We’ve all heard that old expression, “Jesus can fix it.” Many of us have sung it, prayed it, and declared it over our lives when times got hard. And it’s the truth: Jesus can fix it. There’s no doubt that He has all power in His hands and that He can move in ways we could never imagine. Scripture reminds us that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). But somewhere along the way, we started leaning on that truth so heavily that we sometimes forgot our part in the process.
There’s a balance we have to hold onto as believers, trusting the power of Jesus to heal, restore, and redeem, while also doing the inner and outer work that helps us grow and stand stronger in life. Sometimes we forget that God may be waiting on us to take the first step; to use the tools, wisdom, and support He’s already placed around us.
Waiting on Jesus, or Working with Him?
Too often, Christians will pray and wait for God to fix everything without stepping into the work that leads to healing. We might say, “I’m waiting on God,” but sometimes God is waiting on us, waiting for us to take responsibility, to seek help, to use our minds and our hands. James 2:17 tells us plainly, “Faith without works is dead.” That means prayer is vital, but pairing it with action is what brings about transformation.
If we want our relationships to be stronger, our finances to improve, or our mental health to improve, we must take ownership of our choices and our growth. You can pray for peace all day, but if you never set boundaries, never make time to rest, or never talk to someone about what’s bothering you, you’re blocking the very peace you asked for.
Many believers silently struggle because they think turning to a therapist, a counselor, or a support group shows a lack of faith. It doesn’t. In fact, those are resources God can use to help us heal. He created science, gave wisdom to mental health professionals, and called people to serve others through compassion and understanding. That’s part of His divine plan, too.
Jesus and Therapy Can Coexist
There’s no rule saying you have to pick between Jesus and professional help; the truth is, they work beautifully together. Praying helps center your spirit and invites God’s presence into your situation. Therapy enables you to make sense of your thoughts, habits, and emotions so you can live a healthier life. You can go to therapy and still have strong faith. You can journal, practice mindfulness, go for walks, and also read your Bible and pray. It’s all part of maintaining the physical, emotional, and spiritual balance God desires for us.
Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” The next verse says, “And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds.” Notice that it talks about our hearts and our minds. That means faith addresses both the spiritual and mental parts of who we are. God cares about the whole person.
So if coping skills, meditation, or community support help quiet your anxiety or lift your depression, that’s not weakness. That’s stewardship: learning to take care of yourself as one of God’s creations. You’re doing your part while trusting Him to do His.
Taking Ownership of Your Growth
We sometimes find ourselves in difficult emotional, financial, and spiritual spaces, looking around, wondering how we got there. But part of maturity in Christ is the ability to pause and take inventory. Maybe our choices, habits, or avoidance patterns helped lead us there. Taking ownership doesn’t mean blaming yourself; it means being honest enough to ask, “What role did I play, and what can I do differently?
God gives us free will, that’s love and responsibility tied together. He’s not going to force change on us; He invites us to partner with Him in the process. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” You can pray for wisdom all day, but that wisdom means nothing if you don’t apply it.
When you learn coping skills, build strong support systems, or take time for reflection, you’re participating in God’s plan for your healing. Having a healthy spiritual life doesn’t mean pretending things don’t hurt; it means bringing Jesus into those hurt places and doing what you can to grow through them.
Keeping Balance Between Heaven and Earth
At the end of the day, yes, Jesus can fix it. But sometimes, His fix comes through a counselor’s advice, a trusted friend’s encouragement, the discipline to wake up and try again, or the wisdom to step away from what’s toxic. Miracles often move through human hands.
Staying open to spiritual guidance while also practicing healthy, practical habits is what brings lasting change. The Spirit and the science can work hand in hand. So keep praying, keep believing, and keep doing your part. Because when you show up for your growth, you’re showing Jesus that you trust Him enough to move your feet while you ultimately wait for His mighty hand!