Some Assembly Required

I have been praying for months asking for healing for some issues I have been having with my hip.  Other people have been praying for me as well.  They have laid hands on me and anointed me with oil.  I waited. Nothing changed.  Finally I saw a doctor, got a diagnosis, and started a treatment plan, which includes physical therapy.  To be honest I was disappointed. I wanted to be healed. I didn't want 'treatment'.  I wanted supernatural instant healing (instant gratification).  I wanted it easy and quick and painless.  I didn't want to work for it.

But, being the patient and gentle God that he is, He whispered to me a truth that I had never even considered before.  Sometimes we have to work for our healing.

Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying we have to "earn" it.  Jesus already paid the price.  But sometimes we do have to work.  You see, the problems I have been having with my hip are not a result of disease or any disorder. They are a result of my lack of physical activity.  Over the years of inactivity most of the muscle groups in my body have become very tight and weak.  This caused my tendons to have to work too hard and has caused severe inflammation in my hip area.  Also, weakness in my core muscles has caused other muscle groups to become sore and tight and has affected my posture, causing pain.

What I wanted was instant relief.  What God had in mind was something far better- a lifestyle change.  Had I received instant healing, it would just be a matter of time before the problem occurs again or other issues come up.  Rather, His plan includes forming a habit of stretching and strengthening to provide relief and healing.  

God is still in the healing business. Sometimes it just doesn't look like what we wanted or expected.