Do you believe John 3:16? Then why isn’t Mark 16:17–18 your daily life?
Hi, I’m Addison. You’re reading (or listening to) Bigger Than Me—a weekly guide devoted to removing the fears, doubts, and misconceptions that keep believers from healing the sick in everyday life.
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(Unsure if modern healing is something the Bible actually teaches? Start here.)
I was talking with my friend Huy.
Somewhere during our conversation, Huy mentioned that his wife, BB, wasn't feeling well.
She had been sick enough that Huy loaded up their four kids and took them out of the house for a while so she could get some uninterrupted rest.
A little while later, we wrapped up our call so he could get back to dad duty.
As soon as the video blinked off, I called BB.
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
No answer.
I stared at my phone screen for a moment.
Then I started a text:
"Hey BB! Let me know when you're awake and…"
I got about halfway through the message before I stopped.
Deleted it.
I tapped the mic button instead.
Recorded a short prayer for healing.
Send.
I put my phone in my pocket and got back to my day.
Thoughts and Prayers
When someone gets sick, most believers know what they're supposed to say:
"I'm praying for you."
But many of us quietly believe there's a difference between praying and actually “doing” something.
If we're laying hands on them, we can help.
If we’re able to see them, we can probably help.
If we're praying over the phone, maybe we can help.
But if they're in another place, away from earshot, busy doing their own thing, there's not much we can do except offer our thoughts and prayers and hope for the best.
We may never say it out loud, but many of us quietly treat distance like the real problem.
Long Distance
The next day, BB texted me:
"Thank you, thank you! I am feeling better! When you called I was completely laid out. After this prayer my symptoms significantly decreased and I was able to have a somewhat normal day. I know tomorrow will be even better. Love you!"
I had almost passed on praying for her until another day,
all because I nearly believed my prayer wouldn't work without her on the line.
A Prayer to Stop Waiting
Original graphic by Bryan Arcebal
Dear Father,
Thank You that You are never limited by distance, location, or circumstance.
Jesus, thank You for showing me that Your authority was never confined to being physically present with someone.
Thank You that You didn't measure circumstances before acting, but simply followed the Father wherever He led.
Holy Spirit, thank You for living in me, moving through me, and empowering me to respond with confidence instead of hesitation.
I release the belief that distance is a barrier to my obedience.
I let go of the idea that I need perfect conditions before I can trust You.
I choose to act on what I know is true.
I will pray with confidence, even if those I pray for are far from me.
And I will trust You with what happens next.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Until next time,
Addison
