Devotionals for the Heart: The truth about why it takes time to heal

It Takes Time to Heal
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”—James 1:2-3 (NLT)

When someone is ill or undergoes surgery, the popular response is often: “Get well soon” or “I wish you a speedy recovery.” When your friends or loved ones are down on their luck, an encouraging response might be: “Praying you get through this hard time fast.”

These phrases may seem like the right thing to say in the moment, but have you ever considered that maybe it isn’t the right thing to say? Our hearts are in the right place, but do we really know what we are praying for or asking God to do?

For example, according to WebMD (Broken Bone Pictures: Signs Your Broken Bone Is Healing), a broken bone can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks to heal—sometimes longer. The first few weeks are probably the most painful as the body starts the process and there is inflammation. The next few weeks start the development of cartilage and fibrous tissues to bridge the gap in the broken bone. It is not until about the eighth week when the bone just starts to harden, offering a little more support. For a full recovery, it still takes several more weeks or months, and sometimes years.

Another example is that a virus can take a week or two before it passes through the body. Medications may help you feel better, but the virus must run its course. In the meantime, your body needs rest and hyrdration in order for your immune system to fight off the infection completely.

If we rush the recovery process, it actually does more harm than good. You will not recuperate properly in order to sustain yourself in the future to fight against further sickness or disease. In a case of a broken bone, you will not gain enough strength to be restored to a place of proper functionality. You may also risk breaking the bone again. It takes time to heal.

Fortunately for me, I have never broken a bone, but I can remember becoming ill and wanting to recover as quickly as possible. I caught the flu from a friend who told me the illness lasted about two weeks. I was determined to get well in less than a week. I tried my hardest to build my immune system, and I remember going back to my daily routine when I should have been resting. Before long, I relapsed and I became even more ill than when I first started. Although I felt better, my body was not fully recovered and I pushed myself into another bout of illness.

Many of us want to rush through the unpleasant parts of life, not understanding that those same parts of life are building our patience and our endurance. Without the hard times, some of us would never recognize our need for a Savior (Jesus Christ). The trials in our lives make us stronger. We develop our character that make us fit for the Kingdom.

I remember there was a time in my life when I was involved in an unhealthly relationship. When I finally had the courage to leave that relationship, I remember feeling hurt and alone. At the time, I didn’t realize that this period of solitude was also a period of healing. I learned more about myself, and I allowed God to shape me into the person that He called me to be. Eventually, I met and married a man who is now my husband of almost 21 years. The brokenness and healing process had to take place to prepare me for the next phase of my life where I experienced wholeness, and then I was ready for a marriage relationship. If I had met my husband any sooner, I would not have been ready for the relationship.

Let’s not rush the healing process. Instead, let’s learn how to endure, knowing that by God’s grace, we will benefit from all our struggles in the end.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the trials in my life. Although I may not appreciate the process of going through difficult times, I am grateful that You promised to bring me out stronger. Thank You for your abiding presence through it all. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Beautiful Day” by Jermaine Edwards. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Count it All Joy” by Bebe & CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey. 

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God and she is currently working on another devotional book.

This is Angela’s fourth year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where her words were featured in a book, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy, that was published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was featured in Living Unbroken, which is another publication produced by Proverbs 31. Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking.

Angela is a life coach for mothers. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. She works to help them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela is also the host of “The Angela Anderson Show”, a virtual talk show that launched in April of 2023 on YouTube and Facebook. The show is designed for mothers who want to pursue their dream while managing family life. The audio version of the show is also available as a podcast on Spotify.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 19 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 11) and Ryan (age 6). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling, and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family.

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Connect with Angela:

To connect with Angela, you can follow her on Instagram (angelanderson1104), Clubhouse (@angelize), and send a friend request to her on Facebook.

Subscribe to Angela’s YouTube channel @The Angela Anderson Show and follow the show on Spotify. Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

You can also like and follow her Facebook page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God.