Daily InsPirational MOments with Rev. Dr. Precious Prothro

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Healing Takes Time

I was excited when my physical therapist told me I could begin climbing stairs again. For me, that meant I was one step closer to getting back to some sense of normalcy. She showed me the proper technique for using stairs while I am still recovering, and we practiced together. I was ready to try it on my own…or so I thought.

Saturday, I used the stairs. After only three steps, I realized I wasn’t as ready as I imagined. I wanted to keep going, but I used wisdom and decided three steps were my limit for now.

I searched for answers. Why was climbing stairs so difficult? I know how to climb stairs. This recovery shouldn’t be taking this long.

Then it hit me.

The issue isn’t my knowledge or my ability. It isn’t even that I’m stir-crazy or restless. It’s acknowledging that my body is still healing. It’s choosing patience while God continues the work of healing. You see, knowing how to do something does not mean we’re ready to do it. We must learn to allow the process to take its course.

We often want to rush through trials, skip the hard parts, and arrive at healing or deliverance as quickly as possible. But there is no shortcut. There is no microwavable version of spiritual growth.

Romans 5:3–4 reminds us, “…tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.”

The hope of complete healing is real, but if I ignore the process, I risk delaying, or even hindering, that healing. So, I have to transform my mind into a willing participant in the journey instead of fighting against it.

The same is true with the Lord. God’s process in our lives will not always look like someone else’s, and it may not happen on our timeline. But God’s timing is always purposeful, and God’s process is always for our good.

Trust the process. God is still healing, strengthening, and preparing you one step at a time.

Lord, thank You for reminding us that healing takes time. Help us to trust Your process, choose patience, and resist the urge to rush ahead of Your will. Strengthen our hearts while You continue Your work in us, and give us the wisdom to take each step in Your timing. In Jesus’ name, amen.

You Don’t Fight Alone

I don’t remember being afraid of fighting when I was younger. During my grade school years, I had family, both blood relatives and my community, who I knew would come to my rescue if I needed them. I felt the same way in high school, even though the reasons for and frequency of fights had changed. In both seasons, I knew I wasn’t fighting alone. I always had people in my corner who would step in and protect me.

I feel that even more deeply in my spiritual life.

Jon Reddick sings, “There are angel armies I have yet to see. I believe there are prayers I’ve never heard surrounding me. There’s strength that’s not my own when I am weak… I know that I don’t fight alone.”

We wake up each day not knowing what we will face. We don’t know what to expect naturally or spiritually. One thing we can be certain of is this: we are not alone.

That doesn’t mean there won’t be moments when we feel alone or even lonely. There may be times when it seems as though God isn’t hearing our prayers. In those moments, we must keep trusting and remind ourselves of Deuteronomy 31:8:

“And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”

Whatever you face today, remember that you do not fight alone. Even when people are absent, God is present. Even when help isn’t visible, God is already at work. Take courage, stand in faith, and keep moving forward. The Lord is with you.

Lord, thank You for never leaving us to fight life’s battles alone. Strengthen our faith when we feel weak, remind us of Your presence when we feel isolated, and help us walk confidently, knowing You go before us and stand beside us. In Jesus’ name, amen.