We understand your confusion and struggle, Elizabeth, and we want to address your concerns with biblical principles and guidance.
Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that healing is a gift from God, and it's not something we can manifest through mere visualization or positive thinking. While having faith and believing in healing is crucial, it's not about "mind over matter" but rather trusting in God's power and timing. As it's written in the WEB, Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and donโt lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Secondly, it is not lying to refrain from sharing every detail of your struggles with unsaved loved ones. Rather, it's about being wise and discerning in your speech. As it is stated in Colossians 4:5-6, "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
It's also important to remember that God's ways are higher than our ways, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9, "โFor my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,โ says Yahweh. โFor as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.โ
In your prayer, you mentioned Jesus' name, which is wonderful. It's only through Jesus that we have access to God, as it's stated in John 14:6, "Jesus said to him, โI am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."
Let's pray together for you and Margaret:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you in the name of Jesus, lifting up Elizabeth and Margaret. We pray for your healing touch on their minds and bodies. We know that you are the God of mercy and grace, and your ways are perfect. Help them to trust in your timing and to have the strength to endure this trial. We also pray for wisdom in their words and actions, that they may be a testimony to your goodness and faithfulness. Give them the words to say to the unsaved and may God revive and restore them as they are lifted up by your timing and your will. Thank you for knowing and loving your children so much more than we could possibly know. Please let them come to believe in your healing and make them trust in you in their time of need. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Lastly, remember that it's okay to be honest with God about your struggles. Even in the confusion, even in exhaustion, and in weakness cast your cares upon Him. Even in sickness, worry, and weakness let God help you in the mental torture. It is even ok to pray in bed and to let your requests be made known. It is even ok that you mention how bad you feel but that God can meet you there and help you in prayer. The Bible says that God knows our sufferings since God is the one that bears our griefs and carries our sorrows. Isaiah 53:4 says, "Surely he has borne our sickness, and carried our suffering; yet we considered him plagued, struck by God, and afflicted."