INSTANTANEOUS HEALINGS. Healings that "take longer." Whatever our experience, we can always treasure the spiritual uplift that comes with understanding more about God's constant care. But sometimes, in spite of our most noble efforts, we may struggle with a physical difficulty, and questions and doubts about the effectiveness of Christian Science healing sneak into our thinking. Even when we realize that obliterating these doubts is the most powerful part of the healing process, fear can take over. It might impel us to think it would be better to know specifically what medical theory says about the condition.
Ultimately, what does need to be expunged isn't a material condition, but the underlying fear that whatever is menacing us is real. I've found that some of the following fearful thoughts can undermine healing:
A person might be tempted to reason, "Well, if I know what the belief is, then I can handle it." In this case, it's instructive to turn to the master healer, Christ Jesus. Jesus and his followers never needed diagnostics but they did perform quick and thorough healings. For example, the book of Acts recounts an incident when Peter and John encountered a congenitally lame beggar. Peter gained the man's attention and healed him with these words: "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" (3:6). The change was dramatic as the man, who had never even stood on his limbs, not only rose to his feet, but "leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God" (3:8). Peter and John hadn't spent time examining the man's legs, asking about his case history, or inquiring about a prior diagnosis. Instead, Peter explained to the astounded onlookers, "it was faith in Christ which gave this man perfect health and strength in full view of you all" (3:18, J. B. Phillips). This was the standard of early Christianity: no diagnosis, no labeling—just instant and complete healing.
