Isaiah 55:8-9 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
This verse brings comfort and conviction. We are comforted to know that God knows so so much more than us and has plans and purposes that we couldn't begin to imagine. We are in His good hands. Conviction comes because we allow fear to overwhelm our faith. Doubt and concern couples with pride, causing us to take things into our own hands thinking we know better.
We have a dear sister at our church who has been given a discouraging diagnosis. And even though her faith is strong, she is still apprehensive about what will come when the treatments start. Facing the unknown is difficult even for Christians. Knowing God is in control and has her in His loving arms is carrying her and her family right now.
We had a prayer service for her on Monday night. We all prayed for her healing. We prayed for God's hand to be upon them, upholding them and comforting them. All these things are good and right prayers. In James 5:13-15 we are told: 13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. It is Biblical to pray for healing.
But sometimes God doesn't bring instant healing. Sometimes we need to walk through the darkest valleys in order to gain His best in our lives, both for ourselves and for others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
If we don't walk through trials, we would never have need of God's comfort. If we don't walk through difficulties we would never find His strength is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. It is in the valleys that we find God. It is in the hardships that we seek Him most.
James 1:2-4 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. For some reason, us humans grow most when we are in the fire.
So I've now taken to praying for my friend God's best. Yes, I would love to see her healed instantly, not having to go through any suffering and sickness from the effects of chemo and other treatments for her illness. But if God deems those things beneficial for her to experience for reasons beyond our knowledge, then I pray that He will have His perfect way. And I will believe that His heart is not only all knowing, but kind and filled with complete love. If David never went through the valleys He would have never had the deep, close, abiding relationship with His Lord that he had. And above all healing I pray that my friend would come into a deeper place with her Father and Savior and come out on the other side of this knowing she was never without Him and He held her the whole time. That she would fully know the truth of Isaiah 43:2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
Lord, I do pray from our dear sister. I pray for her healing. I pray that Your hand would be upon her and her family and they would know that You are with them. I pray that however and whenever You choose to take this awful disease from her that Your perfect will is done and that she will receive all that You have for her through this time. You are her Savior and sustainer. Let her sense Your strong Presence and be her mighty fortress through this time. I also pray this for her family. You are the One we count on and turn to and trust. Thank You Lord, that no matter what we have to go through here on earth, we know that it comes through Your heart of kindness and love. No weapon formed against her will prosper. She belongs to You. Thank You Lord that we have You to run to, to hide in and to find shelter and safety in. What a blessed people we are. Lord, let those of us around her know how we can help, encourage and care for them at this time. It is in Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever. Psalm 23
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