Gradually Healed

Mark 8:22-25 -- “22 When they arrived at Bethesda  some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. 23 Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?” 24 The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.” 25 Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly.

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We live in a world of instant gratification. If we want a particular food we go to a restaurant or the grocery store and get it. If we want to know more information about a subject you instantly look it up on a smartphone or computer. We expect our prayers to be answered instantly like an Internet search and we expect our healing to be immediate just like our ability to get what we want when we want it. However, God doesn't work on our time and he does not often answer with instant gratification.

God want the best for us, but just like a parent, he know that doesn't mean giving us everything we ask for. I try to teach my daughter right from wrong and how to grow into a strong, self-sufficient person. God does the same thing with His children, with us. He want to teach us how to be better and that often means going through a trial to learn a lesson.

In Mark 8:22-25, some people bring a blind man to Jesus and beg for his sight. Jesus grants this request, but after laying hands on the man once his is not fully healed. Jesus lays hands on him again and he can see clearly. Jesus had the power to heal the man with one touch, however, he chose not to. Instead, Jesus taught a lesson.

Our healing and our growth are often a gradual progression, not an instant gratification. Once the healing begins, we are aware of improvement, but not clear sight. We must have faith that the healing is incomplete and we still have more to learn. Jesus also proves in this passage that even though the healing is gradual, Jesus will not leave you until it is complete. The man was completely healed and could see clearly before Jesus sent him away.

In a world of instant gratification, it is difficult to wait on God’s time. however, the knowledge that God is still working on you gradually and will not leave you is comforting, especially in times of struggle.

Dear Lord,
Help me to joyfully be patient, to endure, the trials I am faced so I can learn and grow. I thank you for your healing and I have faith you will not leave me. I take comfort in your presence and your timing. Help me to overcome the expectation of instant gratification and wait on you.

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