“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health … even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 2). “We don’t lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, because inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2Cor.4:16). “Our dying bodies will be transformed into bodies that will never die” (1Cor.15:53).
Heavenly Father, a visit with two multi-decade friends yesterday was such a delight, providing each of us an opportunity to get caught up on our hearts, and rehearse the various aches and ways our “outer man” is catching up with our age.
We left our visit profoundly grateful that every aspect of our being matters to you—body, spirit, soul, emotions, and mind. We also rejoiced and rest in the good news that good health claims us in the Gospel. From conception to glorification, your plan for us is good and your timing is perfect.
Until the Day of perfect health, taking care of our “tents” (2Cor.5:1-5) honors you, and is one of the ways we love our families and friends. Diet and doctors, sleep and play are an exercise in godliness—a part of our discipleship. It also honors you when we pray for each other, knowing you still give gifts of healing within the unfolding of your sovereign plan for us, your beloved children.
Father, however you write our stories, we will love and trust you. If you are pleased to give us either instant or progressive healing, awesome. Because that is what we really want. But if you choose to give us “sufficient grace” instead (like Paul in 2Cor.12:7-12), we might whine at first, but will be grateful forever as we receive our glorified body at Jesus’ return. You are SO good. SO Very Amen.