On Pins and Needles
I’ve been watching The Chosen lately. The beautifully and well done series that depicts the story of Jesus. When I watch these episodes I feel transported to Jerusalem. Like I’m standing in the crowd listening and watching the miracles in disbelief. I’m resting inside all of the human questions we have. Usually, “why?”
This weekend I worked the front desk of an acupuncture practice. As a client myself, I’ve been getting treatment for over a year for chronic pain.
Before I found this place, the people of town raved about it. People that I thought wouldn’t be caught dead in a place like that, swear their hand or knee was cured after a few sessions! I couldn’t wait to get some of that. I was excited but also needed to see it to believe it.
When I first started treatments, I knew I had a lot going on with my body. I knew it would take longer for my miracle to happen.
But weeks dragged on to months and here we are a year later. I’m watching clients hobble in with walkers and walk out with relief on their faces. Sitting there this weekend was bitter sweet for a moment.
Why were all these other people getting healed or even just getting temporary relief and not me? I’m trusting for it and believing. My own best friend wrapped up the day with their first visit to the office leaving “95% better”.
In Season Two, Jesus tells the disciples that they are leveling up. They are now going to perform miracles themselves. Little James approaches Jesus after the talk and asks how he could possibly be out in the world healing others when he, himself is crippled? I paid close attention to this because I was with Little James on this one. Why didn’t he heal his own disciple? Why does God let Their people suffer?
The most faithful person is that on the brink of being healed which makes that person, closer to God. We connect to God through our suffering because to be human is to suffer.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed. People who do what is right may have many problems, but the LORD will solve them all.”
Psalms 34:18-19
Without suffering we lose our humility. When we lose our humility, we will lose our compassion and forget those who are still suffering. As for me, I remember that praising God through the storm is the ultimate testimony. God is good, whether it hurts to type that out or not. (It does. It definitely hurts.)
Little James left with his cripple leg and went on to heal others. Suddenly his pain wasn’t enough to keep him down. All of us, in our due time, will find relief and peace. Until then, rejoice with those who have already received it.
