11-20-16 J.

Lately, my friends and family in Christ, I have taken a moment out of life's busy schedule to stop and give thanks to Father God for His ability to sustain my life. I say this with sincere awe and wonderment considering doctors reports and test results indicated I was HIV Positive on April 12, 1994. Over the past 22-plus years, I have been challenged (and heavily debated) on the issue of "healing" and why I haven't received "healing" as defined by some as "evidence of the absence of the AIDS virus in my body." As I reflect on this issue, I find myself not taking a defensive stance, but rather, a stance of great humility and gratefulness. Some may ask "Why?" and others may assume I have given up hope of ever receiving the medical proof of a complete healing. Believe me my friends, I have been tempted, at times, of questioning Father God on this very issue. But I have come to understand what Job in the Bible had learned -- "God is God and Job was not"! I believe Father God could heal me with one word, but who am I (or anyone else) to say He hasn't been providing a "progressive healing" with the evidence of His sustaining my life for almost 23 years?

The Bible tells us in Revelation 12:11, "They triumphed over him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." (paraphrased)

We, as authentic believers and followers of Jesus Christ, are commissioned as Ambassadors of Christ, to share with others of what Father God has done in our lives. Perhaps your story is like mine concerning whether you are waiting for a medical report that reveals a complete healing. But I would challenge you to share your testimony of how Father God is empowering you to continue to press onward and upward regardless of the health challenges you are facing everyday.

We human beings live in a fallen world and there is a reality of individuals facing health issues. They believe as I do that Father God could heal them in an instant, but while we are waiting on His timing, we can still testify of His ability to keep us strong, productive and effective in our lives, regardless of the challenges we may be facing. We can still be a great witness to others around us.

In short, folks in similar situations need to be encouraged to share the great things Father God is doing in their lives. We need to declare His "faithfulness in completing the work He has begun in our lives until the coming of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). There is power in sharing what Father God is doing presently in our lives and we cannot wait for a complete healing in our medical challenges before we start telling others of what He has already done (and continues to do) in every area of our lives. I do believe in "progressive healing" and I also believe in the sovereignty of Abba Father. I am reminded of what Father God said to Apostle Paul when he (Paul) asked for healing: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9a). Paul then say, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9b).

I find great comfort and peace in knowing that "Jesus is the author and finisher of my faith" (Hebrews 12:2). Therefore I am confident that I will not depart from this world until He says it is my turn to do so. In the meantime, I sincerely hope and pray that I serve as a witness of the redemptive works of Jesus Christ; and, that I may reflect Father God's ability to transform my "mess" into His "message"! May I never grow tired (or weary) in giving Him ALL glory, honor and praise for the testimony He has given me! He is truly worthy of these things and so much more!

In closing, I encourage everyone to sound the alarm in this final hour: Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is returning VERY SOON! Therefore, let us "work while there is still daylight" (John 9:4); and may we share "the truth that sets the captives free" (John 8:32)!

SELAH and AMEN! 

JJ❤️