The Gift of Healing
Stories
Contents
“The Gift of Healing” by Keith Wagner
“Still In Service” by Keith Wagner
“Weeping in Faith” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Gift of Healing
by Keith Wagner
Mark 5:21-43
Over the course of my ministry I have been asked to visit or pray for persons who are sick or dying. Most of the time, they get better and even some are miraculously healed. Others, unfortunately, get worse and some even die. One wonders whether there is some pattern or process to go through that will guarantee healing in every case. If there is one, I have not discovered it.
On the other hand, I believe with all sincerity that faith helps. What I witness in faith is not the absolute confidence that God will make things better but that God is always with us in every situation.
Our story today involves two healing stories that are linked together in an unusual way. Jesus was requested by Jairus, a local leader of the Jewish synagogue, to come to his home and heal his dying daughter. They left and are followed by a huge crowd. On the way, a woman, who had been sick for 12 years, reached out and touched Jesus and she was healed because of her faith. Jesus continued on to the Jairus’ home but learned that his daughter was already dead. Jesus said she was only sleeping and when he arrived he told her to rise and she too was cured of her illness.
This reminds me of the times I have been in emergency waiting rooms when more severe cases are given a higher priority -- putting some of the “minor” injuries on hold. None of us like waiting on doctors but we all do it. When it comes to issues of health we all find ourselves waiting on insurance companies, waiting on test results or waiting for future appointments.
One time I made a doctor’s appointment because I had a sore that was very painful. To keep it from returning I had to have minor, outpatient surgery. In the meantime I asked the physician if there was any other way to prevent it from festering up again. He told me there were no drugs, no creams, no injections, no diet or exercise program that would make it go away. When I asked him the source of the abscess he said it comes from within. It is not caused from anything external.
I have been thinking about that statement a lot. When I started examining this story it gave me an idea. Perhaps healing does come from within. Perhaps healing occurs when there is a change of heart, a releasing of guilt or through an act of submission to God.
Two years ago, I was examined due to a pain in my lower abdomen. The exam was inconclusive but it was recommended that I get an x-ray. I had to wait several weeks but I finally received the results. What I had was a calcified cyst that had likely been there for decades. After consulting my personal physician he said it was best to leave it alone. He did not suggest I have exploratory surgery. I told him that I believed it came from an injury I received over fifty years ago while wrestling in college. “That’s possible,” he said, “But it is best to wait and see what happens.”
Now I can honestly say that my pain is gone. Perhaps my pain was only psychological. Maybe I was dealing with some inner pain. At the time I had just retired. I believe that my conversation with my doctor helped although I received no medication and never had surgery. As he suggested, sometimes it is best to leave things as they are.
In Mark’s gospel the woman’s need for healing happened within the larger context of the healing story of the little girl. In other words, a healing occurred while another healing was in process. She was hemorrhaging and in the midst of the crowd she came forth. The little girl who appeared to be dying was only sleeping, but then she arose and walked. What matters is not how it happened but that healing occurred and it was linked to people with faith.
God wants us all to be well and to be whole. God wants us to reach out and believe in the power of healing. God wants us to humble ourselves and come to the realization we can’t manage our lives by ourselves. God wants us to be patient and know that healing is a process and will include interruptions. God wants us to remember that God’s healing power is available to everyone, young or old, rich or poor, physically sick or spiritually sick. Nothing can keep us from the healing love of God.
* * *
Still In Service
by Keith Wagner
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
I believe that Paul was giving the church at Corinth a lesson in stewardship. But it was not only about giving money, it was about giving beyond our abundance since God has been good to us.
We all have talents. To keep them hidden is offensive to God. God wants us to use all that we have been given to make this a better world and to enhance the kingdom of God. When we hold back the world misses out on something good and unfortunately we miss out too, living lives that are void and hopeless.
As Paul said, “We are so rich in everything -- in faith, speech, knowledge, and zeal of every kind, surely we should show ourselves equally lavish with generous service.”
I retired from active ministry over two years ago. There are times when I feel guilty because I am no longer a local pastor. On the other hand I am enjoying retirement immensely. I am doing a lot of traveling, spending more time with my grandchildren, and especially my wife. I preach occasionally but I am not active in a local church. More than anything I am busy with my hobby of model railroading.
My involvement with model trains has opened up many new worlds for me. I have always cherished the words of John Wesley when he said, “The whole world is my parish.”
Now I have the time to be involved in a model railroading club, specifically “S” gauge. Since joining I have had the opportunity to pastor other members who have lost their spouse. One of our events was to show the club’s American Flyer Train layout at the University of Dayton. They sponsor a local Christmas event for underprivileged children in the area. Interacting with them and teaching them about trains has been very meaningful. I have also thoroughly enjoyed watching the eyes of children light up when they see a train running on the tracks.
My involvement with trains has introduced me to many new friends and more importantly people in the community who have an old train but don’t know how to get it running. I have been able to repair many old trains which have laid around in attics for decades. I refer to my new role in society as a “recycler” or one who is able to “resurrect” old trains.
Recently I received a call from a woman who wanted me to look at an old train that belonged to her brother. It is a Lionel train that has remained in storage for over three decades. I took it home, refurbished the set and now it is ready for use again. It now smokes, lights up and whistles. The woman told me she wants to give the train to her grandchildren who have some interest in trains. When I told her the train was ready and I would deliver it this week she became “teary” and told me it had belonged to her brother who died several years ago. She knew it meant a great deal to him and therefore would have meaning to her grandchildren.
Being involved with trains has taken me to new places. I have been to a variety of train shows in different cities and states. I have met people from all over the country who also have some interest in trains. Being able to repair someone’s old train or help them built a layout of their own has been very meaningful to me. I have always had an affinity for trains. I still have my original train which I received when I was only five years old. It is a little beat up, but like me, it is still running.
* * *
Weeping In Faith
by Peter Andrew Smith
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
Hannah sat back in her chair and marvelled at the flowers that Jim had planted that spring. There was a mix of colors and sizes and she couldn’t get over how he made everything flow together like an oil painting. She turned to the chair next to her but of course Jim wasn’t there. She felt her eyes welling up with tears. She missed him so much.
“Nana, are you okay?” Cindy was standing at the corner of the house.
Hannah wiped at her face and motioned to her to sit in the vacant chair. “I didn’t expect to see you today. I thought you had the afternoon shift at the store.”
“Paula’s youngest has a doctor appointment tomorrow so I switched shifts with her.” Cindy hugged her before sitting down. “You didn’t answer my question. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, dear.” Hannah smiled at her. “I was just thinking of your grandfather.”
“Papa really loved his garden, didn’t he?”
“He was out here morning, noon, and night. Even in the winter he was trying to figure out what flowers he would plant where.” Hannah shook her head. “I used to say to him ‘Jim, sometimes I think you love the garden more than me.’”
“Nana! You know that he loved you dearly.”
“I know he did, dear.” Hannah patted her arm. “Don’t get me wrong I was actually happy when he took up gardening because it kept him out of my hair when he retired.”
“Oh. I never really knew him when he was working.”
“No, I guess he had finished up with the railway when you came along.” Hannah tilted her head. “He was always around when you were here, wasn’t he?”
“Yes, even when you were still working he was here. It’s strange not to see him puttering around.”
“I know I have to remind myself he’s not just around the corner.” Hannah pushed back the tears. “So what brings you around today?”
“I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”
“That’s sweet dear but I’ll be fine. You don’t have to drop in every day like you’ve been doing.” Hannah smiled. “Don’t get me wrong I like seeing you and you’re always welcome but you do have a life of your own.”
“Well...” Cindy took a deep breath. “I’m worried about you, Nana.”
“Why is that, dear?”
“You were pretty shaken up at the funeral. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you cry that much. I worried that you weren’t going to be able to stop.”
“I was sad, dear. For all his flaws I loved your grandfather.”
“You were crying when I came into the garden, weren’t you?”
“I was.” Hannah nodded. “I miss him still.”
“Do you think you need to talk to someone?”
“Joyce from down the street keeps in touch and she lost her husband a couple of years ago. Actually quite a few of us in the women’s group at the church are widows and I find them easy to talk to when I feel down.” Hannah considered her youngest granddaughter. “Are you okay?”
“Me? Why would you think I’m not okay?”
“Because I haven’t seen you cry.”
Cindy looked her grandmother in the eye. “Why would I cry?”
“Because you and your grandfather were very close. He kind of doted on you.”
Cindy looked away. “I wish he was still here.”
“So do I and it’s okay to cry.”
“I believe that Papa is with God now,” Cindy said. “I can’t be sad if he is in heaven, can I?”
“Cindy, who ever gave you the impression that you couldn’t cry and still believe that Papa is with God?”
Cindy looked back at her with eyes brimming. “I just thought...I don’t know.”
“The good book tells us that David knew and trusted in God but he led the whole nation in mourning when his friend Jonathan died in battle.” Hannah put her arms around Cindy. “Just because you weep doesn’t mean you don’t believe. Weeping is a way to let go of our sorrow, our pain, and let God comfort us and heal our broken hearts.”
“Really?” Cindy asked.
“Really,” Hannah said. “So do you miss your Papa?”
“I do,” Cindy said softly. “But it hurts so much that I am afraid if I start crying that I won’t be able to stop.”
“Sweet child if you don’t let God into your broken heart it’ll never start to heal.” Hannah stroked her hair. “I’m here so let the tears flow and don’t mind me if I cry a little bit with you.”
Cindy smiled and then buried her face in her grandmother’s arms as the tears began to flow. For the first time since Jim’s death Cindy finally expressed her sorrow and pain. Hannah held Cindy in her arms and together they grieved in faith the death of someone they loved and missed.
*****************************************
StoryShare, July 1, 2018, issue.
Copyright 2018 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
“The Gift of Healing” by Keith Wagner
“Still In Service” by Keith Wagner
“Weeping in Faith” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Gift of Healing
by Keith Wagner
Mark 5:21-43
Over the course of my ministry I have been asked to visit or pray for persons who are sick or dying. Most of the time, they get better and even some are miraculously healed. Others, unfortunately, get worse and some even die. One wonders whether there is some pattern or process to go through that will guarantee healing in every case. If there is one, I have not discovered it.
On the other hand, I believe with all sincerity that faith helps. What I witness in faith is not the absolute confidence that God will make things better but that God is always with us in every situation.
Our story today involves two healing stories that are linked together in an unusual way. Jesus was requested by Jairus, a local leader of the Jewish synagogue, to come to his home and heal his dying daughter. They left and are followed by a huge crowd. On the way, a woman, who had been sick for 12 years, reached out and touched Jesus and she was healed because of her faith. Jesus continued on to the Jairus’ home but learned that his daughter was already dead. Jesus said she was only sleeping and when he arrived he told her to rise and she too was cured of her illness.
This reminds me of the times I have been in emergency waiting rooms when more severe cases are given a higher priority -- putting some of the “minor” injuries on hold. None of us like waiting on doctors but we all do it. When it comes to issues of health we all find ourselves waiting on insurance companies, waiting on test results or waiting for future appointments.
One time I made a doctor’s appointment because I had a sore that was very painful. To keep it from returning I had to have minor, outpatient surgery. In the meantime I asked the physician if there was any other way to prevent it from festering up again. He told me there were no drugs, no creams, no injections, no diet or exercise program that would make it go away. When I asked him the source of the abscess he said it comes from within. It is not caused from anything external.
I have been thinking about that statement a lot. When I started examining this story it gave me an idea. Perhaps healing does come from within. Perhaps healing occurs when there is a change of heart, a releasing of guilt or through an act of submission to God.
Two years ago, I was examined due to a pain in my lower abdomen. The exam was inconclusive but it was recommended that I get an x-ray. I had to wait several weeks but I finally received the results. What I had was a calcified cyst that had likely been there for decades. After consulting my personal physician he said it was best to leave it alone. He did not suggest I have exploratory surgery. I told him that I believed it came from an injury I received over fifty years ago while wrestling in college. “That’s possible,” he said, “But it is best to wait and see what happens.”
Now I can honestly say that my pain is gone. Perhaps my pain was only psychological. Maybe I was dealing with some inner pain. At the time I had just retired. I believe that my conversation with my doctor helped although I received no medication and never had surgery. As he suggested, sometimes it is best to leave things as they are.
In Mark’s gospel the woman’s need for healing happened within the larger context of the healing story of the little girl. In other words, a healing occurred while another healing was in process. She was hemorrhaging and in the midst of the crowd she came forth. The little girl who appeared to be dying was only sleeping, but then she arose and walked. What matters is not how it happened but that healing occurred and it was linked to people with faith.
God wants us all to be well and to be whole. God wants us to reach out and believe in the power of healing. God wants us to humble ourselves and come to the realization we can’t manage our lives by ourselves. God wants us to be patient and know that healing is a process and will include interruptions. God wants us to remember that God’s healing power is available to everyone, young or old, rich or poor, physically sick or spiritually sick. Nothing can keep us from the healing love of God.
* * *
Still In Service
by Keith Wagner
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
I believe that Paul was giving the church at Corinth a lesson in stewardship. But it was not only about giving money, it was about giving beyond our abundance since God has been good to us.
We all have talents. To keep them hidden is offensive to God. God wants us to use all that we have been given to make this a better world and to enhance the kingdom of God. When we hold back the world misses out on something good and unfortunately we miss out too, living lives that are void and hopeless.
As Paul said, “We are so rich in everything -- in faith, speech, knowledge, and zeal of every kind, surely we should show ourselves equally lavish with generous service.”
I retired from active ministry over two years ago. There are times when I feel guilty because I am no longer a local pastor. On the other hand I am enjoying retirement immensely. I am doing a lot of traveling, spending more time with my grandchildren, and especially my wife. I preach occasionally but I am not active in a local church. More than anything I am busy with my hobby of model railroading.
My involvement with model trains has opened up many new worlds for me. I have always cherished the words of John Wesley when he said, “The whole world is my parish.”
Now I have the time to be involved in a model railroading club, specifically “S” gauge. Since joining I have had the opportunity to pastor other members who have lost their spouse. One of our events was to show the club’s American Flyer Train layout at the University of Dayton. They sponsor a local Christmas event for underprivileged children in the area. Interacting with them and teaching them about trains has been very meaningful. I have also thoroughly enjoyed watching the eyes of children light up when they see a train running on the tracks.
My involvement with trains has introduced me to many new friends and more importantly people in the community who have an old train but don’t know how to get it running. I have been able to repair many old trains which have laid around in attics for decades. I refer to my new role in society as a “recycler” or one who is able to “resurrect” old trains.
Recently I received a call from a woman who wanted me to look at an old train that belonged to her brother. It is a Lionel train that has remained in storage for over three decades. I took it home, refurbished the set and now it is ready for use again. It now smokes, lights up and whistles. The woman told me she wants to give the train to her grandchildren who have some interest in trains. When I told her the train was ready and I would deliver it this week she became “teary” and told me it had belonged to her brother who died several years ago. She knew it meant a great deal to him and therefore would have meaning to her grandchildren.
Being involved with trains has taken me to new places. I have been to a variety of train shows in different cities and states. I have met people from all over the country who also have some interest in trains. Being able to repair someone’s old train or help them built a layout of their own has been very meaningful to me. I have always had an affinity for trains. I still have my original train which I received when I was only five years old. It is a little beat up, but like me, it is still running.
* * *
Weeping In Faith
by Peter Andrew Smith
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
Hannah sat back in her chair and marvelled at the flowers that Jim had planted that spring. There was a mix of colors and sizes and she couldn’t get over how he made everything flow together like an oil painting. She turned to the chair next to her but of course Jim wasn’t there. She felt her eyes welling up with tears. She missed him so much.
“Nana, are you okay?” Cindy was standing at the corner of the house.
Hannah wiped at her face and motioned to her to sit in the vacant chair. “I didn’t expect to see you today. I thought you had the afternoon shift at the store.”
“Paula’s youngest has a doctor appointment tomorrow so I switched shifts with her.” Cindy hugged her before sitting down. “You didn’t answer my question. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, dear.” Hannah smiled at her. “I was just thinking of your grandfather.”
“Papa really loved his garden, didn’t he?”
“He was out here morning, noon, and night. Even in the winter he was trying to figure out what flowers he would plant where.” Hannah shook her head. “I used to say to him ‘Jim, sometimes I think you love the garden more than me.’”
“Nana! You know that he loved you dearly.”
“I know he did, dear.” Hannah patted her arm. “Don’t get me wrong I was actually happy when he took up gardening because it kept him out of my hair when he retired.”
“Oh. I never really knew him when he was working.”
“No, I guess he had finished up with the railway when you came along.” Hannah tilted her head. “He was always around when you were here, wasn’t he?”
“Yes, even when you were still working he was here. It’s strange not to see him puttering around.”
“I know I have to remind myself he’s not just around the corner.” Hannah pushed back the tears. “So what brings you around today?”
“I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”
“That’s sweet dear but I’ll be fine. You don’t have to drop in every day like you’ve been doing.” Hannah smiled. “Don’t get me wrong I like seeing you and you’re always welcome but you do have a life of your own.”
“Well...” Cindy took a deep breath. “I’m worried about you, Nana.”
“Why is that, dear?”
“You were pretty shaken up at the funeral. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you cry that much. I worried that you weren’t going to be able to stop.”
“I was sad, dear. For all his flaws I loved your grandfather.”
“You were crying when I came into the garden, weren’t you?”
“I was.” Hannah nodded. “I miss him still.”
“Do you think you need to talk to someone?”
“Joyce from down the street keeps in touch and she lost her husband a couple of years ago. Actually quite a few of us in the women’s group at the church are widows and I find them easy to talk to when I feel down.” Hannah considered her youngest granddaughter. “Are you okay?”
“Me? Why would you think I’m not okay?”
“Because I haven’t seen you cry.”
Cindy looked her grandmother in the eye. “Why would I cry?”
“Because you and your grandfather were very close. He kind of doted on you.”
Cindy looked away. “I wish he was still here.”
“So do I and it’s okay to cry.”
“I believe that Papa is with God now,” Cindy said. “I can’t be sad if he is in heaven, can I?”
“Cindy, who ever gave you the impression that you couldn’t cry and still believe that Papa is with God?”
Cindy looked back at her with eyes brimming. “I just thought...I don’t know.”
“The good book tells us that David knew and trusted in God but he led the whole nation in mourning when his friend Jonathan died in battle.” Hannah put her arms around Cindy. “Just because you weep doesn’t mean you don’t believe. Weeping is a way to let go of our sorrow, our pain, and let God comfort us and heal our broken hearts.”
“Really?” Cindy asked.
“Really,” Hannah said. “So do you miss your Papa?”
“I do,” Cindy said softly. “But it hurts so much that I am afraid if I start crying that I won’t be able to stop.”
“Sweet child if you don’t let God into your broken heart it’ll never start to heal.” Hannah stroked her hair. “I’m here so let the tears flow and don’t mind me if I cry a little bit with you.”
Cindy smiled and then buried her face in her grandmother’s arms as the tears began to flow. For the first time since Jim’s death Cindy finally expressed her sorrow and pain. Hannah held Cindy in her arms and together they grieved in faith the death of someone they loved and missed.
*****************************************
StoryShare, July 1, 2018, issue.
Copyright 2018 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
