Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." (Matt 9:2)
We must be careful not to concentrate on God's power to heal the sick more than on His power to forgive sins. God's power to heal our physical sickness should be our second prayer...our first should be towards the spiritual sickness - forgiveness of sins.
Too often I've seen people (myself and family members included) walk away from God, swear there was no God, and wander aimlessly because of the unexpected death of a loved one. I've seen Christians question in total disbelief why God would allow sickness and disease to befall one of their family members.
Often what I've been able to observe in those around me is the ability to pray for healing, receive a healing and continue to walk in the dark. When God gives you a gift, accept it, rejoice in it and praise Him for it. "But I did and she/he died anyway". Guess what? We are all going to die some day. Don't blame God! Yes, He allows all things to happen according to His design. He also affords all the opportunity to come before Him and ask for forgiveness long before they go on to meet Him.
Don't be afraid to tell your loved ones that NOW is the time. Don't fall into the trap that God ignored your prayer, or that there is no God simply because you or someone you love has cancer, or alzheimers, or any one of a thousand other deadly diseases. Using the rationale that "I have plenty of time" is ludicrous; today could be the last day you spend on earth.
Ask Jesus to come to you now. Open your heart and your soul to His teachings and His way of life. Put the past behind you and walk forward. Do not fear death - fear God, whose Son can walk you into paradise or refuse you admission because He never knew you. Don't wait until you are on your deathbed to call for His mercy and grace. Ask forgiveness for your sins, humble yourself at His feet and take His hand and finish your walk on this earth blessed.
(photo by Sandy Wood)
