THE SPIRITUAL ASPECT – No. 4

A few months ago, I reached possibly the most significant spiritual milestone so far in this journey. It’s a milestone which incorporates each of the other aspects (physical, emotional and relational) as well. And it changed my entire outlook on the circumstances that I’m facing.

In order to set the stage, I need to revisit my initial reaction upon receiving the diagnosis with MND/ALS. Nicky and I knew from the beginning that God was in control, and have trusted Him to carry us through this. We have always believed that God has many purposes that He is accomplishing through our circumstances—purposes both in our lives and in the lives of others.

But underlying all of this was the question of whether I believed God would heal me of this disease. There was no doubt in my mind that He was able to heal me—but would He? From a personal perspective, I was content with the fact that God was in control and His will would be done. I had surrendered to whatever outcome would be most favourable for God’s Kingdom to be furthered.

Added to the mix was the fact that several years earlier we had asked for healing for Nicky’s mother from cancer, but she continued to worsen and passed away two years later. As I once heard author Adrian Plass say, “We know two things about God: We know that He heals, and we know that sometimes He doesn’t heal.” God knew my need for healing, and I didn’t feel the necessity to do anything beyond trusting Him for the grace to live each day for Him.

Then one Sunday in a meeting of our local church during the sermon, God changed my whole perspective on healing. Not that my perspective had been wrong—just incomplete.

The elder preaching that morning pointed to various passages from the Bible that indicated God does not primarily respond to need. He responds to faith. There are exceptions to this, but none that are similar to my specific situation. This challenged me to consider that maybe it wasn’t enough just to rest in the fact that God knew my circumstances and my need for healing.

From that day to the present, I have been stirring my faith for healing by going to God’s Word, the Bible. He has often led me to specific passages that have built my expectation that I will experience healing this side of eternity.

Yes, it’s possible that I won’t be healed while on this earth. I don’t think that having faith for healing means I cannot acknowledge this possibility. I do think that having faith for healing is more about how I live and the choices I make each day. So while we are waiting, I choose to focus on accomplishing the work He’s called me to do, and on preparing for the radical changes to our lives that will result from receiving a miracle.