  He was beaten that we might have peace.  He was whipped, and we were healed!” (Isaiah 53:5)

I pray for God to give us the wisdom, strength and courage to be light where there is darkness and joy where there is sorrow so everyone will see that He is powerful and many will receive hope, healing and restoration. ”The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)