Recently, I witnessed a healing. No, not the kind you are probably thinking (although I wish I could in this case). Here’s the story:
In the past, Person B listened to the voices of others and told me to leave Person A as a friend and as a pastor. He then turned his “guns” on Person A. He continued listening to the voices and sought changes which did not happen. A resignation happened and the “guns” were taken up by another. Meanwhile one of the voices was pretty much out of the picture. Again, changes didn’t happen and another abandonment happened.
In the meantime, Person B has come on hard physical times. Devastating actually. As Person B’s pastor, I made the conscious decision to forgive and made countless visits-many of them hours away-to minister and to bring healing. I truly believe God has been faithful in bringing the latter.
But what about Person A?
I make weekly visits to Person B to encourage, to pray, to laugh with, to offer communion (something he misses since we offer it weekly), and to share the amazing healing power of God in a relationship. My love for Person B and his family is real and I want them to know that. I want him to know that. In my visits I sometimes take others, friends from his past, to visit and hopefully encourage and let him know he is not forgotten. And to offer hope. I decided-with the wife’s blessing-to bring Person A with me some day. I saw God work!! Now, whether Person B even remembered the past I don’t know-such is his memory. But I saw Person A engage with Person B and his wife and offer some vital help where they have been stymied before. What a phenomenal gift it would be if Person A can pull off the help he has offered!! I can’t speak for Person B’s feelings, although he did get emotional when Person A told him that he and his wife were praying for him. Person B’s wife, I think, was simply relieved someone was going to do something.
Mention healing and our immediate thoughts go to someone physically healed. Rarely do we think of emotional healing or relational healing. I witnessed both, especially in Person A. Personally? I think being witness to the relational healing does more good to my soul than all the physical healings I have seen God do (and I’m not speaking of the showy, TV, made up kind).
Somewhere angels were rejoicing, and the Father was smiling, as they witnessed “Forgive as you have been forgiven” come alive. I know I am.
Such a miracle of healing from the inside out, Bill! Thank you for sharing this with us today.
Blessings!
I agree Martha. It says much about Person A.
I love stories of reconciliation, thanks for sharing.
I do too Ryan. Glad to do it.
Great story Bill. Healing emotional wounds, can be hard and they take leaning on God and His ways, for both sides, to ask forgiveness and grace and to give forgiveness and grace. The first step to both sides is realizing that God needs to be walking with you through the issue. Without God, it’s hard to be humble, and it’s hard to accept or give grace without realizing how much grace God gives us and the cost of that grace.
it is a great story and I expect more of it in the future. I’m believing God will mend hearts. Reconciliation is an important part of following Jesus. but you are sure right on one thing: it takes humility.
I love to hear these kinds of testimonies! I agree that healing begins at a emotional/relational level before the physical. I think that knowing someone cares is always the first step!
You are right Ed. It does start with the emotional/relational before the physical. This is a perfect case in point since standing and hugging and even expressing your feelings is not possible unless God intervenes in a big way.
What a wonderful testimony! God used you as a peacemaker, Pastor Bill. Such a gift to both persons involved. May He bless you for your faithfulness to Him and to His flock.
Thanks Cheryl. I guess I didn’t see it as that. I thought of helping bring about reconciliation. But I’ll take that peacemaker moniker! 🙂