The instinct that drives you to seek relief from bodily pain is a right one; we very speedily care for bodily diseases, for they are too painful to let us slumber in silence, and they soon urge us to seek a physician. But let your first cry be to the Great Physician, for it is not blasphemy but faith that bids you venture near God's throne, even if you feel unworthy. I send for a doctor from the most selfish motive, for my own good, not for his, and so it must be with you. A true prayer from one who is near unto the gates of death, or merely near unto the threat of sciatica, is a prevailing prayer. We have prayed here in this congregation with such intensity as I believe was never excelled; we have laid hold of the healing power that comes only through prayer. So lift your solitary cry with us: the Church must pray if she would have the healing power.
Consider the medicine God has appointed for the very purpose of healing. He takes care of the little things, the trifles of believers, and even the leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations, the common things, the lower blessings of Divine Grace, are full of virtue. But know this also: the great conduit Head from which all healing flows is Christ Jesus our Lord, who took our sicknesses and carried our infirmities. The one great cure-all, that bitter medicine of His own suffering, was not for you to drink, but was all drained by Himself. Calvary is the place for the healing balm, and when the Lord Jesus comes to heal, He so often speaks pardon and healing as one. When Jesus healed the sick of the palsy, He said, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” Pardon and healing were one. I pray, therefore, not only that your spinal distress be arrested, but that if there be any chastening in this, it may be a fatherly token that drives you nearer to the Sun of Righteousness, who has risen with healing in His wings. Do not be afraid to pray, for the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Wrestle with Christ about your frame; beseech Him for your body, and never fail to beseech Him for your soul.
Let your hearing of this word be with heed. Hear the Word of the Lord for yourself; with your own measure it shall be measured back to you. If you come to God’s Word and to the throne of grace seeking the solid truth of His restorative power, you shall find it. There is healing for you, and the leaves of that tree are given and appointed for that very purpose. Be of good cheer, for the power of the Lord is present to heal, and He has not withdrawn Himself into the wilderness beyond your reach. Rise then from your bed of pain, or bear it patiently until He speaks the word, and when He does, may your first impulse be to minister unto Him with all your restored strength. Oh that you would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men, for He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.