The vast majority of healings in the Bible happened quickly. However, God still has a promise of gradual healing – "turtle healing."

"The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed."

Psalm 41:3

"Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs, I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you."

Isaiah 46:4

Here God presents Himself as a physician. In Hebrew, a word is used that can be translated: "sustain," "keep alive." Yes, one Bible translation says: "… and restores him to health." (Moffatt) Another says: "You will wholly transform his sickbed." (The Jewish Study Bible)

In other words, God’s power rests upon the sick, providing continuous strength until the sick get back on their feet and recover.

In other words, healing can come as a process, a "turtle healing" as I like to call it.

If you are sick today, I will pray that God’s healing power begins to work on you from now on. Receive God’s power by proclaiming the Word:

"Lord Jesus, I see the promise of gradual healing and take it to heart, plant it in my heart, and expect the healing process to start, whether it is a quick or gradual healing. Thank you for upholding me, 'carrying' me until the illness finally has to leave my sick body. Amen."

The Hebrew word for "keep him alive" is chaiad: "to keep alive, restore."