Matthew 11:
28 “Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. 29 Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.
Jesus is often given the name “The Great Healer”, and certainly he was that to the crowds who brought their infirmed to him during his ministry. Even today, with all of our medical advancements, there are still those inexplicable recoveries. I know of two such unexplained recoveries, in essence, walking miracles. To this day, their recoveries have gone beyond medical explanation.
More often than not, though, our illnesses and diseases pretty much follow the course that our specialists predict. Typically there are not too many surprises. But, that doesn’t take away from God’s role in the whole illness process.
Numerous times over the past year or so, I have asked for prayer for my cousin’s wife Bonnie. She has a very aggressive form of ovarian cancer. About a month ago, she made a medically informed choice to cease further treatment and is now on hospice care. She has fought the fight, and is ready now to simply rest.
The miracle to me, in all of Bonnie’s health struggles, is that she’s held onto her faith. Her raw and revealing Caring Bridge entries give us a glimpse of her struggles as she experiences the methodical takeover of cancer. Yet her writings reveal hope in faith and healing for her on the other side.
I realize that any illness is a deeply personal experience. There is no “one right way” to journey through disease. Yet, through Bonnie’s experience, I’ve seen hope, even joy, as each day is treasured and appreciated in new ways.
May we be the hands and feet of Jesus as we stand with those among us who struggle with chronic health issues, be they mental or physical. To reference our focus verse, may we help to lift the heavy burden of illness so that those who suffer can find rest in the arms of Jesus.
Blessings to you this week!
Diana Kongkeattikul
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