You Will be Healed, it’s Only a Matter of Time

Since sharing my last post, I have sat down numerous times to write again but have suffered from writer’s block. After years of focusing on healing from mother loss and old wounds, life hit hard this last year. I was frustrated that once again depression and loneliness were taking root in my life. In my pain, I even questioned God’s goodness at times in my life.

I often hear stories of dramatic transformations God has performed. Where was that in my life? I have hope in eternity, which is more than I deserve. But, where was my healing from mother loss and other struggles?

I was wrestling with these thoughts when I watched an episode of The Chosen recently. If you are unfamiliar, it’s a series that depicts Jesus’ ministry. There is some artistic license used at times, but there are beautiful depictions of encounters with Jesus. I enjoy it as entertainment but also refer to Scripture to understand what is from the Bible.

In a recent episode, one of the disciples, Little James (as he’s known in the series), was struggling with similar questions. In the series, James struggles with a form of paralysis that leaves him with a limp. He has been watching Jesus heal others while James continues to struggle unhealed. You can sense his wrestling, but it reaches a boiling point when Jesus sends the disciples out to begin preaching and healing others themselves.

A frustrated James finally confronts Jesus. As I watched, bitterness rose in me. How unfair was this situation?!

But, Jesus lovingly responded to James with a message that sounded like it was just as much for me. The man portraying Jesus explains the very thing James thinks will hinder him is what God will use for great things. “When you find true strength because of your weakness, and when you do great things in spite of this, the impact will last for generations.” Then he tearfully ended their encounter by assuring him, “And James, remember. You will be healed. It’s only a matter of time.”

I looked around the room at the group of women overcome with emotion. It was clear I’m not the only one struggling with things we wish God would heal once and for all. It reminded me of what Paul states in his letter to the church in Corinth:

“Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Yes, it would be wonderful if God would heal me from depression and loneliness and I never struggled with it again. But, God can use these struggles for His glory.

We have likely all wondered why God could not take our pain away as motherless daughters. But, we have a story and comfort we can provide others that no one else can. We do not serve a distant, uncaring God who ignores our pain. No, we have a God who can take this pain and make beauty from the ashes.

He may not heal us here on Earth in the ways we want Him to. But, if we have our hope and salvation in Him, we know that we will be healed someday, it’s only a matter of time.