Healing Outside The Box

Healing Outside The Box

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” Matthew 8:5-7

Though I’ve read the story of the Roman officer many times over the years, I am still astonished that he came to Jesus for help.

The Roman soldiers assigned to Palestine despised the locals. Being relegated to such a backwater outpost of the Roman Empire wasn’t good for their career prospects. So they took out their frustrations on the Jewish people. Under such circumstances, it was almost unfathomable for one to ask a local healer for help.

In order for this officer to come to Jesus, he must have exhausted all other options and exceeded the expertise of the Roman doctors.

But how had he come to believe that Jesus could heal the servant? Why would he think that asking Jesus would be any more effective than anything he’d already tried?

I believe he must have witnessed Jesus’ healing power or at least heard about some of the healing miracles Jesus had performed. Because of this, he had faith that Jesus could heal his servant, even when all other remedies had failed. And it was his faith that compelled him to approach Jesus, despite the social taboos.

It’s easy for us to get stuck in a certain mind-set or set of beliefs about how healing happens. For many doctors, the thought of asking a practitioner of alternative medicine for help would be as foreign as a Roman officer asking a Jewish rabbi for help. Early on in my own practice, for me to believe that chiropractors and acupuncturists, for example, had something to offer my patients, I first had to witness their healing prowess. Only then did I feel comfortable inviting them to join me in treating my patients. Since then, I’ve had many positive and enlightening experiences with alternative healing practitioners, and I have become more open to collaboration.

Are you stuck in a belief system that is preventing you from getting healing or getting healthy? Challenge yourself to faith that someone outside of your usual circle may have something to add to your healing.

TODAY’S RX

God can use many different practitioners for healing. While continuing to trust God, open your mind to new ideas and new techniques.

Father, you are the creator of the universe. Your power is not confined. Help me to remember that when I feel boxed in and let down by the usual routine. Show me the way.