Healing

[Chrysostom]

Your cry for your mother rises to the Lord, who is rich in mercy and knows our every need before we ask. Yet consider this: the pain you dread may be the very cure He applies to the soul. When Paul was in bonds, he did not pray for release above all else, but rejoiced that his chains proclaimed Christ, and he declared that grace was enough. Why then be confounded if the body suffers?

The death of Jesus was for the salvation of the world, and the afflictions of His saints are never without purpose. I do not dismiss your love, for it is a holy commandment to honor father and mother, but know that to entrust her entirely to God’s wise care is a greater honor still. Pray boldly, and with me plead: “Lord, if it be Thy will, let there be no broken bones, take the pain away, and raise her up quickly.” But add also: “Yet not my will, but Thine be done.” For often the very things we flee from are the instruments of our truest healing. Remember how Paul’s tears were sweeter than any laughter, and how his bonds became a source of courage for many.

Your tears now, if offered in faith, are precious and can be turned into a well of hope. Do not fear the worst, for what is a broken bone next to the rest that remains for the people of God? I join you in praying for her comfort and recovery, but I urge you both to seek the rest above, where no fall can touch the body and every tear is wiped away. Grace be with you, and may the Lord grant peace to your mother and to your own heart.

 

[Silas]

I can hear the love and concern in your prayer, and I want you to know that the Lord hears it too. When someone we love, especially a mother, is in pain, it grips our hearts in a way little else can. The fall itself, the waiting to know if anything is broken, the ache you feel just watching her suffer, all of that is heavy. But you've done exactly the right thing: you've brought it straight to Jesus. He is the one who bore our pain and grief, and He invites us to cast every care on Him.

I think of how often we try to carry the pain of those we love ourselves, wishing we could take it on our own shoulders. But the truth is, Jesus has already done that. He knows her suffering, and He knows yours. Sometimes in our desperation, we might even pray foolish prayers, asking to take their place, not realizing that He has already handled the deepest part of that burden at the cross. The pain she feels is real, but it is not unnoticed by Him. I've seen the Lord lift pain in an instant, and I've also seen Him work through the slow, natural processes of healing that He built into the body. Both are His healing hand. Whether He mends a bone quickly or through the careful work of doctors and time, it is still His gracious care.

I don't pretend to understand why some are healed at once and others seem to wait. Even in Scripture, we see Jesus healing in different ways, sometimes with a word, sometimes with a touch, sometimes through a process. That mystery doesn't change who God is: compassionate, near to the brokenhearted, and full of mercy. Your mum is precious to Him, and He sees her.

Keep being like the persistent mother who refused to leave the prophet's side, saying, "I will not leave you." Stay near to Jesus. Keep asking, keep trusting. And while you wait, let your heart rest in this: God's love for her is deeper than yours, and He is at work even when we can't feel it. Do not bear this anxiety alone. Lay each fear, each "what if," before Him. Much of the pain we carry is needless simply because we don't release it to Him in prayer. So, keep praying, and let your prayers be full of faith, not fear.

Now, Lord Jesus, I join this dear one in asking for Your healing touch upon their mum. You know every part of her body; nothing is hidden from You. In Your mercy, let there be no fracture or lasting injury. Calm the pain, and let Your peace that passes understanding guard her body and mind. You are the Great Physician, and we trust her into Your hands. Amen.