When we choose to ask Jesus to be part of our lives and follow His way of doing life there are times where we will wonder if we can keep going; whether we can keep believing and hold onto the plans, purposes and promises that we have seen in God’s word and had revealed to our hearts and minds. There are times when it just feels and is really hard or where it appears we have failed or are about to.
When I was a teenager I had a chronic knee and joint disease which left me in constant pain. I gradually went from being an active child to someone who could no longer run, jump, walk long distances or even climb stairs without experiencing throbbing pain which continued throughout the day and night. Numerous treatments and operations failed to alleviate or solve the issue. However alongside all the Dr’s appointments prayer was also happening; for eight years my Mum prayed, her friends prayed, and I prayed. We all prayed persistently until finally at the age of eighteen I was suddenly instantly and miraculously healed. No more pain, no more aching, no more not being able to run, jump or celebrate life.
We hear testimonies of God healing people in an instant and He does do that and often. But we can overlook or forget the months or years that they or someone else has been praying for that breakthrough. Sometimes it takes a long time for God to act suddenly. Interestingly I’ve discovered that God often chooses to heal us from the inside out – to heal our brokenness, our hurts, and disappointments and to change negative mindsets. To Him that is just as important as healing our bodies – He wants us whole, and making us whole may take a little time.
Which is why while we wait and pray and pray some more we must base our faith and believing not upon our emotions or what we can see with our physical eyes, but upon God’s word and His character.
Did I enjoy waiting for my breakthrough – No! But I am grateful for what I learnt in the process of leaning in on Jesus; of learning to pray persistently, and for the healing of my heart as well as my body. My faith was strengthened, my knowledge of what God says was increased and my story (testimony) got better regarding what Jesus has done for me.
I’d like to add that God’s suddenly for me means I no longer have a knee disease, but that in that same instant of receiving healing for my knees I was also healed completely from asthma.
Today whatever you are praying and waiting for, don’t give up! God is at work – trust Him in the process and know that He will do exceedingly more than you can ever ask think, dream or possibly imagine through His mighty power that is at work in you. (Ephesians 3:20)
Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Prayer: Jesus thankyou that you are faithful and that you want and desire for me to be whole, healed and living an abundant life. Please help me to not give up but to press in and hold on to what you have promised. In Jesus name Amen.