Healing Takes Time

Healing takes time. It's a process. I never would have guessed that it would take over two months for my back to heal after I had a single mole removed. But infection slowed the process down and made it necessary to have a few extra stitches put in. When the sutures are removed, I'll still need to take it easy and give the area a couple more weeks to heal before returning to my normal activity. Wow! Remind me why I elected to have this procedure in the first place?!

In spite of the ridiculous amount of time it's taken me to recover, I'm glad the dermatologist insisted on removing the mole. It was the kind that would have become melanoma. Yeah, I've been reminded - excessive sun exposure is NOT a good thing. I promise I'm retraining myself and have become good friends with sunscreen. Dealing with the problem area instead of ignoring it, gives me a great prognosis and the opportunity to heal completely.

I'm reminded of the gentle, yet probing finger of the Great Physician. When I allow Him access to my heart, it's much like my trips to the dermatologist. I'm acknowledging that He's the Specialist and trust that He will find and point out any 'abnormalities' in my life. I can say with the Psalmist David, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," (Psalm 139:23-24; KJV).

He's faithful to answer my prayer. I give my consent for Him to perform 'surgery' - removing the thing that is harmful to me. The cut is painful, but necessary. I'm well aware of the area that's been operated on, and realize it's tender. God's Word acts as balm, separating truth from lies. The process of healing begins.

But it's not always quick. Sometimes my memory lapses and I fall into the same old patterns and a twinge from the site of the 'incision' reminds me that healing is not yet complete. An 'infection' might even set in, requiring the Great Physician to re-open the wound and probe a little deeper. His intention is never to hurt me - but to bring full healing.

Following His 'post surgery' instructions will ensure a good outcome. Replacing what was removed with God's truth, will prevent future infection. "With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee," (Psalms 119:10-11).

Making regular check-ups with my Physician rather than avoiding them, keeps me aware of problems that need to be dealt with and gives me the best opportunity to experience true healing. "The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward," (Psalms 19:9,11). Time to schedule an appointment, and let the healing begin!

Has it been awhile since you've scheduled an 'appointment' with the Lord? What steps do you need to take in the 'healing' process?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience with me. In addition to pointing out what needs to change, You're always willing to provide the strength to help me do so. Remind me not to fight Your process of healing. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Perfect Prescription

I noticed that she didn't have the usual sparkle in her eye, or the spring in her step. In fact, her demeanor was puny at best. For a puppy who usually runs down the hill to greet me, tail wagging all the way, Precious' current lack of enthusiasm clued me in: I knew a trip to the vet was necessary.

Following her appointment, I walked to the car, three different medications in hand. An ear infection warranted two of the prescriptions, while a skin irritation required the third. There wasn't a general pill that could be given to take care of both problems, but rather specific medications for each need. Otomax to be messaged into her ears to clear up the ear infection, as well as an oral antibiotic to rid the infection from her system. Hydroxyzine could be given up to three times a day to help with the itching caused by an allergic reaction.

Within 24-hours, Precious had visibly improved. Her eyes were clearer and she once again bounded down the hill to greet me. There was no doubt in my mind that the medications were working.

I was reminded that just like the vet knew the specific medications my dog needed, the Great Physician knows exactly what 'medicine' I need for each trial I face. When I'm discouraged that the article I labored over wasn't accepted, He gives me the prescription for encouragement, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance" (Psalm 42:6; KJV).

When the phone calls I make are met with insensitivity, I can meditate on His sensitivity as shared in Psalm 42:8, "Yet the Lord will command his loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." When those negative thoughts begin to bombard my mind, I can take His 'pill' for positive thinking, "Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).

His prescription for worry is outlined in the book of 1 Peter, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7). When I'm having an especially difficult time forgiving that friend or relative, He gently reminds me, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15).

Just like I needed to take my dog to the vet to get the medicine that would make her well, I need to go to the Great Physician and receive the 'medicine' from His Word that will heal my soul. My Heavenly Father knows when I'm in need of a prescription. He's well-acquainted with every 'sickness,' and He knows the exact 'medicine' I need for my soul.

If you're under the weather today, won't you schedule an appointment with the Great Physician and let His Word apply healing balm to your soul? There's never a wait, and His prescriptions never fail!