So here I am in a challenge of faith. I was in the hospital the other day because of what I found out later to be a rather large kidney stone. For those of you who have never had the blissful experience of passing a stone, you should be praising God that you have never had to walk through this rocky…lol…road.

After running tests and talking to a doctor, according to his medical advice, the stone is too large to pass naturally. Honestly, I can say that I don’t want it to pass naturally. Believe me, I’m much more in favor of it happening supernaturally. It makes me think, why would a woman want to have a baby naturally? Seriously, does it really help the experience when you are screaming and sweating? Come on people, give me a miracle or bring on the drugs.

Through talking to a variety of friends from all aspects of faith, I’m learning something. We all see the scripture differently. All of us view the scripture in light of our own experiences. Not that anyone is wrong. And not that anyone’s "level" of faith is higher than another’s. We each see the Word according to how it has played out in our own lives. Herein lies the dilemma.

My faith is not shaken. Regardless, I still believe that God is all-powerful and all-knowing. As the song goes, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name." I absolutely believe that God is able to heal me. I don’t have stupid faith and I did not check my brain in at the door when I gave Christ my life. I do believe that God has given doctors the ability to bring about a healing. I am not opposed to medical treatments.

However, the challenge for me lies within the Word of God. Over and over, time and time again we see in the written Word where Christ is our healer. Before Jesus was even born it was prophesied that by His stripes we are healed. Peter verified it and said that by His stripes we "were" healed. The Word says that believers would lay hands on the sick and see them recovered. Not eventually or when they get to heaven…we will SEE them recover. Jesus went about healing all who were sick and oppressed by the devil. Jesus comissioned the 70 to go heal the sick. Everywhere I look I see verification in the written word…the will of God. If He didn’t want me to be healed He should’ve never told me that not only was it possible but it is expected. The words of David say to bless the Lord and not forget ALL of His benefits….He heals ALL of your diseases. Last time I checked, all means everything, complete, every one. Now what am I suppose to do with that? I must trust His Word. I am standing on His word no matter what. As my boss and good friend told me the other day, we are going to believe all the way to the hospital.

Throughout the Balm of Gilead, we have explored various aspects of healing. Do me a favor please. I believe that sometimes hearing a testimony of God’s healing touch can encourage others. Make a comment and share how God has touched you…physically, spiritually, or emotionally. We are supposed to enourage one another. Let’s share the power of God in action.

Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved. For You are my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14