Last week, for the first time since I started this website, I didn’t share a new post. While that might seem like a small detail to some, it felt like a significant break in the rhythm I’ve grown to love. I’ve always tried to show up here faithfully every week, but last week, my body simply wouldn’t allow it. I found myself sidelined, spending most of those days in bed, feeling far too weak to write, study, or even think clearly.
Sometimes, life has a way of interrupting our plans, reminding us that we aren't as in control—or as strong—as we might like to think.
A Lesson in Unexpected Surrender
During a recent camping trip, I discovered a tick attached to me. I didn’t think much of it at first; I removed it and immediately prayed for protection. But a week later, the area became red and tender. What began as a simple concern quickly escalated, and before my doctor's appointment arrived, I found myself in the emergency room with severe symptoms.
I’ve been tested for several tick-borne diseases. So far, the results have been negative, for which I am incredibly thankful. My doctor will continue to run tests, as we are still searching for answers, but as I write this, I am resting in one profound truth: God has been faithful.
Finding Confidence in Who He Is
It’s interesting how quickly our minds can spiral toward questions when hardship hits: “Why did You let this happen, Lord?” “Didn’t You hear my prayer?” “Do You really care?”
These are raw, honest questions that many of us wrestle with. Yet, to my own surprise, I haven’t found myself asking them. That isn’t because I enjoy being sick or because I don’t long for relief. It is simply because, somewhere along this journey, God has taught me that my trust in Him cannot be tethered to receiving the specific answer I’m hoping for.
I still believe He heals. I still believe He performs miracles and hears every prayer. But my confidence is no longer rooted in getting a specific outcome; it is rooted in who He is. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
God doesn’t ask us to understand everything. He simply asks us to trust Him.
The Gift That Surpasses Everything
I am continuing to pray for healing, for clear answers, and for a quick recovery. But even if this road looks different than I expect, one truth remains: Jesus has already done more for me than I could ever deserve.
Sometimes, we become so focused on the prayers we want answered today that we forget the greatest need has already been met. Two thousand years ago, Jesus stretched out His hands on a cross, paid the price for my sin, and offered me eternal life. As Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
No matter what happens in this life, nothing will ever surpass that gift. If God never answered another one of my prayers, He has already given me infinitely more than I deserve through Jesus Christ.
Praying With Open Hands
Some worry that trusting God’s will means we shouldn't pray boldly, but Jesus invites us to do exactly that. He encouraged us to ask, and Scripture teaches us to bring our needs—and the needs of others—before Him.
I am asking for healing. I’m asking for wisdom for my doctors and strength for the waiting. But above every request is the one that matters most: "Lord, not my will, but Yours be done." If our Savior surrendered to the Father’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane, we can do nothing less.
Anchored in His Heart
One of the greatest comforts of following Christ is knowing that He sees what I cannot. He knows my body, He knows the test results before they are read, and He holds tomorrow. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that His thoughts are higher than ours. I don't always understand His ways, but I know His heart—a heart proven at the cross, through every breath I take, and through every blessing He has poured into my life.
If you are currently waiting on results, praying for healing, or carrying a hidden burden, please know this: Keep praying. Keep asking. Keep trusting.
God is not only worthy of our trust when the answer is "yes." He is worthy when the answer is "wait," when the answer is "no," and even when we don't yet understand the answer. Our circumstances change, but our Savior does not. Hebrews 13:8 tells us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." That is the anchor our faith rests upon.
A Closing Thought
This week, instead of measuring God's goodness by the answers you receive, measure it by the cross. Thank Him for the salvation you already have in Christ. Bring your needs honestly before Him—ask boldly, because Jesus invited you to—but surrender those requests with open hands, trusting that your heavenly Father knows what is best.
If you’re healthy today, thank Him. If you’re sick today, lean on Him. If you’re waiting, trust Him. Whatever you’re facing, remember that your hope has never been in the outcome. Your hope is in Jesus.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being faithful in every season. Thank You for loving us enough to send Your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life. That gift is greater than anything we could ever ask for.
Lord, I come before You asking for healing. Please touch my body, give wisdom to every doctor involved in my care, and guide every test and every decision. If there is any illness present, I pray that You would remove it completely. Strengthen me day by day, and help me to trust You while I wait for answers.
I also lift up every person reading this today. You know the battles they are facing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. I pray for healing over those who are sick, comfort for those who are hurting, peace for those who are anxious, and hope for those who feel discouraged. I especially pray for the people we love who need Your healing touch. Surround them with Your presence and remind them that You are near.
Above all, Father, help us to trust You—not only when we understand Your plans, but even when we don't. May our faith rest not in our circumstances, but in the finished work of Jesus Christ. We surrender our lives into Your loving hands and say, "Your will be done."
In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
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