No Doubt

No Doubt

Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” Mark 11:22-24

Martin had a bulging disc, and his neurologist recommended back surgery as soon as possible to stabilize it. But Martin wasn’t sure about the surgery. He wanted to wait and pray about it first.

A few weeks later, he showed up in my office, “Hey, Dr. Anderson, I just got back from a prayer service. I want you to check me out to see how well it worked.”

“I’d be happy to,” I said, unsure of what to expect.

Martin had struggled for many years with severe arthritis and pain in his lower back. During that time, I’d ordered a series of tests, including an MRI, a nerve conduction study, and a neurosurgery evaluation. He had also seen several specialists. They all agreed that back surgery was his only option.

“Stand up and show me how you’re moving,” I said. He got off the exam table a little spryer than I remembered from the last time. “Now lie back down, please.” After he was back on the table, I asked him to do a straight leg raise. Martin was much more mobile, and he had full range of motion without as much pain as he’d had before.

“Well, I don’t think I need surgery. What do you think?”

“I could not agree more.”

In England, back surgery is often delayed for six months or more. Maybe we Americans should be more patient as we wait upon the Lord. If we rush into things, we may miss the great work the Lord has in store for us.

Jesus told the disciples that they could pray for anything, and if they believed, they would receive it. Martin believed that God would heal him, and he received the healing he prayed for.

TODAY’S RX

Today, pick something to pray about, and pray in faith, without doubting. God is faithful to hear you and to answer in accordance with his will.

Father, I pray for you to work a miracle in my life and rid me of this pain. Revive me. Refresh me with your Holy Spirit. Allow me to experience life without this thorn in my side.