Healing Can Be A Process

Healing Can Be A Process

Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?” The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.” Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. Mark 8:23-25

Jesus could have healed the blind man completely on the first try. So why didn’t he? The Gospel of John records a time when Jesus used saliva and mud to cure a blind man. Did he forget the secret mud ingredient this time? Did Jesus mess up?

We can become frustrated when things don’t happen the way we want them to—or when we want them to. But I think Jesus did exactly what he intended to do. It’s not that Jesus wasn’t capable of healing the man instantly. Neither was it because the blind man had done anything wrong. Jesus healed the man the way he did because he wanted us to know something about his healing power.

Sometimes healing doesn’t happen instantly. Sometimes healing is a process. I believe that Jesus didn’t heal this man on the first try because he wanted to encourage us that even if all we get is a glimpse of the Lord’s power, we shouldn’t give up.

If your healing hasn’t happened in the time, place, or way that you desired or hoped for, keep holding on to the hand of the Savior. Trust him to finish the good work he has started. Not every encounter with God allows us to see him clearly. Sometimes, all we see are blurry visions of “trees walking around.” During those moments, it’s important to remember that we shouldn’t let go; we should continue to let God work.

Whether it is physical healing we’re after or just trying to get a better glimpse of what God is doing in our lives, it may take more than one or two encounters before our sight is fully restored. Don’t give up on the miracle that God wants to give you.

TODAY’S RX

If at first your prayers do not succeed, pray, pray again!

Lord, it’s always in hindsight that I’m able to understand how you’ve worked in my life. Fill me with your Spirit today that I may trust your ways in the here and now, knowing you are with me wherever I go.