When tragedy strikes or someone I know experiences something bad, I often hear the question, “Why did this happen?” or “Why me?” Lately, I’ve been grappling with my own “why” wondering about God’s purpose and grand selection.
Recently, I met with my doctor about some health concerns. Something wasn’t quite right, and I decided to follow my ominous feeling and get checked out. Indeed, there was a polyp where one shouldn’t be–in my uterus. While the doctor was optimistic because I caught it early, he cautioned that the mass was slightly smaller than a nickel but larger than a dime. To remove the mass, Doc said surgery was necessary. A test would determine next steps. Of course, I immediately thought of the C word.
What should someone do in this situation? Reach out to others for prayer.
What did I do? Kept it to myself...
Why? I felt unworthy.
But doesn't God want us to pray for one another? Are some of us worthy and not others to receive healing? Why should I, in all my sin, expect to be blessed?
I am worthy, and so are you; but until I talked to my daughter about talking to others, I hadn't realized I was experiencing a bit of Imposter Syndrome. You can Google Imposter Syndrome for a more comprehensive explanation, but basically, this mentality is when people believe they are not qualified or worthy of something. After being scolded by so many people, I not only felt loved, but also I felt a little ridiculous for not trusting the one who made me.
The Bible even encourages us to share our burdens as a part of fulfilling God's law. Galatians 6:2 says, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." By considering myself unworthy, by not sharing my burdens, I was going against the word of God.
The good news is this: God is patient with us. God is merciful. God hears our prayers in all things. Today, this passage calls to me from James 5:14-16:
14Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Verse 14 qualifies me: "Is anyone among you sick?" Anyone. Anyone. That's you, too. All of us should be reaching out to God in all things--especially healing. Don't stop here.
The next part says to "call the elders of the church to pray over them..." Gulp. The Bible tells me to, so that's what I should be doing--and so should you.
Well, I'm quite over myself now. (At least, I hope I am.) I encourage you, friends, to reach out when you are in need of prayer in any circumstance. Like the song says, we are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord, so we should be showing our love by sharing our burdens and praying for one another. Don't wait until too late. Get prayed over now. I will pray for you. Just ask.
God bless you today. In the healing, in the heartache, in the dark places, may God shine is everlasting light. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Best,
Michelle
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