**The Dilemma of Selfishness in Healing**
The question of whether it is selfish to want to be healed is a complex one, especially when considering the biblical perspective on suffering and healing. On one hand, the Bible teaches that God is a loving Father who desires to heal and restore His children (Psalm 30:2). Jesus himself demonstrated this by healing many people during his ministry, often in response to their faith and trust in him (Luke 6:17-19). However, it's also true that God's ways are not always our ways, and He may not always choose to heal us in this life (Isaiah 55:8-9).
**The Heart of the Matter: Faith and Humility**
When considering the question of selfishness in healing, it's essential to examine the heart of the matter. Is our desire for healing rooted in a genuine faith and trust in God's sovereignty, or is it driven by a desire for personal comfort or a sense of self-preservation? The Bible teaches that true faith is not about getting what we want, but about trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in the midst of suffering (Hebrews 11:6). When we approach healing with a humble and trusting heart, we are more likely to experience the healing we desire, not because we are entitled to it, but because God chooses to bless us in His wisdom and love.
**The Example of Jesus and the Woman with the Flow of Blood**
The story of the woman with the flow of blood (Mark 5:21-34) provides a powerful example of the intersection of faith, healing, and humility. This woman, who had suffered for twelve years, was not healed by Jesus because she was worthy or deserving, but because she had faith in his power and goodness. When Jesus asked her, "Who touched me?" she fell at his feet and confessed her faith, saying, "If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be made whole" (Mark 5:28). In this story, we see that true healing is not about what we want, but about trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of suffering. When we approach healing with a humble and trusting heart, we are more likely to experience the healing we desire, not because we are entitled to it, but because God chooses to bless us in His wisdom and love. This perspective helps us to see that it's not selfish to want to be healed, but rather, it's a natural expression of our desire to be whole and restored in Christ. However, it's also essential to recognize that God's ways are not always our ways, and He may not always choose to heal us in this life. In those moments, we must trust in His goodness and sovereignty, even when it's difficult to understand. Ask yourself, is my desire for healing rooted in a genuine faith and trust in God's sovereignty, or is it driven by a desire for personal comfort or a sense of self-preservation? If it is the former, then it is not selfish to want to be healed. If it is the latter, then it is. Ultimately, the decision to seek healing is a personal one, and it is up to each individual to examine their heart and motivations. As the Bible teaches, "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you" (James 4:8). May we all approach healing with a humble and trusting heart, and may God bless us with the healing we desire. Amen.