In the 9^th chapter of Mark in the gospels, there is a story of a father who brings his son to Jesus to be healed. Upon being told by Jesus, "All things are possible to him who believes," the father answered, "I believe, but help my unbelief." Even those who believe occasionally have doubts or fears, and traditional religion usually teaches us to rebuke or resist these negative emotions. However, rebuking and resisting only serves to amplify them. We need to retrain ourselves to know that just because healing doesn't happen immediately does not mean that it will never happen. And also, we need to learn how to properly deal with these emotions and not let them cause more sickness in our bodies. Many times these negative emotions about our own doubts - beating ourselves up for having negative feelings in the first place - are what keep us from moving forward in the process of healing.

First, learn to allow thoughts of anger, doubt, fear, and discouragement to pass through us. This works much better than rebuking and resisting. Religion teaches us not to feel doubt at all, which is humanly impossible. Instead, when doubt arises, feel it, take a deep breath, and let it pass through you. Even if you receive a negative report from the doctor, thank him or her for being honest with you, but know you are trusting in a higher report and are continuing to believe that God is able.

 

Secondly, learn to be grateful for every blessing in the healing process. Little victories along the way are important and get your mind in the habit of saying "Thank you, God."  

 

Thirdly, learn to limit negative voices around you, even when they show up as "concerned" friends or family members. Learn to "put them outside" if only for a season because while you are in the process of healing you need to be in a space of positive energy.

 

Lastly, remember that although instant healings do occur, many times healing is indeed a process. Just like the blind man Jesus prayed for who at first could only see men as trees, sometimes it takes a second, a third, a fourth, etc. time to be complete. Healing is a practice.

 

Don't ever feel guilty for admitting that you are still in the process of being healed. And don't let the negative emotions of guilt and shame because you sometimes experience doubt sabotage you. Learn to practice the constant prayer: "I am healed, but I still see men like trees. Lord, I do believe, but help my unbelief."