For those whose lungs have always been healthy, breathing is
something we are most likely to take for granted. Yet, observe a
preemie whose every next breath is another miracle ~ or witness
someone's exhaustion, when in need of a lung transplant, who
truly knows why they call it 'laboring to breath'. Then, we just
might get a glimpse into the fact that, if we can breath at all,
we are a miracle, too.
God is in the miracle business, every day, blessing us in so
many ways wherein we aren't even looking. In fact, we are so
ungrateful that, if one leg is in pain, we don't thank Him for
the one that isn't. We invite Satan to extend suffering, with
words like, "I may never be able to walk again." If our healing
isn't instant, do we conclude that God must have stopped doing
miracles? If God does do miracles, perhaps we decide it must be
for someone else.
According to your faith be it unto you. If you don't believe
God heals, He won't. If you believe that miracles were only for
beginning the new church age, you're missing out on blessings.
Scripture was written as an example, not a history lesson. In
all the ways God loved people of old, He wants to love us, too.
There are many gifts of healing, not just one, with diversity
and differences in operation. After all, Jesus wasn't the only
gift God gave ... and a gift is free. God heals all that will
receive and that includes you, too.
We might see a physically blind man. But, God may see the
spiritually blind heart. To give that man spiritual site is
worth far more. In fact, his spiritual sight, along with his
physical infirmity, just might open more doors of opportunity to
minister, as people are in awe of all he has to share, in spite
of that handicap. In fact, one non-functioning sense could
heighten all his other senses for true greatness.
Another could be physically lame; an outward show of one's
inner desire to minister, but often faltering. Teach that person
to spiritually walk, following none other than God, and they will
be able to physically walk. As is often the case, heal the inner
man and the outward one will function correctly ~ regardless of
x-rays.
Then, there are those whose outward condition is in no way
reflective of their inner needs. In such, a more immediate
miracle may be in order. However, for those who don't give a
hang about God, the real need of their heart is salvation.
One child was diagnosed ADD, in error. As it turned out, one
eye sees far sighted and the other sees near sighted. Also,
there was construction going on in the next room. It was such a
distraction that all their testing was off. Children are often
labeled learning disabled when, in fact, they are extremely
gifted.
If your hip won't stay in place, check out your shoes. It
could just be that you've worn down a heal, setting everything
else off balance. It may be the side effects of your medication
that is wreaking havoc.
Look and live. Find the source of the problem. Sometimes,
it's external. Get that corrected and see what wonders God will
do. And, when you don't know the source, ask God. Seek and you
will find. Knock and that door will be opened.
Jesus healed everyone that came to Him. There was no manner
of disease that He couldn't do. Even in Paul's case, grace
always has a point of redemption. And, didn't Jesus tell us that
we can do the works He did and even more? He wasn't kidding.
And, God replaces missing parts, too, sometimes even without
transplants!
If you are not free, it isn't the truth. If it isn't the
truth, it is a lie. And, if it is a lie, it was planted by Satan
to keep us from our rightful inheritance. We can know this
because truth always sets you free.
So, what can be even Better Than a Miracle?
Consider this ...
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might
through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish,
yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the
things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:
for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which
are not seen are eternal. 2 Co. 4:15-18
When you receive a miracle of healing, that is an awesome
testimony!
However, when it is for your sake that your healing comes
over time, that becomes a testimony, too. You spend at least
some of that time growing in your relationship with God ... that
is, unless you don't believe God heals. God makes your trial a
blessing, as God is plenty capable of turning whatever Satan does
into something good. You become a forerunner, learning how to
overcome, wherein you, then, have a testimony to help others find
their rightful place with God, too, and that blesses you even
more!
Also, as is often the case, people, from all walks of life,
have discovered the ability to serve via the internet ~ as their
bodies haven't allowed them other options to serve. If they had
been physically healthy, would they have, otherwise, ever dreamed
to minister to hundreds, thousands, and hundred thousands?
In some cases, blooming where you are planted is the most
loving option God can offer. But, again, grace always has a
point of redemption. When you finally know your importance in
ministry, as a child of God, and are ready to serve, just as
vigorously, without your physical or spiritual thorn, Satan has
lost his power over you and it's time for your healing. Praise
God!
Not only that but, those who've suffered with Christ will
also be glorified with Him!!!
God sees and feels your every hurt. There is nothing that
touches your heart but what it touches the heart of God. Though,
He also knows it is only for a season.
Sometimes, we view those with physical infirmities as weak,
sinful, etc.; not realizing these are often God's chosen. In
such case, God has granted these a time of spiritual growth. He
does not see them as week or sickly, at all. In fact, He is so
very proud, knowing that these are His true warriors; ones that
didn't give up on Him no matter what.
And, what you also may not realize is that, in addition to
all the other lives you touch, every time you choose God in spite
of all that ails ~ you are earning glory for all eternity! God
looks upon the heart and, when you realize your rewards, you'll
finally 'know' it really was worth it all!!!
Though, not even Jesus could be all that He was yet going to
be until certain things were accomplished.
But I have a baptism to be baptized with;
and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
Luke 12:50
Always, God does the healing and, often, via Jesus. There
are choices we can make in the process of overcoming. But,
none-the-less, God calls the rest to do our part.
If you want to see God's great army turning this land into
something Better Than a Miracle, consider what God said.
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands
of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the
oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6
® 2004 by Joyce C. Lock
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About the Author:
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist.
In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries
"Heavenly Inspirations"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and
"Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ .
Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and
each other.