April 21
“ . . . Thus says the Lord, the God of David, your father: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; behold, I will heal you; . . . . 2 Kings 20:5
In this book of Kings, Hezekiah, the faith-full King of Judah, was not ready to die. Even though he was told his time was near, he felt he had more work to do for God. He prayed to God, reminding him of his faithfulness, devotion and his attempt at doing good always; and in his frustration he “wept bitterly.” God took pity on him, commanded that he to go to the temple in three days and granted him 15 more years of life on earth. Still Hezekiah needed a sign from God that all this was true! God even gave him that in the movement of his shadow back then steps.
Most of us have been through times in our lives that may not be as dramatic as Hezekiah’s story, but have been painfully momentous to us. Our backs to the wall, fearful and uncertain of what is ahead, feeling as though we have hit a dead-end, having to rely on others for solutions or healing; pain and frustration almost too much to bear. Needing physical, spiritual and/or emotional healing we cry out to God for His mercy and we wait . . . and we do our best not to lose hope. Has He heard our prayers and seen our tears? In asking ourselves how many times have we taken for granted all He has given us in response, we need to think about the prayers God has answered, and in what way. Not always is healing done in a dramatic fashion. In its subtlety, sometimes we don’t recognize the healing that has taken place. But reflect on what has changed in your life. Look back and then note how much more He gave than you asked for. Look back on your reaction to His gifts to you; did you let Him know you were grateful? Look back and remember for it is in remembering, that we can never lose hope. Our God in His mercy loves us unconditionally and beyond measure. He never turns His back on us. Do you believe God will heal you?
Today is the 118th running of The Boston Marathon. A year has passed. Despite the pain that lingers in many hearts today, the joy of seeing the healing that has taken place – the healing of bodies and spirits through the love of God shining in every person that had a part in it, there are no words to describe. It is only through love - the love of God and each other, that we are healed.
Oh God! Heal us of our infirmity! May our love for you bring healing to those burdened hearts around us.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson