Nurturing Authentic Supportive Relationships: Finding Godly Companionship, Inspired by Jesus’ Example
Struggling to Find Genuine Support One of the things that I sadly hear from people is the frequent struggle to find the kind of Godly support and friendship that we all require. We don’t understand the concept of nurturing authentic supportive relationships. Importance of Discerning Friendships I think in many cases we might not be as careful or maybe discerning as we could be when looking for that specific friend or two. We might find that we’ve trusted somebody that we shouldn’t have. The Need for Unwavering Love I’m talking about people that love you and won’t change what they think about you or your family, no matter what they learn. To be the best version of myself that I can be, I need that backup. Setting Friend Expectations I also make sure that those friends know the expectations. Not everyone is willing to be that kind of friend. Most people are content to be surface friends. Inspiration from Jesus in the Garden I was inspired to write about this topic for this blog post as I was reading about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Luke 22:42-44, the man Jesus and probably the Spirit Jesus was so grieved over what He was about to endure that it would seem that he had burst capillaries in his face as we’re told, “His sweat became like drops of blood” (NASB95). Desire for Company in Suffering He didn’t want advice, he didn’t want encouragement from His human friends, but He did want them close as we know that He said He was deeply grieved to the point of death (Mark 14:34). He was hurting. The Company of Closest Friends He asked the main group of disciples to wait, then he took Peter, James, and John further into the garden. He wanted them to “keep watch.” He’s asking them to stay awake and alert. He needed the company of His closest friends. Learning from Jesus’ Example Jesus asked for company, yet so often we try to go it alone. We don’t want to admit that we’re struggling. Yet, if the Lord desired companionship, and admitted the significance of His pain, then why should we do differently? Transparency and Vulnerability Admittedly, there is a second lesson here as the “keep watch” is also tied to the use of sleeping as death. He tells them to avoid temptation. But despite this aspect being very clearly present, the beginning of this passage (Mark 14:32-42) shows a Jesus that is transparent and vulnerable. He clearly needed support. Cherishing Genuine Relationships I encourage you to think about your tribe. Think about all the people that you might consider going to in a time of need. Are any of them people that you could truly trust to love you no matter what? Are any of them willing to really hear your heart? All too often, when someone asks, “How are you?” we don’t feel like we can give them the honest answer. We need to know that we can be real and bare our souls to someone. Nurturing Supportive Connections In counseling, I often fill this role for people, but they all understand that the goal is for them to be able to function without me, So, they must learn to develop and foster these relationships.
Finding Peace in a Busy World: Embracing Sabbath Rest and Daily Reflections
Appreciating the Journey Together First, I want to thank you for sticking with me on this journey, and I hope that I am serving you. That is the whole point after all. In that vein, a couple more people have answered the brief survey here. If you haven’t yet, I would love to hear from you. Please know that your responses are anonymous. This is good for your privacy and bad if your response needs to be put in context. Finding Peace in a Busy World Of course, for the few that answer, I suspect that there are many more that have the same concerns. Today, I want to talk about finding peace in a busy world. This is important even for those who don’t realize it. The question was asked by someone who knows they need a slower pace than they get. But others who don’t even realize that they need to slow down are usually plagued by a certain amount of anxiety. Finding Peace in a Busy World by Rediscovering the Sabbath We need to take a Sabbath. In Mark 2:27, Jesus tells the religious leaders that the Sabbath is for man, not man for the Sabbath. The point is not that we should just ignore the Sabbath, not at all. We still need to worship and rest. It’s a day that we set aside for focusing on God and relaxing. How many people know what that means? Finding Peace in a Busy World by Aligning Days of Rest Technically, the Sabbath should be on Saturday. So, most of society already is aligned with Sunday being the day for Sabbath, contrary to scripture. “But I work on Sunday…” When I was pastoring, we had services on Saturday and Sunday. Because I had to get up to an alarm clock and was obligated to be somewhere, that wasn’t much of a Sabbath by my thinking. So, Wednesday became my Sabbath day. And on whatever day the Sabbath lands, I do nothing until I feel like it. I may do work around the house, but only if I come to a point where I want to. The Significance of Daily Personal Time Then there is the subject of taking time each day for yourself. Different people need different amounts. In my counseling, I look at the person’s temperament, which is like personality, but it’s what was put into you during the development process in the womb. I recommend reading and really digging into Psalm 139. But today we’re just going to look at verse 13 as it’s relevant to God putting a temperament in us. Some temperaments need to take time for themselves daily, and rarely do. Others are more prone to do it but need it less. But we all need some quiet time. Finding Peace in a Busy World by Prioritizing Self-Care Amidst Busyness “I don’t have time to take time for myself!” Oh, I hear that so often. The truth is that although it may feel awkward and uncomfortable to take time for yourself, the truth is that when you recharge, you are a better spouse, parent, employee, you name it. I’m not recommending laziness, but deliberateness. Every morning I sit on my deck with a cup of coffee and my Bible. After I’ve done my reading, I look at the mountain across the way and thank God for allowing me to enjoy the view. Then maybe I’ll listen to the birds or watch the wind in the bushes and trees. A Call to Embrace Stillness I don’t care how you do it, but I strongly suggest you take time daily not only for devotions, but to just BE. The busy world will still be there when you come back. Let me know if that works for you. I’d be happy to help you work it out, informally or more formally through counseling.
Embracing Jesus’ Compassionate Ministry: Discovering Divine Insights Through Daily Bible Reading
Approaching Bible Reading with Depth and Embracing Jesus’ Compassionate Ministry I don’t know how you read the Bible. When I’m working on a sermon, a book, or even a blog post, I might dig deep to make sure I understand any cultural or historical implications. But for my daily Bible reading time at the beginning of each day, I have a very specific habit. I will read just one chapter and then write down what God said to me in that passage. Then I will write down my response to Him. This started as something I had to do as part of my schooling for counseling. I’ve kept a spreadsheet with these entries for years. Capturing the Details: A Singular Focus The reason for only reading one chapter and then recording what God said to me is to make sure that I am not missing anything. When we just sit and read, it’s too easy to gloss over and stop catching all the fine details. We usually get the overall gist, but there are beautiful nuggets that are easy to miss. Returning to the New Testament: The Book of Mark I’d been reading the Old Testament for a while. It was time to switch back to the New Testament for a bit, and I picked the Book of Mark. In Mark chapter 5, there are three specific miracles that Jesus performs. One is not even in Israel nor for Israelites. He casts a legion of demons out of a man and into a herd of pigs. It’s easy to forget that He ministered to Gentiles. Journeying with Compassion: Healing the Afflicted After that, He is heading to the home of a synagogue official named Jairus, as the man’s daughter is very ill. On the way there, he feels power flow from Him and looks around, asking who touched Him. A woman who would have been considered unclean due to the nature of her malady comes forward and nervously admits that she touched Him. A Touch of Healing: A Touch of Faith He looked down at the woman who was trembling as she bowed to the ground before Him. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” (Mark 5:34) A Glimpse of Christ’s Compassion I knew all of this. I’m very familiar with the chapter. But using my method of reading the Bible, I was reminded of the incredible compassion of Christ. Discussing the man born blind as told in John 9, Matthew Henry made the point that Jesus saw people. He saw them as they were and cared for them as they were. Henry wrote about how Jesus would see someone through a crowd and go to them. Embracing Jesus’ Compassionate Ministry: A Source of Strength His compassion is amazing. It was amazing two thousand years ago when He emptied Himself to become like sinful flesh (Phil 2:6-7) and is amazing today. I encourage you to feel the amazing compassion of the Lord and bask in it. Accept His compassion and let it wash away self-loathing and all the excuses for feeling worthless. As we do that, we have more ability to share His compassion with a needy world. As always, I’m here if you need help.
Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy and Embracing God’s Love
Introduction So many individuals in our world grapple with feelings of inadequacy and failure. Whether it’s due to unmet expectations or lacking approval, these emotions can be deeply ingrained. In this blog post, I want to share some wisdom I’ve gained through counseling and my book, “How to be a Christian in Today’s World: Shame or Fear of Failure vs. Living Confidently in God’s Love,” to help address these issues. The Weight of Expectations Growing up with high expectations from my father, I felt the burden of living up to his approval. Unfortunately, he passed away before I could attain it, leaving me with feelings of inadequacy. Many others face similar situations or may never have received approval from their family, resulting in an ongoing struggle with feelings of unworthiness and a sense of being undeserving of love. Finding Strength in God’s Image In Genesis 1:26-27, we are reminded that God created humankind in His image. Just as my daughter bears my likeness, we, too, are made in God’s image, forming a familial connection with Him. Recognizing this truth allows us to accept the value that God places on us and to embrace ourselves as part of His family. Accepting God’s Valuation of Us If God, as our Creator, values us and cherishes us as family, we should learn to accept and appreciate ourselves as well. Romans 12:3 advises us not to think more highly of ourselves than necessary, but rather to have sound judgment as God has given each of us a measure of faith. Understanding our self-worth can be a journey that requires prayer and introspection. Reflecting on God’s Perspective To combat poor self-image, we must seek God’s perspective of ourselves. In counseling, I often encourage my clients to spend time in prayer, making a list of the qualities God sees in them. This process helps shift the focus from actions to inherent traits and reinforces the truth of their worth in God’s eyes. Conclusion If you find yourself struggling with feelings of insecurity and low self-worth, I hope the suggestions shared in this blog post will provide some guidance. Remember, you are uniquely made in God’s image and belong to His family. Embrace His love and understanding of your true worth. If you need further assistance or have questions, feel free to reach out to me. May you find strength and confidence in God’s love for you.
God’s Name and Reputation: Do They Matter Today?
Introduction Why should God’s name and reputation matter to us? Last week I talked about the fact that we witness all the time no matter what. In other words, people watch our behavior all the time. Consequently, they often make decisions about not just Christians, but Christ based on our actions. So, although we need to grow closer to Christ so that the Holy Spirit can help to mold and shape us, we do need to watch our behavior too. I compared the impact our behavior has on others to the judgments that God placed on other nations that mocked Israel. The impact of our behavior on others: a reminder I’m still reading Ezekiel. His vision and prophecy included a restoration of the nation of Israel. What’s interesting though is some of God’s reasoning for doing so. In the very last verse of chapter 38, God says He will magnify and sanctify Himself and make Himself known in the sight of many nations. Why? So that He is known. God’s name and reputation in the Bible Then in Ezekiel 39:7, He says that He will make His holy name known in the midst of his people and not allow it to be profaned anymore. God makes a point that His name and reputation are pretty important to Him. This reminds me of Luke 19:38-40. This is during what is often called the triumphal entry. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a colt and the people are praising Him physically and very vocally. The wording of their praise is very specific. “BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.” (NASB95) The reason it’s printed in all caps is that it is a direct quote from the Old Testament, in this case, Psalm 118:26. But note here the focus again on Him coming in the name of the Lord.” What does this mean today? Obviously His name is pretty important. And I want to emphasize that it is a consistent theme throughout the entire Bible. I talk much about the fact that the Bible is about relationship. It’s about God wanting to have a relationship with us. But we are also reminded sometimes of the difference between Him and us. I think we need to remember that special combination. He is so Holy that even His name is Holy and deserves our reverence and respect Conclusion This reverence and respect is akin to the concept of ‘fear of the Lord.’ Very often, we get caught up in the relationship part and forget the reverence. Or, we are so caught up on the reverence part that we forget the relationship part. But when we remember both parts at the same time, something special happens. Like David in Psalm 139, we realize just how beautiful and special it is that He wants us! Special note If you or someone you know struggles with being able to believe just how much they are loved, I can help! You can see my counseling page here.
The Impact of Behavior: Lessons from Ezekiel’s Prophecies on Judgment and Christian Witness
Living as Exiles: Ezekiel’s Gloom-Filled Prophetic Call to the Israelites in Babylon “I’ve been reading Ezekiel in my daily devotions lately. It doesn’t start out exactly cheery. Ezekiel and many other Israelites are living as exiles in Babylon. Then God told Ezekiel he was going to be His prophet. For twenty chapters, Ezekiel prophesies doom and gloom for Judah and, in particular, Jerusalem (Ezekiel 4-24). Unveiling the Abominations: Idolatry and God’s Separation from His People God then shows Ezekiel the Temple and the abominations that are occurring, including an idol in the very courtyard of the temple. Then He shows him that He will remove His glory from the temple. This means that He is separating Himself from His people and their behavior. Next comes the siege and capture of Jerusalem itself. Not much is going right for Judah at this point. The Consequences of Mistakes: Lessons from the Siege and Capture of Jerusalem Immediately following the judgments of Judah are the judgments of the nations that gloat over the destruction of Judah and the fall of the Israelites. Even though He allowed it to happen and even removed His glory, He still cared. One by one, at God’s prompting, Ezekiel tells how each of these other nations would fall. Prophesying Against the Nations: Reflecting on the Effect of Christian Behavior on Others So, what does that have to do with us? Some of the world gets to see authentic Christians, living out what they believe. Other Christians are invisible, they bear so little fruit that nobody even knows they are Christians. Then there is a third group. These are the Christians who either are loud about their faith or are obvious through their behavior, and then they make some big mistake. People see those mistakes, and it affects how they see Christians. Mahatma Gandhi reportedly went to visit a Christian church and was denied entrance because that church was for high-caste Indians and whites only. He is quoted as saying, “I’d be a Christian if not for the Christians,” because of that incident. People watch us in the very same way. And many people are driven from Christianity because of the behavior of Christians. I thought of this as I was reading Ezekiel 25-32. It is in these chapters that Ezekiel prophesies against the nations that gloat over the destruction of Judah and the fall of the Israelites. You see, I am firmly convinced that everything in the Bible is there for a reason. Paul, writing to Timothy, says that all scripture is “God-breathed.” And the reason is for us to learn from the scriptures and to grow. A Call for Self-Reflection: Chasing Away the Estranged Christians Through Actions The passages from Ezekiel left me thinking about all those people that we chase off in one way or another. God is a jealous God, in that He wants us. He has also shown a distaste for His people and, in connection, Him, for being mocked. So, what’s going to happen to all those people that we have chased off through our behavior? As a pastoral counselor, I have seen everyone from Wiccans to the most devout of Christians. Sadly, though, I estimate that eighty percent of the people that come to me are what I call “Estranged Christians.” These are people who either were in the church as children or spent some time in the church as adults. But in every case, something happened or was done that chased them away. We, the church, failed these people. Some of them still cling to Christianity, but most just don’t care.hat If the other nations were destroyed for mocking Israel when they fell, what does that say for those who mock Christians when we fall? Do we not bear some responsibility for that? The Power of Christian Witness: Behavior as a Reflection of Christ’s Love Our actions are a witness to everyone, whether we like it or not. Some will attribute failures to the people. Many others will attribute them to Christianity and, therefore, Christ. Yes, in my book “How to be a Christian in Today’s World: Shame or Fear of Failure vs. Living Confidently in God’s Love,” I make it clear that our behavior is a reflection of our closeness to Christ. But we still must be aware of our behavior and how it represents Christ.
Building Love Amidst Life’s Misadventures: Embracing Challenges and Fostering Resilient Relationships
Living the Fortunes of Misadventure: Embracing Love and Building a Lasting Relationship Introduction: In the face of numerous challenges and countless surgeries, my wife’s and my love story has unfolded in unexpected ways. Through misadventures, we have learned the true essence of love and chosen to build a strong and resilient relationship. Today, we share the sweetness and depth of our love, born from the trials we faced. The Fragility of Life and Strength of Love: Navigating Countless Surgeries and the Fear of Loss The profound impact on our perspective was undeniable as my wife underwent 35 surgeries. Each surgery increased the odds that I might go home alone. Our daughter, an EMT, expressed her concern, aware of the fragility of life. We understood the reality, but chose not to dwell in fear. Choosing Each Other: The Work of Love: Love Built on Deliberate Choices Our fairytale romance was not merely a result of falling in love, but rather a conscious decision to love each other. We recognized that love is an ongoing commitment that requires effort and dedication. It meant choosing to do the work of loving each other. Growing Together Through Challenges Our journey has been far from easy, but it has taught us invaluable lessons. We have grown together, facing our health struggles and surgeries as a team. Our shared experiences have strengthened our bond and deepened our understanding of one another. Finding Gratitude and Blessings in Life’s Misadventures Despite the trials, we have discovered a newfound appreciation for the blessings in our lives. We are grateful for our faith, the love that sustains us, and the realization that our misadventures have shaped us into who we are today. A Love Transformed: From Struggles to Strength: Transcending Fights and Significant Problems Over time, we have learned to navigate conflicts and disagreements with grace and understanding. Our commitment to open communication and mutual respect has helped us transcend the challenges we face. Appreciating the Blessings of Life and Love Today, we cherish every moment together and recognize the preciousness of life. We have come to appreciate the depth of our love and the gift of having each other by our side. Regaining Clarity and Deepening Affection Through the trials we endured, our love has become more profound and resilient. Our experiences have brought us closer, reigniting our affection and strengthening our connection. Seeking Help and Support: Encouragement to Seek Guidance in Building Love If you find yourself struggling to build a deep and lasting love, we encourage you to seek guidance and support. Don’t be afraid to reach out to relationship counselors or therapists who can provide valuable insights and tools for fostering a strong foundation. The Importance of Seeking Assistance Building a strong and lasting love requires intentional effort and a willingness to seek assistance when needed. Don’t hesitate to ask for help in navigating the complexities of relationships. Extending a Helping Hand If you’re in need of support or simply want to connect, we’re here for you. Feel free to reach out to us through this link, and we’ll be glad to chat and offer our perspective at no charge, whether we establish a formal counseling relationship or not. Conclusion: Our journey of misadventure has taught us valuable lessons about love and resilience. We have come to appreciate the fragility of life and the depth of our connection. We urge others struggling to build lasting love to seek help and guidance. Love is a deliberate choice, and with the right support and effort, you can create a love that withstands the tests of time and adversity.
When You Can’t Do: Embrace a New Perspective
When You Can’t Do In life, we often define ourselves by what we can do. Our abilities, accomplishments, and productivity become intertwined with our identity. But what happens when circumstances change, and we find ourselves unable to do what we’re accustomed to? It’s a challenging transition that many of us face at some point, whether due to health issues, family responsibilities, or the natural process of aging. Shifting Perspectives I know this struggle all too well. As a natural-born doer, I dedicated myself to providing for my family, working tirelessly and sacrificing my own well-being. However, at the age of 47, my body betrayed me, and I suddenly couldn’t do what I was used to anymore. The realization was disheartening, and I felt lost. During my journey of adapting to a new reality, I received a profound insight from my wife. She said, “You’re not disabled, you’re retired. Now you decide what you want to do.” It was a shift in perspective that changed everything. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do, I began asking myself, “What can I do?” Lessons from Isaiah In moments of doubt and frustration, I often turn to the words of the prophet Isaiah. While the context may be different, the message resonates deeply. Isaiah 30:15 reminds us that salvation and strength lie in repentance, rest, quietness, and trust. These ancient promises are still relevant today, meaning just as much to us today as they were intended to when they were first spoken to the Israelites. Learning from History Just as the Israelites failed to heed these words, we too can easily succumb to fear and doubt. Yet, we have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and embrace a new perspective. When faced with limitations, whether temporary or long-term, we should not allow frustration to consume us. Instead, we should shift our focus, pray and ask ourselves, “What can I do now?” It is in these moments of surrender and acceptance that we discover unexpected rewards and profound peace. As I look back on the years since I became disabled, I realize that they have been the most rewarding and peaceful of my life. By letting go of what I couldn’t do and embracing what I could, I found new purpose, joy, and contentment. Embracing the Question: “What Can I Do Now?” So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, grappling with the frustration of not being able to do what you once could, I encourage you to adopt a new perspective. Release the attachment to what was and open yourself to the possibilities of what can be. Embrace the power of repentance, rest, quietness, and trust, allowing God’s strength to rejuvenate you. Remember, our value as individuals is not solely defined by our actions or achievements. It lies in our ability to adapt, grow, and find fulfillment even in the midst of change. Embrace the journey of discovering what you can do and allow it to lead you to a life filled with purpose, peace, and abundant blessings. Conclusion In the face of limitations and unexpected challenges, it is essential to embrace a new perspective. Rather than dwelling on what we can no longer do, let us shift our focus to what we can do in the present moment. By drawing inspiration from scriptural promises and learning from the mistakes of the past, we can find renewed purpose and joy in our journey. So, embrace the question, “What can I do now?” and trust that in the surrender and acceptance of our circumstances, we can discover unexpected rewards and profound peace. Let go of the expectations of the past and open yourself to the possibilities of the present. Remember, your worth is not defined by your abilities, but by your ability to adapt, grow, and find fulfillment in the midst of change. As always, if you need extra help with this or any other issue, I’m always available. Please go to my counseling page to contact me with your concerns.
Embracing Forgiveness and Living in the Spirit: Breaking Free from Regret
Introduction: Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of self-blame and regret, haunted by past mistakes? It’s time to break free and embrace the forgiveness and abundant life that Christ offers. In this blog post, we will explore the assurance of forgiveness, the significance of Christ’s sacrifice, and the transformative power of living in the Spirit. Let’s discover how we can move from self-condemnation to rejoicing in the love and grace of our Savior. The Assurance of Forgiveness: No Condemnation in Christ Do you ever feel burdened by the weight of past mistakes, replaying those regretful moments in your mind? It’s a common struggle that many people face. But as believers, we have the assurance of forgiveness. In Romans 8:1, we are reminded that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This powerful truth sets us free from the chains of guilt and self-blame. The Cleansing Power of Christ’s Sacrifice: Blameless and Spotless To fully grasp the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we turn to Ephesians 5. It reveals that Christ’s purpose in dying was to cleanse us and present us blameless and spotless before Himself. This cleansing is not just an external act but a deep transformation of our hearts and souls. It demonstrates the immeasurable love and grace of our Savior. Surrendering to God’s Bigness: Letting Go of Self-Blame Yet, despite the assurance of forgiveness and the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice, many of us still struggle to let go of our past and accept God’s forgiveness fully. We hold onto self-blame, feeling unworthy of His love and grace. But it’s important to realize that when we do this, we are making ourselves bigger than God. We must surrender to His bigness and trust in the completeness of His forgiveness. Living in the Spirit: The Path to Transformation Living in the Spirit is key to breaking free from the cycle of self-condemnation and regret. When we draw close to God in prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we experience a transformation from within. We begin to see ourselves through God’s eyes, as beloved children who have been forgiven and redeemed. The Spirit empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to God, shaping us into better Christians. Rejoicing in Freedom: Embracing the Abundant Life It’s time to let go of the burden of regret and embrace the freedom that forgiveness brings. As we learn to live in the Spir (Rom 8:1-11) it, we open ourselves up to the joy and peace that come from walking in alignment with God’s will. Instead of striving in our own strength and feeling defeated, we can rejoice in the knowledge that we are forgiven and loved unconditionally. Conclusion: Dear friends, let us no longer allow guilt and self-blame to hold us captive. Embrace the forgiveness that Christ offers, and allow His love to transform your heart and mind. Through prayer and surrender to the Holy Spirit, let go of regret and step into the abundant life that God has prepared for you. Rejoice in the freedom found in His forgiveness, and experience the joy of living in the Spirit.
When God Doesn’t Heal: Reflecting on Miracles and Faith
Credit: http://catalogue.wellcomelibrary.org/record=b1091235 When God Doesn’t Heal: Reflecting on Miracles and Faith Introduction As told in my upcoming book “Blessed Brokenness: Seeing God’s Glory in the Ashes of Life,” I share a powerful story of literally being hands-on during a miracle. However, there are also times when God doesn’t heal, prompting deep questions and clouding human understanding. The Miraculous Healing We were missionaries at a drug and alcohol rehab farm when my wife injured her knee. The small rural emergency room couldn’t find anything wrong, but it was concluded that she likely had a torn ligament requiring surgery. A young student at the farm, fearing his troubled past would limit his future, asked if God would heal her. In faith, we prayed, and she walked out of church that morning without crutches. This miraculous healing had a profound impact on the young man’s life leading to a ministry calling instead of the streets. The Mystery of “Selective Healing” Despite our firm belief in miraculous healing, my wife and I have experienced disabilities while witnessing others being healed. It raises the question of why God heals some but not all. Andrew Womack’s teaching suggests that healing is already accomplished, waiting only for our acceptance. Robert Wimer’s article explores how a lack of faith, even from those around the person in need, can affect healing (robertwimer.com). Wimer uses the example of Jesus healing a man outside the wicked city of Bethsaida to question the possibility that the evilness of the city would inhibit healing, further adding to the complexity of the issue. At the end of the day, the best answer I can give as to why God heals some and not others is, “I don’t know.” The Lack of Answers Though I have no answer to the mystery of “selective healing”, I find peace in knowing that for my wife and I, our personal faith doesn’t depend on physical healing. While it would bring glory to God, our journey has shown that our faith has inspired others and possibly brought glory to Him even while we continue to live with disabilities. Embracing Vulnerability and God’s Strength In our lives, we have learned to embrace vulnerability and allow God to be strong in our weaknesses. Drawing inspiration from David’s acknowledgment in Psalm 139 that we cannot hide from God’s presence, we find solace and strength in His presence despite a lack of physical healing. Conclusion In conclusion, the experience of witnessing both miraculous healing and a lack of healing has deepened our understanding of faith, vulnerability, and the sovereignty of God. While we don’t have all the answers, we continue to trust in His plan and find peace, knowing that He uses our faith to inspire others regardless of our physical circumstances. If you want to talk with me about this issue, or others, formally or informally, please visit my counseling page for more information and to reach out to me. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
