God’s Healing

“He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds”
(Psalm 147:2)

Last week, in a meeting a few cities away, I listened to three people who were at very different places in God’s healing process.  The four of us were gathered around a small table, and they shared, one at a time.

The first was George, who was ecstatic, as he told about God healing him of a massive heart attack, just one week prior to the meeting we were attending.  Incredibly, 25% of his heart was denied 100% of its needed blood, for a period of four hours.  George, a retired Principal of a school, had been hiking at the time of the heart attack, and it took four hours to get him to a hospital. 

He KNEW in his “heart” (the center of his being), that his physical heart would not be damaged.  He had a “peace” inside him that was not shaken at all by circumstances, which, without the “peace,” would have been terrifying.  But not George at that moment, for God was with him, and he was able to TRUST in the Lord.

His doctor insisted, “You have severe heart damage… We just haven’t found it yet.”  They still haven’t found it, after many, many tests, over a number of days.  We listened to George as he told of his deliverance.  There was a new LIFE to him, and he was ready to tell his experience to ANYONE who would listen!

Pastor Larry then spoke of his granddaughter, Kalee, who is now three years old.  As he told of her, his obvious love was reflected in shining eyes and a somewhat husky voice.  The doctors said she would be “blind before she’s twelve.”  Kalee is able to see with thick glasses, but the family had been assured that “no improvement is possible.”  If she wears the glasses, something close to normal vision occurs, but if they are taken off, her eyes begin to cross and she “sees four of everything.”

Kalee has an uncle who is well-off financially and pledged “any” money for her.  Pastor Larry and others gave their prayers for this little girl.  Many doctors disagreed about the cause of her problem and Kalee has, in spite of the doctors, shown improvement.  Though it is as improbable as George’s perfect heart, Kalee is somewhat better.

Tim then spoke in a soft voice, revealing he had just received news from his doctor that he “had an abnormal EKG” and has “a 50% chance of a stroke in the next decade.”  Tim needs your prayers, as does Kalee, and if you wouldn’t mind, pray for George, too.

Here were three people, at three very different places in the healing process.  George is vibrant and excited, for it certainly appears that God has wonderfully healed this man, after first telling him what He was going to do.

Kalee is also one of God’s miracles, for if the doctors couldn’t agree about anything else, they certainly did agree that no improvement was possible.  She HAS improved and continues to improve at this time.

Tim is right at the point that Kalee’s family was, a few years ago.  Tim’s news would shake anyone, and he does not know what the outcome will be.  One thing for sure, he will reach out and hold on to God, in ways he has not previously known.  George, Kalee and Tim have a common denominator – the Holy Spirit of God is with them all.

For a long time, I've been fascinated by the crippled beggar outside the Temple in Jerusalem.  He was "lame from his mother's womb" (Acts 3:2) and he "was over forty years old" (Acts 4:22).  "They laid (him) daily at the Gate of the Temple which is called 'Beautiful'".  Jesus, who was often in the Temple, went by many times and no healing was apparently offered to this man.

He must have noted that others were healed by Jesus, and may have thought, "Well, there's nothing here for me" (in the ministry of Jesus), perhaps deciding "There is something about me that is displeasing to God."  But God knew his need. 

At just the right moment, Peter walked by the beggar (who was hoping for money - Acts 3:5), looked at him and said, "'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.' And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength" (Acts 3:6-7).  Healing is offered to you, as well.  But note that you have a need in life that is much greater than any "healing" to your body.

Charles Spurgeon wrote, "I was riding home after a heavy day's work.  I felt very wearied, and sore depressed, when swiftly and suddenly as a lightning flash, it came to me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee' (2 Corinthians 12:9), and I said, 'I should think it is, Lord,' and burst out laughing.  I never fully understood what the holy laughter of Abraham was until then.  It seemed to make unbelief so absurd.  It was as though some little fish, being very thirsty, was troubled about drinking the river dry, and the river said, 'Drink away, little fish, my stream is sufficient for thee.'"

George's outward heart has been healed, little Kalee's eyes are showing improvement, and Tim may or may not be saved from a stroke, but God's grace is offered to them all.  God “heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:2) – the promise is for you right now.  But, “healing” in this world is only for a time.  You need more.

Will you have His grace, His healing inside, which will last forever?  Father, I receive Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Forgive me and heal my broken heart.  I do not insist on some mere outward answer to my problems, but unreservedly trust in You now.  Fill me with Your Spirit.  Let me follow You for all eternity.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

    Ron Beckham, Pastor
    Friday Study Ministries
    www.fridaystudy.org
    E-mail: Ron@FridayStudy.org
    Tel: (562) 688-5559
    PO Box 92131
    Long Beach, CA 90809-2131
    "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)