Our Daily Bread

Slow healing process

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. . . . There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.

— Revelation 21:4 Just 4 weeks after our son Mark joined the US Army, he injured his knee seriously in a training exercise. As a result, he was released from the military. So, at age 19, he had to use a cane to get around for a while; and because of the severity of the injury he endured two years of recovery, rest, and rehab. Finally, Mark was able to set aside the knee braces he had worn since the accident. Although he still experiences residual pain, the long, slow healing process has brought him back to full use of his leg.

Physical healing is often much slower than we anticipate. This is true of spiritual healing as well. The conse- quences of unwise choices or the actions of hurtful people can create burdens or wounds that endure for a lifetime. But for the child of God, there is hope. Although full restoration is not always experienced in this life, the promise of healing is sure. The apostle John wrote, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4).

In our seasons of pain, it is comforting to know that eventually, in His awesome presence, we will be whole forever.

— Bill Crowder

Father, I thank You that in all of our pains and struggles we can find comfort in You. Help us to bring all our hurts to You — both spiritual and physical — and to trust that You will make us whole.

READ: Revelation 21:1-8 When we come to Christ in our brokenness, He makes us whole. The Bible in one year: • 2 Kings 22-23 • John 4:31-54

Our Daily Bread, Copyright © 2013 by ODB Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI., USA. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. For more information on how to obtain a copy of this or other ODB Ministries materials, please write to: 322 P. Guevarra St., San Juan City, tel. no. 7222010.