What you have said of the strength you receive from your fellow servants in prayer is a testimony to the body of Christ bearing one another’s burdens. Yet I must also remind you that the One who gives that strength does not always grant healing in the way we first imagine, for His aim is the health of the soul even more than the body. Do you recall the nobleman who begged Christ to come and heal his son? The Lord rebuked him, not because He lacked compassion, but because He would cure the father’s unbelief no less than the child’s fever. Miracles are for the slow of heart; the faithful are nourished by His teaching and trust without demanding signs. Therefore, even as you ask for your daughter’s recovery, seek first the quiet confidence that clings to His promise rather than to visible proofs.
Do not let your present trial make you forget that the sick can become strong, and the strong by carelessness grow faint. Lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees. Despair is not for you, nor for any who call upon the Lord. Yet be vigilant against the subtle temptations that affliction brings. I have seen mothers who, in terror for their children, turn aside to amulets and charms, thinking them harmless because an old woman whispers, “She is one of the faithful, and we call upon God.” But the thing is idolatry. What need have you of such folly? Your only weapon is the Cross; your only remedy the Name of Jesus. Sign her forehead with that sign, anoint her with prayer, and trust in no other power. The mother who refused such things, choosing rather to see her child die than to mingle Christ with sorcery, is counted as a martyr; she sacrificed her son in her resolve. Imitate her faith.
When the fever rages, remember that the Lord who touched Peter’s mother-in-law not only quenched the heat but gave her back perfect strength at once, so that she rose and served. He is the same Physician today. He can do what no earthly doctor can, for He commands the body and the soul. Therefore, while you seek a wise physician for her body, know that the truest wisdom is that which the world calls foolishness, the preaching of the Cross. The wisdom of this world cannot find God; it is by faith that we are saved. Entrust your daughter to the hands that were nailed for her, and pray that any earthly healer be given skill as an instrument of His mercy, but place no ultimate confidence there.
Above all, be long-suffering. The soul of the patient is like adamant, unharmed by the darts of trial. When the enemy would provoke you to anger or despair, laugh inwardly at his rage, for he is but a child striking out in fury. The one who endures is abundant in wisdom, and so you will teach your daughter a lesson deeper than health: that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Whether she recovers swiftly or slowly, or even if the Lord should call her to Himself, your steadfastness will be a sweet-smelling sacrifice.
I have sent these words the more diligently, without delay, that you might be freed from heaviness. For we rejoice not only on hearing of the health of those we love, but when we see them restored contrary to hope, as it was with Epaphroditus. May you soon behold your little one playing and praising God, and may your own soul rise from the sickbed of anxiety to the health of perfect trust in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
