Dan needed a new heart. The one
he had was worn out, but he died before receiving it. Frank only needed a new
valve. He got it, and the operation was successful. But the recovery wasn't. He
contracted Mercer and died in the hospital.
Fred was dying from a life threatening disease. I
prayed with him, he asked Jesus to forgive his sins, but it didn't keep him
alive. John was succumbing to the effects of old age. I listened as he gasped
for air and watched as his chest stilled. Mark was a dialysis patient tired of
the weekly trips. He decided not to go anymore and ten days later took his final
breaths.
Jairus' daughter was dying. He did the only thing he
knew to do. Then a leader of the local synagogue…arrived. When he saw Jesus, he
fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. "My little daughter is dying," he
said (Mark 5:22-23 NLT).
Facing illnesses involves realizing they respect no
one. Jairus' important position didn't prevent sickness in his family. Nor does
obeying God wart off infection, disease or death, but trusting God is essential
when all three assault us. Jesus advised Jairus not to fear but to trust
instead. Fear and faith are strange bedfellows, and too much of either will
shove the other onto the floor.
When enduring sickness, it's also important to realize
ultimate healing is eternal not temporal. Jairus' daughter died before Jesus
healed her. Though Jesus restored her temporally, she had experienced the
complete healing of death. All sickness and disease will be forever mended in
heaven. Learn to trust the master healer when you're facing sickness.
Prayer: God of power and peace, we trust You to care
for our bodies and to deliver us from illness now and in eternity.
Martin Wiles
Hodges,
South Carolina, USA
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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