Your mother lies upon your heart, and you have brought her to the Lord’s notice, which is well, for He is the healer of the broken-hearted and bindeth up their wounds. You have seen His hand already in her deliverance from the stroke; praise Him for that, and let that past mercy strengthen your faith for the present need. The same Physician who arrested the palsy now touches the hidden pains, anxiety, depression, those inward sorrows that no earthly remedy can reach. And be assured, the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations, and for your mother’s healing too.
You speak of her inward anguish, the restlessness of mind and spirit. Many are the children of God who sit in the dungeon of despondency, yet the key is in the hand of Him who came to set the captives free. Anxiety is a fever of the soul, robbing it of appetite for that which is good. But the voice of the Beloved speaks peace: “Be careful for nothing.” Christ is no hard master dealing with the well and whole, but the Great Physician who came not for the righteous, but for sinners, not for the strong, but for the sick. Your mother, feeling her weakness, is just the patient He delights to cure. The deeper the malady, the more room for His skill. He took our sicknesses and bore our pains; by His stripes there is healing for every inward wound.
Do you remember? Healing and pardon are wedded, when Jesus healed the palsied man He said, “Thy sins are forgiven thee.” That miracle stands as an everlasting sign that God can heal both body and soul with a word. The stroke may have left its shadow, but the Sun of Righteousness rises with healing in His wings. Let this be your plea: that He who forgiveth all thine iniquities also healeth all thy diseases. It is no small thing that she has been spared; now trust Him for the softer work of mending the spirit. Strength returns slowly sometimes, as with a soldier after battle, but the great Shepherd gathers the lambs in His arms and gently leads those that are with young. Do not despise the day of small things, nor fidget over delays. He who promised perfect peace to the mind stayed on Him will certainly perform it.
Cry mightily for life, not merely for ease. Lay hold upon the promise that though she be weak, yet in Christ she shall be strong. The Lord knows what it is to be bruised; He will not break the reed nor quench the flax. Bring her daily to the throne, not with clamour but with confidence, for the Father’s ear is open. And when prayer seems to return without answer, remember that the silence of God is not neglect, it is often the time of ripening. Let patience have her perfect work.
Meanwhile, consider this: healing comes before service, but it comes. The hand that made the heavens can smooth the troubled brow. I do not bid you cease to pray, but to pray in faith, nothing wavering. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations, you may take them freely. So present your mother to the Good Physician, and look for the day when, with heart at rest, she shall rise and minister to Him in gladness. Until then, be yourself a son or daughter of consolation, holding her before the mercy-seat. The Lord bless her and keep her; the Lord make His face shine upon her and give her peace.
