Articles and thoughts by Steve Green.

Soon to be healed

March 7th, 2012

This afternoon as I passed by a church parking lot I saw something that grabbed my attention.  The disabled parking spaces had the usual blue signs, but with an additional caption underneath them: soon to be healed. 

The signs sparked two thoughts.  First, was great joy at the thought that yes, there is a complete and perfect healing ahead for every child of God.  For each one of us the sign is true!   We are soon to be healed!  Healed not only of physical ailments, but as the book of Revelation says, healed of every vestige of sin and every affect of the fall.  There will be no more heartache, no more tears, no more pain and no more death. 

For my friend, Johnny Farese, who has been afflicted with spinal muscular atrophy since childhood, that means that he will one day soon have a glorified body and not only be able to walk again, but in the coming kingdom be able to physically manifest all the marvelous gifts God has given him.  The truth is, those of us who do not need to use the special parking places are also in need of healing.  Who is not fractured by the fall?  Who does not lament the battle that rages between the flesh and the Spirit?  Who among us does not groan, waiting for the coming of our Lord, when the work He began will be perfectly completed?

My second thought was a hope that the message being communicated to our handicapped brothers and sisters is not that they are second class believers in need of something more.  On the contrary, it seems that in God’s economy he manifests his strength through weakness and his beauty through brokenness.  Could it be that those who have lost much in this life have a more fervent yearning for heaven?  Personally, I have learned a great deal from friends who have persevered through lifelong suffering, trusting God’s providence and goodness to sustain them.

Because we are made in the image of God, our souls and bodies are miraculously joined together in one beautiful expression.  Our care for each other should include both aspects, the material body and the immaterial soul.  Thus, I am encouraged that Christians faithfully pray for the sick and offer practical help to those in need.  And, I rejoice in the preaching of the gospel that offers the bright hope, pointing towards that day when all things will be made new. 

12 Comments »

  1. Wonderful thoughts, Steve! Thank you for sharing them!

    Comment by Heidi Swander — March 7, 2012 @ 10:18 am

  2. This is beautifully written Steve. I agree that God sustains us through our suffering and and makes our faith even stronger because of it.

    Comment by Marilyn Weaver — March 7, 2012 @ 3:29 pm

  3. Very beautifully written, Steve! Thanks for your insight.

    Comment by Lynn Wilkerson — March 7, 2012 @ 5:39 pm

  4. As always, so clearly shared truth in love, with sound doctrine from the Word.
    Bless you…no, you are blessed and walking in it, too. Ephesians 1
    Natalie

    Comment by Natalie Kleefisch — March 7, 2012 @ 5:58 pm

  5. Thanks for sharing your thoughts,Art and I have both been thru physical trials and it is true that our faith grows thru those trials. God bless you in your ministries of word and songs.

    Comment by Mary Bleyenberg — March 8, 2012 @ 1:15 am

  6. Amen!

    Comment by Jonathan — March 8, 2012 @ 12:21 pm

  7. Steve, you said it perfectly! One who has been a therapist within the community of disability for years I thought the exact same thing you did - the message is beautiful - however I know several people who would find offense. I have advocated for the proper implementation of the ADA within the church community for years. Churches seem to mostly be receptive when something like this is brought to their attention. Thanks for sharing brother!

    Comment by Jeff Hooper — March 9, 2012 @ 5:04 pm

  8. Thank you for your profound thought and encouragement.I was immensely blessed by your songs last night.May God continue to bless your ministries.

    Comment by Inavi Jimo — March 9, 2012 @ 6:09 pm

  9. For my friend, Johnny Farese, who has been afflicted with spinal muscular atrophy since childhood, that means that he will one day soon have a glorified body and not only be able to walk again but in the coming kingdom be able to physically manifest all the marvelous gifts God has given him…………….
    Wonderful thoughts……………..lame will walk agaiin…………………it reflects to the great future all the physically challanged have in our Lord Christ Jesus……………………

    Comment by Pearline — March 11, 2012 @ 7:08 am

  10. Steve thank you very much for this beautiful and hopeful message. I ask God to let me see you when you come to Buenos Aires. I love all your songs. Recently I was able to buy “A Journey of Faith” DVD and is very exciting for me to see the twelve songs in concert ! God bless you.
    From Buenos Aires, Athos

    Comment by Athos Isola — March 11, 2012 @ 8:56 pm

  11. Praise GOD for wonderful gift he has bestowed on you. You’re a great encouragement to me, to serve GOD FERVENTLY IN JESUS NAME. AMEN.

    Comment by GLORIA DIVINO SANTOS — March 14, 2012 @ 4:46 am

  12. Thank you for your comment and for the inspirational music that you provide. My favourite song is “May those who come behind us, Find Us Faithful”. As a senior this is my desire that my grandchildren and those children I have taught in Sunday School will find that I have been faithful to my Lord and Saviour during my life. God bless you Steve.

    Comment by Doreen Dath — March 17, 2012 @ 3:23 pm

Leave a comment for Steve