The weight of four long years presses heavily upon you, and now another vigil of waiting through this eye exam. You are weary, well may you be, for the flesh tires under such a load. You are scared, that, too, is natural, for a mother’s heart trembles over her suffering child. Yet listen to the voice that speaks in the quiet of this trial: it is the same voice that calmed the stormy sea and stilled the fears of trembling disciples. The Lord has not forgotten you, nor has He turned a deaf ear to your cry.
You speak of a dizzy spell, a fall, stents in the heart, a cataract thickly veiling sight, and now the dread of fluid behind the eye. These are many afflictions rolled into one long burden. But think upon this: the Great Physician of souls and bodies once walked among us, and there was no disease that He did not heal, no infirmity that He did not bear. He took our sicknesses and carried our pains. The power that stilled the palsy, that opened blind eyes, that made the lame to leap, has not diminished with the passing of centuries. Lay hold of this truth, the very leaves of the Tree of Life, the smallest, most common mercies in Christ, are for the healing of the nations. Even the hem of His garment held virtue; how much more His outstretched hand?
Do not let fear master you. Fear weakens faith and dishonors the God who declared, “Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” This is not the exhortation of a mere preacher, but the whispered comfort of Jesus Christ Himself. To give way entirely to dread is disobedience to His command. Your son’s body is weary, but the Lord waits to be gracious. He is a waiting God, and when the time of love has fully come, He will act. Perhaps tomorrow’s exam will bring tidings of hope, opening the way for the surgery that seems so long delayed. Even if the answer is not immediate, still trust. The Lord’s delays are not denials.
Remember that bodily sickness, however chronic, is but for an hour compared to the eternal health that awaits all who are in Christ. If you could be certain of perfect wholeness tomorrow, the pains of today would shrink into shadows. In Heaven, there is no cataract, no failing heart, no dizzy spell, the Tree of Life bestows immortal vigor. But even now, in this weary land, His healing can break in. The Sun of Righteousness has risen with healing in His wings. Let this assurance calm your spirit: Jesus linked healing with teaching. As you sit in the waiting room, as your son endures the examination, look for the lesson He is teaching you. It may be a deeper dependence, a sweeter glimpse of His sympathy, a fresh discovery of His all-sufficiency.
Bring your son in prayer to the feet of Jesus, just as that poor man sick of the palsy was lowered through the roof. Lay him there, hoping and expecting both forgiveness and healing. The Lord still comes where two or three are gathered, even if your gathering is a mother’s solitary prayer by a bedside. And when His healing comes, whether by gradual improvement or sudden restoration, do not forget to return and give praise. Only the healed can truly tell of the Good Physician’s power.
Now rise from this hour of reading and wipe your tears. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He who bore the cross will sustain you under this far lighter weight. Go to the appointment with a quiet heart, saying, “I will trust, and not be afraid.” The Lord bless you and your son, and in His own perfect way, grant the desire of your heart, for His mercy’s sake.