Sunday, November 21, 2010. God’s day. First day of the week. First day of my health. Total healing! Simply given. Simply received.
Healing God’s Way – In the Old Testament
Naaman was a leper and a captain of the army of King Aram during the time of Elisha, the prophet. The Arameans captured an Israelite girl and gave her to Naaman’s wife to be her servant.
“I wish that my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! Then he would cure him of his leprosy,” the young girl told Naaman’s wife. 2 Kings 5:3
King Aram heard about this prophet and sent his troops to the king of Israel with gifts and a letter requesting that Naaman be healed of leprosy. The king tore his clothes when he read the letter.
“Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man is sending word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? But consider now, and see how he is seeking a quarrel against me.” 2 Kings 5:7
Elisha heard about the letter and sent word to the king to send Naaman to him.
Naaman, with his horses, chariots, and soldiers, showed up at Elisha’s door, but Elisha did not come out to meet him. He sent a messenger to tell Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times, and he would be healed.
Naaman was used to pomp and circumstance. A little showmanship would have been in order for such a dignitary and for such a miracle as a healing of leprosy. Besides, the Jordan River was dirty. Naaman had better rivers in his country!
“My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 2 Kings 5:13
The wisdom of servants … again.
Simply wash, and be cleansed!
So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean. 2 Kings 5:14
Healing God’s Way – Today
For about 15 years, I tried diets, pills, injections, exercise, mind over matter, deep breathing, prayer, anointing with oil, laying on of hands, and more to free myself from the pain of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Sometimes, a new strategy worked for a season.
The pain always returned, always with more intensity.
In 2008, the Lord impressed upon Keith and me that He was going to heal me. We dug into the Scriptures and consumed everything on healing and miracles that we could find. Then, we focused on waiting on the Lord, and we thanked the Lord for His healing.
Two years later, I was at my lowest point. I began to think that we had misunderstood the Lord.
No hope in doctors. No hope in new strategies. No hope in my will. No hope in my strength. No hope in healing.
My one request, “I want more of You, God.”
Worship was intense that night. The Holy Spirit’s presence was heavy.
A friend’s cataracts dissolved, and she saw perfectly. Another friend’s deaf ear heard us whisper to him.
Nasir called for those in chronic pain.
Keith grabbed my arm and marched me to the front.
Nasir briefly laid hands on me.
Some say I flinched. I don’t know.
That night, I knew no pain. I knew peace. I knew my silence. I knew my smiles.
No pain pills. No sleeping pills. That night, I slept like I had never slept.
Peace.
Seven years ago today, God took my weakness and manifested His strength.
Seven years ago today, God gave me the desire of my heart: He gave me more of Him AND He healed me just as an added bonus.
The Holy Spirit refined my prayers from “Heal me” to “Give me more of You.” Our Father in heaven delights in giving His children the desires of their hearts, and it’s always in abundance … simply more than we ask.
Healing God’s Way – In the Unexpected
Like Naaman, I was not expecting simplicity … maybe some waving of hands over me or a powerful prayer asking for my healing. Maybe an anointing with oil. After all, members from our church were watching.
The unexpected gentle touch of the Savior and a rush of renewed passion to point people to Jesus was the gift I received that night.
Simple.
Silent.
Peaceful.
Life transforming.
What are you praying for? How is God refining your prayer?
Related Posts: Jesus’ Healing Ministry,
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