What if it takes more faith NOT to be healed?
If you are seriously ill, likely someone told you, “If you have enough faith, you will be healed.” If you are not sick, you probably spoke this sentiment common in Christian circles. But what if it takes more faith NOT to be healed?
Books worth of scriptures are quoted to support this viewpoint. I have faith, I really do. I believe God heals the sick; I have witnessed it firsthand. But I’m still fighting an incurable disease.
2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” NIV
THE HEALER
Early after my diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, I was convinced knowing the Healer far outweighs physical healing. God’s presence is so real and sweet through suffering. Don’t get me wrong, whenever I see flexing cords of lean muscle in a cyclist’s gastrocnemius, I feel a twinge of jealously because I can’t pedal.
Psalm 34:18, “If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.” MSG
THE THORN
I am pretty sure Paul had enough faith to move mountains. Nevertheless, God never removed his “thorn in the flesh” even though he begged for healing three times. Instead, he depended on God for strength and God was glorified. Hmmmm, there’s a thought.
2 Corinthians 12:8, “Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” There fore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.” HCSB
By the way, the Greek word for weakness in this verse is aesthenia. Mya translates muscle and gravis is Latin for severe. Do you think Paul had myasthenia gravis? Whatever his disease, apparently God chose not heal him.
WHY NOT?
If God allows us to be afflicted, He has a purpose. I trust He can bring good from every situation, because He redeems all things. I wouldn’t want to be healed before His divine purposes are accomplished. What if my illness is for someone else’s salvation? Then my healing would result in eternal loss for someone else. It is not worth it.
If God allows pain and suffering, He has a purpose Click To Tweet
2 Corinthians 1:6, “If we are afflicted it is for your comfort and salvation.” HCSB
WHAT KIND OF HEALING?
A common verse quoted to promise healing is found in Isaiah 53, which speaks of Christ’s atonement for our sin sickness. Yeah thanks, I have already been that kind of healed.
Isaiah 53:5, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” KJV
Sometimes He heals us, sometimes He carries our diseases. #faith #healing #rtp Click To TweetMatthew 8:17, ” He Himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases.” HCSB
BELIEVERS GONNA BELIEVE
If I healing happened early in my disease, many would assume my diagnosis was incorrect or my symptoms were not genuine. If I get well now, modern medicine may get the credit. Regardless, doubters gonna doubt. But if I have supernatural peace and joy, the real miracle is obvious.
Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” NIV
I resent these people who rest in the comfort of their faith and say with smug glibness that if only a person in pain would believe a bit more strongly, or pray a little more, the Lord would heal their every wound. I know too many devout believers who remain crippled by their pasts to ever agree with such nonsense. No all I can say for certain is that the Lord has promised us a peace that surpasses all understanding. Even in the midst of our suffering, this peace is promised us. Peace for now, salvation forever. ~Excerpt from Florian’s Gate by T. Davis Bunn, “
I WANT THE FRUIT
The Bible promises God delivers “whatever we ask in His name.” The context of the promise is not in reference to health, wealth or happiness, instead the reference points to spiritual fruit, like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. I want eternal fruit!
John 15:16, “You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so the Father will give you whatever you ask if him in my name.” GNB
WE ALL DIE
I have a terminal illness. Guess what? So do you. All of us are mortal despite our measure of faith. When Adam and Eve broke the one law they were given, death entered this earth. It’s inevitable for every one of us, no matter how much faith we have.
Genesis 22:17, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” KJV
What if it takes more faith NOT to be healed?
Pray for me. Pray I have faith. Pray I am healed, if it is God’s will. Pray I don’t miss the blessings adversity brings. Especially pray for fruit, the good kind, because it matters for eternity.
Powerful!!!I pray Many will come to Christ because of your witness including those I love
I’m praying for you.
Thank you so much
My wife and I pray for you, Dr. Henderson. I have stage 4 CKD and have chosen not to pursue dialysis. I follow your blog faithfully and appreciate your thoughts very much.
I am always greatly humbled by the difficulties others face. God bless you and others through your faith
Because the joy of the Lord is our strength. You are so strong.
I am weak, He is strong!
Wow! This message today is, perhaps, the most powerful of all you have written. Or maybe the Holy Spirit just spoke more loudly to me through this one. Possibly (probably!) I was just listening more closely to Him! Thank you for ALL of your devotions. They are truly a blessing to me.
You delivered four of my seven grandchildren, so you have a special place in my heart.
God bless,
Sharon Wheeler
It was important to me. No one has ever said that to me, but I know others who have been hurt. Thank you and I hope your grandchildren are doing well
First I would remind you that Paul’s affliction was, a messenger of Satan, not an illness.
3 John 2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.” Ephesians1:20-23 Every name that is named , must answer to the name of Jesus. Illness is a name. Mark 11:24 “What things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.” Matthew 16:19 ” And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” What do you want to bind and what do you want to loose? How about binding Satan and his demons, and loosing the angels to go forth? John 14:12-14 “He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do;because I go to my Father. And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
John 14:15-17 ” If you love me, keep my commandments . And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. Even the spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him:but you know Him because he dwells with you, and shall be in you.Mark 10:39 “And Jesus said unto them, you shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall you be baptized.” Jesus was not baptized for the remission of sin, but He was baptized with the Holy Spirit, and this was His power and HE gave you the same power, if you believe, and doubt not in your heart.
Thank you for your thoughts. Suggesting Paul had MG was a little tongue in cheek
Just going by the Word
Thank you Dr. Henderson. Your words are a blessing to me as Dad continues his fight with cancer. Prayers for you.
Keep your eyes on your Heavenly Father, He will take care of your earthly father
Incredible testimony! You have an amazing gift of translating your story and God’s word! I love how you so easily intertwined the two.
Thank you so much
Vickie! I have MG too and loved your blog.
I have had it for 21 years and trust God has a plan.
You echoed my sentiments exactly.
Glad you found me. Only someone who has MG can understand
Vickie, this is just such a fine and open, honest post…very poignant for me. I am afflicted and have asked for healing, but have not been. I have been told I need more faith. I have cried to the Lord. I have also accepted my walk, no matter what, because I am nearer every day to my Lord. You, though, have given me words that make so much sense and gives me such hope that He is using my affliction for His purposes, whatever they may be. I would not want to miss out on His blessings for myself or anyone else. Thank you for pondering this and then expressing it so beautifully.
You are my neighbor at Suzanne’s today and I know that is God’s hand. He knew I needed to meet you and read this. Praising our God.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Great to hear from you. God is so good, my neighbor at Suzie’s had a word for me too. Bless you
Beautiful and powerful… From #livefreeThursday
Thanks so much