13 years ago, our friend’s daughter died of complications due to her cancer treatment. She could not fight her infections that took over her body. She was 16. Caroline was a bright child full of so much inner and outer spiritual sunshine. When she walked into any room, she cared about every person in that room and ministered to each of us, even when she was so sick. She loved The Lord and brought many to Christ in her 4 years of fighting cancer. She was also in the bible study for girls in high school that I had the privilege to teach. I spent nights staying with her at Duke University Hospital, giving her parents a break to sleep at home. Caroline changed my life. My faith grew so very much from all I learned from her sweet Jesus heart, while suffering and walking by faith.
Many prayed for her, laid hands on her, anointed her with oil, read scripture to her and loved her every moment that we had her on this earth. She was greatly loved. As her time came for the Lord to take her with Him, I was with her. She held out her arms like she was reaching for God and then she was peaceful. I had never seen someone go from such suffering to total peace in the arms of Jesus that quickly.
When I read this scripture in James, I had always thought that praying it for Caroline meant she would be healed in heaven as we prayed this during the last days of her life. I do believe that she was healed when she went to heaven as God promises that for us. However, I now look at this scripture differently. I believe James calls us to heal one another of our sins here on earth. He wants us to get rid of our sick sins that are holding us back from Him. Healing in these verses is connected to the forgiveness of sins. Sickness is a direct result of sin. When we confess our sins, the Lord will heal us from our sickness. Do you need healing and forgiveness?
Who can you confess your sin to? Are you willing to pray over a friend, a family member, an acquaintance who needs forgiveness. James links confession, prayer, and healing. These are God’s words. As we confess, ask for forgiveness in prayer, the healing will take place for us as Our Lord will take care of raising us up. All can be forgiven and our heavy loads with be no more. The peace of Jesus will flow over you and a new life will begin with your Savior, Jesus Christ. Please take that step in faith. His arms are wide open and ready to receive you.
