In case you are faced with the same thing, try reading the stories from the book of Matthew. You will be comforted by Jesus' willingness to heal those who are suffering.
The first healing session was described as,
"Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing EVERY disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them." Matthew 4:23-24
Jesus was never too busy to heal people. He didn't say, "I'm too tired from preaching. Can we do this another day, please?
Jesus was very willing to heal people. He never, never, never turned away anyone. That is a very encouraging thought to keep. I especially like the story of the bleeding woman (Matthew 5:21-43). Jesus did not consciously and intentionally heal the woman. She just sort of "stole" his power at that time in order to heal herself. Yet, Jesus did not give the woman the "scolding" that she expected. Instead, Jesus commended her and said, "Daughter, your faith has healed you."
Matthew 8:1-4. When asked by a leper if Jesus is willing to heal him, he said, "I am willing. Be Clean!"
Matthew 8:7. When asked by the centurion to heal his servant who lies at home paralyzed, Jesus said, "I will go and heal him."
Jesus can heal ANY and EVERY kind of disease. There was no medical case that Jesus turned down. Even the dead is NOT dead when Jesus is the healer.Faith in Jesus does heal. The very act of approaching Jesus in times of sickness is an act of faith. Prayer is an act of faith.
Matthew 8:10, 13. The centurion said to Jesus, "Just say the word and my servant will be healed." Jesus was ASTONISHED and said, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." Then he said, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would."
Matthew 9:28-29. Jesus asked the two blind men if they believe that Jesus can heal them, and they answered yes. He touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith it will be done to you."
There are so many, more things to be learned from the "Jesus heals" stories. I encourage you to read through them and strengthen your faith by the "sword of the Spirit." God's words will defend you against the lies of Satan in times of illness.
Lastly, remember Jesus' comforting words,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Coming up, other lessons learned while Joe was in the ICU:
1. Discipleship shines through in times of darkness (A lesson on faith and surrender)
2. God's grace is sufficient
3. Sickness: a spiritual warfare, not a physical struggle
4. Our plans and the Lord's sovereignty
5. The Lord's discipline: a harvest of righteousness
