Sometimes, the very physical trial we are going through and anxious to get out of is what will bring the emotional or spiritual healing we need. (1 Pet 5:10, Psalm 23:3, Psalm 34:19, Heb 12:1-3, etc). Physical trials, persecutions, and sufferings bring us closer to God, and are also a testimony to others. There are many times where God asks us neither to retreat or to advance, but merely to stand firm and let Him be our Dread Champion. Sometimes, we may not get physical healing in this life, but we know we will have complete restoration when God raises us to eternal life. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah told Nebuchadnezzar " “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” They were not lacking faith or doubting when they mentioned the possibility of God not saving them, rather they were exemplifying complete faith in God's sovereignty and power. It's not faith that "God's going to heal me and change my circumstances and make my life better" that God wants from us, but faith that God has the power and authority to heal. He wants us to trust in His eternal plan (Mark 14:32-36), even if it sometimes brings us sorrow to the point of death. Our circumstances, such as those of Paul or Trophimus or Epaphroditus, might not change on our own timetable [but that's ok!]. Faith in the power of God also places God in sovereign control, so that we know the results are for His glory. This is also a large reason there are more miraculous healings in third world countries and in areas hostile to the gospel than there are in America. When God has displayed ample evidence, further signs are not as necessary. At that point, people need to make a decision, not just crave signs (John 6:1-15 & John 6:25-59, Matt 26:4). God still heals (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) as He loves us and He is not going to keep from us what we need (Luke 11:11-13), and healings bring glory to God. However, it is not always physical healing that we need - sometimes it is repentance, sometimes the refined faith that comes through a physical trial, sometimes the stronger faith & community born in others when they see someone else enduring through a trial, etc.
Grace IN Christ alone saves alone
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Does God heal, and why not?
Sometimes, the very physical trial we are going through and anxious to get out of is what will bring the emotional or spiritual healing we need. (1 Pet 5:10, Psalm 23:3, Psalm 34:19, Heb 12:1-3, etc). Physical trials, persecutions, and sufferings bring us closer to God, and are also a testimony to others. There are many times where God asks us neither to retreat or to advance, but merely to stand firm and let Him be our Dread Champion. Sometimes, we may not get physical healing in this life, but we know we will have complete restoration when God raises us to eternal life. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah told Nebuchadnezzar " “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” They were not lacking faith or doubting when they mentioned the possibility of God not saving them, rather they were exemplifying complete faith in God's sovereignty and power. It's not faith that "God's going to heal me and change my circumstances and make my life better" that God wants from us, but faith that God has the power and authority to heal. He wants us to trust in His eternal plan (Mark 14:32-36), even if it sometimes brings us sorrow to the point of death. Our circumstances, such as those of Paul or Trophimus or Epaphroditus, might not change on our own timetable [but that's ok!]. Faith in the power of God also places God in sovereign control, so that we know the results are for His glory. This is also a large reason there are more miraculous healings in third world countries and in areas hostile to the gospel than there are in America. When God has displayed ample evidence, further signs are not as necessary. At that point, people need to make a decision, not just crave signs (John 6:1-15 & John 6:25-59, Matt 26:4). God still heals (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) as He loves us and He is not going to keep from us what we need (Luke 11:11-13), and healings bring glory to God. However, it is not always physical healing that we need - sometimes it is repentance, sometimes the refined faith that comes through a physical trial, sometimes the stronger faith & community born in others when they see someone else enduring through a trial, etc.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)