When Healing Takes Longer

Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. 

Jeremiah 17:14

About a month ago my daughter cracked one of the bones in her foot while tumbling. Though it was painful physically, it was even more painful due to the timing. She had just made the volleyball team for her school. She was so excited to play, and her competitive nature made it hard for her to slow down.

After a few short weeks my daughter did not complain of discomfort. I allowed her to play, hopeful that her healing was moving quickly. I knew that she could not be completely healed, but her pleading to play got the better of me.

We went back to the doctor this week, and the checkup revealed that her foot was healing okay, but she would have healed more quickly had she rested more. When the doctor applied pressure, there was still pain. Even though my daughter thought her foot felt better, the fracture was still there. It was taking longer than we wanted.

Sometimes healing takes longer than you think. There are times in our lives when we’ve been hurt. We think we are better. We’ve even forgiven the offender. But then, when pressure comes, it hurts again. The wound is still there. Maybe it’s healing up, but sometimes scar tissue is still tender. Have you ever thought you had moved past an emotional hurt only to find out that there is something still there? Did you think you must not have forgiven correctly?

Forgiveness means that you no longer expect payment for the debt you are owed. You paid it when you forgave. It usually does not mean the pain is completely gone. There is still a tender place. After Jesus arose and appeared to Thomas He said, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27). Though He was resurrected, Jesus still had on His body the marks of the crucifixion.

We forgive because we have been forgiven. Jesus paid our debt. In His mercy He gave us peace when we were utterly helpless.

Thank you, Lord, that You are healing us. Give us patience, perspective, and peace while we wait.

Julie Smith