“It is not often that I speak upon life’s circumstances. Yet, there comes a time to examine brokenness in the world, the people we know, and even ourselves. Yet, even within brokenness, the Light of Christ shines through. When Jesus emerged from the tomb, he did not look like He did before. He was glorified! This is God’s plan for His earth (Romans 8:29). His plan has been for us to bear His image (1 Corinthian 15:49). This image of kindness, truth, integrity, gentleness, forgiveness…all that is good! All that we must give to ourselves to be able to give to others. This place (earth) we reside in can be a livable, peaceful place. A sweet place where chaos can never be allowed to seep in. Yes, this place is possible, but it is only feasible through us, its people.”
This noting above is one I shared with someone who is having a difficult time right now. In most cases of serious problems, disappointment, and irresponsibility, transferred from one person toward another, I often sit back, listen, and show deep care as much as is possible. However, I felt the need to go one step further today as I expressed in writing what resonated in my heart. It was challenging to have securely hold on to what I was experiencing. Therefore, after I was chosen as a safe mind and spirit, I wrote the message above and I shared it.
I shared this because I, too, have been faced with times of disappointment. In fact, I feel deep disappointment now concerning specific circumstances I was chosen to know about. I have also disappointed. The current news I speak of has caused great despair, which surpasses anger. Anger is not granted residency in my head, because I know that spaces of genuine care still reside in my hurting heart. Understanding and sitting with this disappointment cradles my heart with full acknowledgement that the sun still shines tomorrow, the following day, and the next. It hugs the heart of the other who cries. And, even in moments, we feel there’s no turning back from all the unnecessary chaos inflicted upon us, God-ordained miracles, still occur.
The Bible shows many miracles. We see them in both the Old and the New Testament. God’s supernatural abilities cover the Old Testament (OT), and through the gospels, we read and understand those miracles of Jesus Christ. Then noted in Acts 5:15, Peter’s shadow healed people. In Acts 19:12, the people were healed from Paul’s handkerchief and apron. There were many miracles during the time of the Early Church, the Apostolic Period. Yet, in Paul’s writings (2 Timothy 4:20), it is shared that he left Trophimus unhealed in Miletus.
Some skeptics may ask if Paul’s handkerchief and apron could heal, as clearly stated in Acts 19, why could he not heal his friend? Simply put, Paul’s healing abilities came only from God. Only God chooses when miracles occur. Not man!
At the end of the Apostolic Period and moving into the Pauline Epistles, interpretation and understanding of God’s words show us that most miracles (instantaneous healings mostly) had passed. These types of healing abilities were given to the 12 Apostles; to Paul and included some leaders of the Early Church. Yet, we read that these miracles did not continue to higher scales after the time of the Early Church. For instead, they diminished.
Today, God’s miracles appear in more informal ways, without a financial cost. There are no miracle mills in the world right now! We see God’s blessings through prayer, modern medicine, and our body’s natural ability to heal itself. A touch can bring forth healing if and only if this touch is God-inspired. When this is undoubtedly understood, we realize that it is not because of a lack of faith we are not healed, but instead, it is only through our faith in God and Christ alone that we are! God heals within our faith in Him. He heals by His own will, not ours. Again, some may argue that based on writings in James 5 (14-15), the understanding of healing is clear. Others may say James’ thoughts here are complex. But does James really refer to instantaneous healing? In this setting, I believe James speaks on the importance of holding on to a trusting and faithful prayer life. He speaks of intercessory prayer for those who are sick, as he speaks of community prayer. Prayer lifts us. Prayer grounds our faith. Prayer offers forgiveness, which is curative to both the mind and the body. Prayer heals disappointments too.
We know that God’s love prevails even in trying times. His words abound when we come to understand them in proper context and interpretation. His love shelters those who hurt. His words when read and understood, protect those who cause profound disappointment.
To growth…inside and out!
With love,
Char
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