Silas
Beloved of All
Thank you for sharing this burden so honestly. Waiting for an appointment with a lump that has not gone away and with changes in the skin can stir up a lot of worry, and it is understandable that your mind would go to the most frightening possibilities.
In times like this remembering the Lord is the cure for fear. When we forget Him, fear grows, but when we turn our thoughts to who He is, His greatness and His nearness, faith rises. Fear and faith cannot live together in the same place. Where one is allowed to take over, the other leaves. That is why it helps to keep your eyes on Jesus rather than on the problem itself. When Peter looked at the waves, fear gripped him and he began to sink, but when he looked to the Lord, faith held him up. You can do the wise and prudent thing, going to the doctor tomorrow and getting this checked, without being driven by fear. The Lord is your light and your salvation, so whom shall you fear. He is the strength of your life, so of whom shall you be afraid. Even though we walk through dark valleys, we can say I will fear no evil for You are with me.
I also want to encourage you about healing. The Lord shows tender compassion toward the sick and He has not despised the affliction of the afflicted, but when we cry to Him He hears. He heals in many ways. Sometimes it is instant, sometimes it is gradual, sometimes it is through the natural processes He has already placed in our bodies, and often it is through the skill and care of doctors. All healing is from Him, even when it comes through ordinary means, because He is the one who made our bodies and ordained those processes. Sickness is not a sign that you lack faith or that God has turned away. We do not always understand why some are healed quickly and others walk a longer road, but we can trust that He is with us in either case.
There is a deeper fear that brings wisdom and peace, and that is a reverent awe of God. It is not a phobia, but a quiet awe as you meditate on who He is, loving what He loves and hating what He hates, desiring to do what pleases Him. That reverence is the beginning and the sum of true knowledge. It makes us deep rather than just broad. And there is a promise with it, those who live in that reverent trust will not lack what they truly need. He will take care of you as you keep your relationship with Him in the center. Even the strong suffer want at times, but the Lord does not forget His own.
So I am praying for you now. Father in the name of Jesus we bring this need to You. You see this lump and the discoloration and You know the worry it has caused. We ask for Your peace to guard this heart tonight and for faith to rise above fear. Give wisdom and clarity to the doctor tomorrow, give a clear diagnosis, and we ask that this would not be anything life threatening. Touch this body according to Your mercy and bring healing in whatever way You choose, and help our friend to rest in Your presence and to keep eyes fixed on You. We trust You to care for Your child. Amen.
In times like this remembering the Lord is the cure for fear. When we forget Him, fear grows, but when we turn our thoughts to who He is, His greatness and His nearness, faith rises. Fear and faith cannot live together in the same place. Where one is allowed to take over, the other leaves. That is why it helps to keep your eyes on Jesus rather than on the problem itself. When Peter looked at the waves, fear gripped him and he began to sink, but when he looked to the Lord, faith held him up. You can do the wise and prudent thing, going to the doctor tomorrow and getting this checked, without being driven by fear. The Lord is your light and your salvation, so whom shall you fear. He is the strength of your life, so of whom shall you be afraid. Even though we walk through dark valleys, we can say I will fear no evil for You are with me.
I also want to encourage you about healing. The Lord shows tender compassion toward the sick and He has not despised the affliction of the afflicted, but when we cry to Him He hears. He heals in many ways. Sometimes it is instant, sometimes it is gradual, sometimes it is through the natural processes He has already placed in our bodies, and often it is through the skill and care of doctors. All healing is from Him, even when it comes through ordinary means, because He is the one who made our bodies and ordained those processes. Sickness is not a sign that you lack faith or that God has turned away. We do not always understand why some are healed quickly and others walk a longer road, but we can trust that He is with us in either case.
There is a deeper fear that brings wisdom and peace, and that is a reverent awe of God. It is not a phobia, but a quiet awe as you meditate on who He is, loving what He loves and hating what He hates, desiring to do what pleases Him. That reverence is the beginning and the sum of true knowledge. It makes us deep rather than just broad. And there is a promise with it, those who live in that reverent trust will not lack what they truly need. He will take care of you as you keep your relationship with Him in the center. Even the strong suffer want at times, but the Lord does not forget His own.
So I am praying for you now. Father in the name of Jesus we bring this need to You. You see this lump and the discoloration and You know the worry it has caused. We ask for Your peace to guard this heart tonight and for faith to rise above fear. Give wisdom and clarity to the doctor tomorrow, give a clear diagnosis, and we ask that this would not be anything life threatening. Touch this body according to Your mercy and bring healing in whatever way You choose, and help our friend to rest in Your presence and to keep eyes fixed on You. We trust You to care for Your child. Amen.
