Finding Deeper Healing Through Trust in God

Devotional

Day 1: True Healing is Heart-Centered

True healing often transcends the physical and focuses on the heart. God desires to cultivate perseverance, patience, and reliance on Him, which are eternal qualities. This deeper healing is a greater gift than physical restoration. In life, we may find ourselves praying for physical healing or relief from our circumstances, believing that these are the ultimate good gifts from God. However, God often works in ways that are beyond our understanding, focusing on the transformation of our hearts. He seeks to instill in us qualities that will last for eternity, such as perseverance and patience. These qualities are developed through trials and challenges, teaching us to rely on Him more deeply. As we embrace this heart-centered healing, we begin to see the true value of God's gifts, which are not always what we initially expect. [02:12]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are seeking physical or immediate relief? How can you shift your focus to seek God's deeper healing in your heart today?

Day 2: God's Goodness is Often Unexpected

God's definition of good may differ from ours. While we may seek physical or material blessings, God often provides spiritual gifts that foster growth and reliance on Him. These gifts, though unexpected, are of immense value. In our pursuit of what we perceive as good, we may overlook the spiritual gifts that God is offering us. These gifts are designed to draw us closer to Him and to develop our character in ways that align with His purposes. God's goodness is not limited to our understanding or desires; it is rooted in His infinite wisdom and love for us. As we learn to trust in His definition of good, we open ourselves to receiving blessings that are far greater than we could have imagined. [04:00]

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt disappointed by unmet expectations. How might God be offering you a different kind of blessing through this experience?

Day 3: Miracles Point to Future Restoration

Miracles are rare and serve as glimpses of the future restoration God promises. They remind us of a time when all suffering will end, and they encourage us to trust in God's ultimate plan for healing and wholeness. While we may long for miraculous interventions in our lives, it is important to remember that miracles are not the norm. They are extraordinary events that point us to the hope of a future where all things will be made new. This future restoration is a promise from God, assuring us that our present sufferings are temporary. As we witness or hear of miracles, let them serve as reminders of God's power and His commitment to bringing about complete healing and wholeness in His perfect timing. [04:00]

Revelation 21:4 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Reflection: How can you hold onto hope in God's future restoration when faced with ongoing challenges or suffering in your life today?

Day 4: Eternal Qualities Over Temporary Abilities

A Christ-like character is more valuable than physical abilities. Qualities such as bravery, faith, endurance, peace, and joy are eternal and enrich our lives far beyond temporary physical capabilities. In a world that often values physical abilities and achievements, it can be easy to overlook the importance of developing a Christ-like character. However, the qualities that reflect Jesus' character are the ones that will endure for eternity. These qualities not only enrich our lives but also impact those around us in profound ways. As we prioritize the cultivation of bravery, faith, endurance, peace, and joy, we align ourselves with God's eternal purposes and experience a deeper sense of fulfillment. [04:00]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: What is one Christ-like quality you feel called to develop more deeply in your life? How can you take a practical step towards nurturing this quality today?

Day 5: Contentment in Trusting God's Plan

Contentment comes from trusting in God's love and wisdom, even when His plans differ from our desires. By embracing His deeper healing, we find a richer, more satisfying life rooted in courageous trust in Jesus. In our journey of faith, we may encounter situations where God's plans do not align with our own desires or expectations. It is in these moments that we are invited to trust in His love and wisdom, knowing that He sees the bigger picture. As we surrender our desires and embrace His deeper healing, we discover a contentment that is not dependent on our circumstances. This contentment is rooted in a courageous trust in Jesus, allowing us to experience a richer and more satisfying life. [04:00]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God's plan? How can you practice surrendering this area to Him today, trusting in His love and wisdom?

Sermon Summary

After experiencing a life-altering diving accident in 1967 that left me paralyzed, I initially refused to accept my condition. I fervently prayed and worked towards walking again, believing it to be a good request from God. I clung to the promise in Matthew 7:9-12, which speaks of God giving good gifts to those who ask. Despite my efforts in physical therapy and attending healing services, my prayers for physical healing went unanswered. This led to a period of deep disappointment and confusion, as I struggled to understand why God would withhold something I perceived as good.

A turning point came when a friend remarked on my courage and the impact of my smile, even in a wheelchair. This comment resonated deeply, revealing to me that God was more interested in healing my heart than my legs. I realized that God’s good gifts often come in forms we do not expect. He desires a deeper healing that cultivates perseverance, patience, and a profound reliance on Jesus. These qualities, unlike physical abilities, endure for eternity.

I began to pray for a contented heart, a refusal to complain, and the strength to resist negative thoughts. I learned to accept God’s definition of what is good, which often involves leaning on Him and developing a Christ-like character. Over the years, I have come to value bravery, faith, endurance, peace, and joy—qualities that are eternal. I would not trade these for the ability to walk.

While God does perform miraculous healings, they are exceptions that point to a future where all suffering will cease. Walking is indeed a good thing, but a strong faith and joyful dependence on God are far better. Life is richer and more satisfying when lived with courageous trust in Jesus. I encourage you to find contentment in the deeper healing that God offers, trusting in His love and wisdom.

Key Takeaways

1. True healing often transcends the physical and focuses on the heart. God desires to cultivate perseverance, patience, and reliance on Him, which are eternal qualities. This deeper healing is a greater gift than physical restoration. [02:12]
2. God's definition of good may differ from ours. While we may seek physical or material blessings, God often provides spiritual gifts that foster growth and reliance on Him. These gifts, though unexpected, are of immense value. [04:00]
3. Miracles are rare and serve as glimpses of the future restoration God promises. They remind us of a time when all suffering will end, and they encourage us to trust in God's ultimate plan for healing and wholeness. [04:00]
4. A Christ-like character is more valuable than physical abilities. Qualities such as bravery, faith, endurance, peace, and joy are eternal and enrich our lives far beyond temporary physical capabilities. [04:00]
5. Contentment comes from trusting in God's love and wisdom, even when His plans differ from our desires. By embracing His deeper healing, we find a richer, more satisfying life rooted in courageous trust in Jesus. [04:00]
** [04:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - The Diving Accident
[01:00] - Praying for Healing
[01:30] - Disappointment and Confusion
[02:12] - A Friend's Encouragement
[02:45] - God's Deeper Healing
[03:15] - Redefining Good Gifts
[03:45] - Eternal Qualities
[04:00] - Miracles and Future Restoration
[04:30] - Valuing Christ-like Character
[05:00] - Trusting God's Plan
[05:30] - Finding Contentment
[06:00] - Closing Reflections

Sermon Clips

"To me, walking was a good thing. It was a good request to make of God. Jesus says so in Matthew chapter seven, verses nine to 12, quote, if evil people know how to give good gifts, how much more will God give good gifts to those who ask? I did everything possible to walk again. I worked hard in physical therapy to get back on my feet." [00:00:18]

"I'll never forget this one day. A friend said to me, Johnny, I want you to know that I think you're awfully courageous. I mean, I've been looking at you and I don't know, your smile in that wheelchair. Oh my goodness, it assures me that God is going to help me, get through my problems, and I thank you for that." [00:01:32]

"Her comment about courage, it just hit me. It resonated. Something told me that this was God's good thing. I realized God wasn't so much interested in healing my legs, but in healing my heart. God's always interested in our physical well-being, sure, but he is far more interested in our spiritual well-being. He wants a deeper healing." [00:01:51]

"The Lord wanted me to use my paralysis to cultivate perseverance and patience and, most of all, a deep reliance on Jesus. Man, that's the best thing that's going to last for all of eternity. And with that, I began to pray for a contented heart, settled thoughts, a mouth that refused to complain, eyes that refused to envy others." [00:02:30]

"In short, I began to accept God's idea of what's good, a beautiful, deeper kind of good, a great good. This said, I don't know, you might ask God for financial stability, but God may want you to keep leaning on and learning to trust Him. You may desire to marry, but God may keep you single and dependent on His grace." [00:03:07]

"Over the decades, I've come to highly value things like bravery on the face of the world, face of suffering, faith and perseverance, endurance, peace, peace that is profound and joy that is unshakable. Unlike our bodies, these wonderful qualities, you know what, they're going to last for all of eternity." [00:03:40]

"So I would not trade a Christ-like character for any amount of walking. And I really would rather be in this wheelchair knowing Jesus as I do than to be on my feet knowing less of Him. Now, this is not to say that God never miraculously heals, but when He does, I want you to take it as a sneak preview of that glorious day." [00:04:00]

"Every disease and every illness will be a thing of the past. Every blind eye will be opened. Every deaf ear will hear. Miracles, and by the way, miracles really are the exception to the rule down here. Nevertheless, miracles should point us to the time when all people who are lame, like me, are going to leap for joy." [00:04:22]

"Walking is a good thing, but a strong faith and happy dependence on God is so much better. Life is richer and far more satisfying when lived with a courageous trust in Jesus. Christ. In closing, I realize I have not covered all the questions that you make and a few of my own books in which I tackle the topic in depth." [00:04:46]

"I began to pray for a contented heart, settled thoughts, a mouth that refused to complain, eyes that refused to envy others, and ears that refused to listen to the devilish lie that often said to me, Johnny you you really would be better off dead than disabled." [00:02:45]

"God's idea of what's good, a beautiful, deeper kind of good, a great good. This said, I don't know, you might ask God for financial stability, but God may want you to keep leaning on and learning to trust Him. You may desire to marry, but God may keep you single and dependent on His grace." [00:03:07]

"Miracles, and by the way, miracles really are the exception to the rule down here. Nevertheless, miracles should point us to the time when all people who are lame, like me, are going to leap for joy. Walking is a good thing, but a strong faith and happy dependence on God is so much better." [00:04:22]

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