There are those moments in life when people have aspirations (whether daily or life-changing) which they are more than determined to achieve, but due to certain physical afflictions, it makes it nearly impossible for them to accomplish. For some, those afflictions can last a lifetime, but for others, it is only a matter of time before their afflictions either heal or resolve themselves. . It is hard to keep a positive outlook because the physical affliction can be overwhelming at times. But, if we put our trust and faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, our suffering will be eased. No matter what the physical adversity, I have found that a determined mind and a willful faith in the healing power of our Lord, Jesus Christ can overcome even the most lasting physical challenge.
Though He has the power to heal anyone from any affliction, sometimes, it is not meant for that person’s individual afflictions to be miraculously healed. Even when the Apostle Paul requested to be healed from his affliction, the Lord denied him. Paul goes on to write the Lord’s explanation and his subsequent reaction,
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will gather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
In my own life, I did not come across this scripture until recently, when I discovered that an injury that I thought had healed over a year ago did not, and instead took a turn for the worse. When I found out that I would have to have surgery to repair my injury, I was frustrated at the thought of the limited mobility I would have during the recovery process. It was frustrating because I had finally set out a plan of action for the upcoming year to accomplish some of my lifelong aspirations, and the implications of the limited mobility would mean that the plan would drastically be altered. Those aspirations would definitely not be accomplished in the time frame that I had initially hoped for. I was very disappointed. But as soon as I read that scripture, I was given some hope.
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Say that out loud … go ahead, really. That simple statement resonates so deeply for me, especially now that I am faced with my own weakness. It speaks from the outlook of a person that has the determination to not let any adversity stop them from becoming who they were meant to be, or what they were meant to do. It speaks of a person who knows they are a child of God and knows that no matter what physical adversity they may face, they will have the power of Jesus Christ to help them through their trials, if they are willing to take upon that power.
That healing power is felt through having the strength, patience and understanding to help them bear their afflictions. It comes from having faith that they have a purpose in life. The miracle of that healing power is that it can be shared with even those who are not suffering from those physical afflictions themselves. It is even in the witness of those that suffer through these trials that the healing power of Christ can be discovered. How many countless inspiring stories have we heard about admirable people who have persevered and accomplished many great things despite their physical adversity? I often ponder if they would have had the same determination to succeed if they didn’t have those challenges. Maybe this is why not everyone’s afflictions are meant to be miraculously healed.
If I take a look at my current situation, I am thankful that I have scriptures like this to turn to during times of personal trials. I am grateful that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) because I know that I have people who will look out for me and support me when I need help. The fellowship that I have encountered by Mormons during times of trials and times of celebration is unlike any other. I am very grateful that I can have the access to the power of the priesthood to help me ask for special blessings of comfort and healing should I need them. Please read, What is the Melchizedek Priesthood? for a great overview on how this affects the lives of Mormons worldwide. Overall, I have faith that I will be able to overcome my own physical affliction, and I will write about my struggle periodically. Though it is not life threatening, it will be life altering and the final outcome is an unknown. For me, it is a test of patience, a test of how determined I am to accomplish my future goals, and a test of my willingness to endure. Even still, no matter what happens, I know that in the end, I will be stronger because of it … for when I am weak, I am strong.
