A prayer for healing for many years
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“The Lord will support them on their sick beds, and he will recover them from their sick beds.” – Psalm 41:3
Read or listen to the following:
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease a few months ago, an incurable autoimmune disease. I have unbearable pain almost every day, so I can’t withstand the symptoms. As someone who already struggles with depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), I wondered why I had to add yet another illness to my list of medical issues. Crohn’s disease has affected my life and I’m already struggling to see something positive.
I reached out to support a friend, but what was returned to me was static. Many of the people I knew from university, as they said, “live their dreams.” When I first heard it, my mother had recently passed away and I was struggling with anorexia. They were achieving their goals and chasing what they wanted, but I slowly felt like I was disappearing.
Through everything, I also learned what real support looks like. It can be found in the most unlikely places, but it is still there. I have a long-term illness that will never go away, but God is still my strength and he blessed me to many people in this current world who helped me beyond their means. My sister was with me on the worst day of my illness and went to the hospital with me.
My dad went to the hospital with me and opened the door when my OCD couldn’t touch the contaminated surface. One of my editors went out of her way to show support by connecting all the writers, building a sense of community, encouragement and hope. I was busy focusing on the negativity and neglected to see all the blessings around me from God.
The Bible says, “The Lord will support them on their sick beds, and he will recover them from their sick beds” (Psalm sal 41:3). I want God to heal all my illnesses, but I find comfort in His everyday existence. For example, I struggle with debilitating stomach pain, nausea and arthritis pain associated with Crohn’s disease and pray daily about these specific symptoms. There are some days that are better than other days in God’s grace, and I believe in good days in God and His blessings. I am not promised that every day is pain free, but God sees my pain and promises to be with me (Ps. sal 23:1-6). When God does not completely heal us from our long-term illness, we do not need to lose hope in Him.
There are prosperity preachers who want to convince us that God is rich and healthy and that we will have everything we want. The truth is that we live in a fallen world and the illness is caused by fall. Some of us will suffer from long-term illnesses and others will not, but we all face some kind of illness and suffering. It is helpful to remember that God allows our fallen world to continue, but he is not an author of evil. Instead, he is the author of all good. We can trust that He carries us through all our earthly days.
Let’s pray:
Dear God, I need healing from the long-term illnesses I suffer. I know that full healing may not come until I am with you in heaven, but I pray that you will help me through all my days on earth. Comfort me through bad days and relieve my symptoms in a moment of peace. I’m sick and sick of feeling so bad. Remember your proximity. I believe you will be by my side and will help me through every stage of this illness until the very end. You are good, holy, and righteous, and I know that you will never abandon me. I praise you, God. Amen.
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Kateryna Onishchuk
Vivian Bricker received his Bachelor of Mission and a Master of Arts with a focus on theology. She loves theology, mission work, and everything that helps others learn about Jesus. Find out more about her content on Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.
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