Today's Verse
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.
~3 John 2 NRSVThoughts on today's verse...
The New American Standard Translation Bible reads the above scripture as, "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." Above it in pencil I had written "The Vulcan Greeting". You remember Spock from Star Trek, giving the split hand sign and saying, "Live long and prosper". Isn't that a hoot?
Nonetheless, the specialness of this verse is that John is praying for some one's health, that it remains good, before he has even heard of the person having an illness. That is almost opposite of what we do. After we learn of some one's ill health, we begin to pray. I don't know about your church prayer list, but ours abounds with persons having health problems.
Sometimes when our health declines, our faith begins to waver. We begin to question God and His promises to us. Sometimes we even being to think that God doesn't care about us and has abandoned us, or even that our illness is a result of sin in our lives.
It's during these challenging times we need to hold fast to our faith. We need to keep trusting the Lord. Perhaps it is a part of His divine plan to allow us to go through this period of ill health. We need to keep a positive attitude and care for our bodies wisely and seek proper medical care. He heals today just as He did generations ago. Even if He does not heal you the way you want or hope, continue to trust Him.
Finally, how just and loving could we say God is if He only allowed unbelievers to have health issues? I believe that by allowing believers to have health issues, there is an opportunity for everyone to see the difference in how a believer and an unbeliever handle medical adversity.
Today's prayer...
Oh Lord, my God - help me to apply these very thoughts in my own life and with my own health issues! Thank you, Father, for getting my attention in a not so subtle way. Now I praise You that I am able to walk 2 - 5 miles a day and to ride a bike around my neighborhood. Now my Lord, may I be able to minister to others who may be experiencing cardiac health issues. In Your precious name I pray ~Amen!
Yours, because we're His,
Tamara
Tamara, isn't it something that my doubts come more when loved ones are sick. I guess because I've been Blessed with good health and any medical problems I've had so far have been minor. And I was raised on the notion of 'suffering for your sins', so I always feel like I want to get my suffering over here on earth rather than in the next life. So I never really feel that I'm getting anything more than I deserve when something bad happens. I don't like it. But I never question it.
ReplyDeleteBut the thought of loved ones suffering, that sets me wavering at times. I think about how they led such good and simple lives and they don't deserve to suffer like that, and that famous 'Why do bad things happen to good people' question arises (which has never been answered to my satisfaction).
Another good post!
And a very nice prayer!
Okay, I'm back because I forgot to CONGRATULATE you on keeping up a very good exercise program!
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great! Keep up the good work!
I'm sorry I didn't mention it in my first comment, my brain is out to lunch again!
I guess your post got me so in-depth thinking, and I was self-absorbed. Sorry!
How wise to always be praying for each other's health even when there are NO issues. Sometimes I think we bear certain crosses in our lives just so that we can learn, or be humbled and then be there to help someone else. It's so important to use everything for good.
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy to hear that you are exercising and sticking with it...kudos to you, my friend!
blessings and hugs,
marcy