Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
This week I had the privilege of participating in an anointing. I had heard it mentioned before but never thought to ask about it and did not know what to expect. As one of the Deaconesses at our church, I learned that it was something I could participate in. It was an experience I will cherish.
When one is sick or in pain, they may request an anointing. The elders of the church gather with the person. Scripture is read. As part of the anointing, you gather around the person, lay your hand upon their shoulder, and everyone takes turns praying. Many times, voices crack and eyes fill with tears. It is a moving experience. You are pouring your heart out to God asking for healing.
One of the most striking parts was when the Pastor explained that God’s answer is always yes, but the timing may not be right now. The healing might come immediately, it might come over time, or it will happen at Jesus’ second coming. Looking at it in this way, we see that even if healing does not happen in this life, when Jesus returns, we will be healed. We will have new bodies. Unbroken and with no scars.
This is such a comfort. Knowing that while we may have pain and sickness in this life, even if healing does not come now, God will heal us. In His time. Trust in Him. His answer will, in the end, be yes.