Believe

My husband and I were watching the documentary “Heal” this weekend. I’m fascinated with anything healing related as I have a chronic illness I’ve struggled with for over 10 years. 

It’s been a long and winding road of physical, emotional and spiritual healing for me that is painfully still not over. Sometimes it feels like I’ve tried everything to live a normal, active life yet the pain, frustration, and constant feeling “unwell” persists.

One of the central themes of the “Heal” documentary is that having the belief that we can and will heal from a chronic illness actually contributes to our eventual healing. There’s a mind-body connection. I’d like to think it’s more of a faith-mind–body connection.

The documentary’s message reminded me of today’s Gospel and the line Jesus says to Martha: “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” Even before this, Jesus asks Martha if she believes that He is the resurrection and the life and that whoever believes in him will live and never die. 

Jesus asks twice for belief from the women in the story before the miracle happens, before he restores life to Lazarus, and before he gives Mary and Martha the desire of their hearts to be with their brother again.

There’s a lesson in there for us about Belief. Belief leads to life over death. Belief leads to healing, miracles, and God’s glory being revealed. Belief leads to desires fulfilled by Christ. Belief is what is essential for Jesus to work His power.

I think there are times in our lives, times of great distress and agony like Mary and Martha are experiencing, where God asks us a similar question: Do you believe? 

Do you?