Tuesday, March 5, 2024

I have dealt with a signifigant amount of illness in my family. 

My father, mother, and aunt were all diagnosed with cancer, and I am currently helping my brother navigate the illness. In addition to physical ailments, we’ve also had our share of mental health issues in the form of drug and alcohol addiction, manic depression, and episodes of violence.

Sometimes, I wonder if similar ailments were all referred to as demons in Jesus’ time. Because when you are in the throes of these diseases, it really feels demonic!  

It is awful when someone you love is suffering. You want to make it all go away. I get angry sometimes, and I pray a lot. Even though I struggle to understand where God is in all of it, it’s during these moments that I hold extra tight to my faith.

Mark 1:30-31
³⁰ Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. ³¹ So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.  

Jesus went to her bedside and brought healing. He offers healing regardless of what we are suffering from. He is the healer and perfecter of our faith—even when the outcome is not what we pray for. 

Isaiah 55:8
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”

Trusting in God, especially when you've experienced a loss, is an active choice. Search out the scriptures that bring hope and peace, and receive the healing that only Jesus can bring. 

Trusting in God when things don’t go the way we imagine is hard work, but not trusting him is so much harder. Jesus is the one who brings healing—sometimes it’s for those whom you’ve been praying for, but other times, it’s for those who are left mourning the loss.   

Questions: 
Have you ever lost a loved one? Did you find healing? How?

Next Steps: 
Google “healing scriptures” and read the passages that you find. Visit a sick friend, and share some of your favorites with them. Pray with them. If you are struggling, reach out to another Christ follower for support.

Prayer: 
Lord God Almighty, you bring life, and you bring healing. Jesus came to live among us and suffered many of the same issues that plague the human race. Thank you for providing such a friend to bring all of our worries and cares to. I praise you for the life you give, the healing you bring, and the joy I can share with others. Continue to lead me and strengthen me on my journey. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

This post was written by Julie Estep, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.