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We have many (and I mean many) friends and family that are dealing with some serious health issues right now. I know that some of you who read this blog also deal with chronic health issues. I don't have any answers, but I thought I would post some Scriptures that I find encouraging. I believe that God's Word increases our faith and strengthens our prayers.“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name." Psalm 147:3-4
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord." Jeremiah 30:17
“I am the LORD, who heals you." Exodus 15:26
“This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.” II Kings 20:5
“O LORD, my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.” Psalms 30:2
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” Isaiah 58:8-9 (my personal favorite).
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.” Matthew 4:23-24
“Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." Matthew 8:7
“She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment. Matthew 9:21-22
“And wherever he went--into villages, towns or countryside--they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.” Mark 6:56
“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.” Acts 3:16
I've been thinking about suffering and healing a lot. I believe that God can and does heal. I've seen it happen. Yet, I've never heard a good explanation for why we must suffer - a fallen world, to learn obedience, punishment for sin - I'm sure you have heard all of these. Some even have some root in Scripture. Still, when you watch a friend suffer with the horrendous pain that comes from a terminal illness, none of them make sense, at least not to me. God and I have had some heated conversations about this type of suffering. He never gave me the answer I thought I was looking for. But, I am learning this, we never suffer alone. Christ, the Suffering Servant, suffers with us. I struggle with suffering, yet I don't need to have all the answers right now. Struggling with God is wrestling with Good Company. I'm certain that our wrestling match will lead to a greater understanding of who God is, and who I am in Him. For now, I take comfort in knowing that Christ is present.
13 comments:
Cheryl,
Thanks for your post on suffering - and for the comforting verses. Your blog is very timely, because right now, I'm having some pains and am nervous and will be going to have them checked out.
God has made an organized world, and set it into motion. God has created His world with Laws which cannot be broken. The law of gravity, for example allows us to live in this world with the assurance that what goes up, must come down. We would not expect otherwise. Praise God for His goodness, and creating laws that govern our lives. Believe me, I still struggle with questions....
I recently had a dear Aunt & Uncle killed while they were riding their motorcycle - by a drunk driver. This confirms that - the wages of sin is death. Not their sin - but the one who was sinning. There are as many different scenarios as there are people, but in my A & U accident, we were all comforted in the fact that they were saved, and it was a good time for them to go. In fact, even more good came from this story in the fact that our large familiy's estrangements are now worked out and reconciled. God works in mysterious ways.
But more than anything. God has made a way for us to love and follow Him, and He's promised us an even better life with Him in Heaven!!! The Perfect World!!!
My wife Ann has been in a wheelchair for over a year now and I often think about the subject of your post.. and I often wrestle in prayer about miracles and healing. Here are a few posts that I have written on the topic:
++ Healing and Chronic Illness
++ Healing and the Will of God
Shalom, Bob
Wow, what a blessing to read that post. Praise God that I am healthy, but since you and I run in some of the same circles I share your grief over our friends who are hurting. I loved reading those verses though. I read them each and then read them again.
It is no match for scripture to be sure, but I thought I might repay you a little for the comfort with the lyrics from one of my favorite little obscure Paul Simon songs. For some reason, it speaks to me:
"Here I am Lord, knockin at your place of business but I know...
I know I ain't got no business here
But You said if I ever got so low I was busted....
You could be trusted."
Take care and thanks for checking in on me when I disappeared there for a while.
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
1Peter 5:10-11 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever.
Cheryl,
The subject of suffering is avoided today. But the reality is there are only two types of people, those who are hurting and those who will be hurting.
Dear Cheryl,
This is the first time I've read your blog. What a wise woman you are! God has blessed you with a "joy in the journey" attitude, while still being able to consider the tough stuff of life. Thank you for constantly inviting Jesus in to whatever you do. You inspire me! I've missed seeing you recently. I hope the kids are all well now. You are in my prayers. Love, Dawn
Paul - I'm sorry that you are in pain and I will be praying about your doctor's visit. If you don't mind, keep us updated on what to pray for. I am also sorry to hear about your aunt and uncle and will pray for their family as well. Thanks for your comments. As I was reading them, I was reminded of II Corinthians 5:1-10. God Bless You!
Bob - Thanks for the links, I will check them out! I always appreciate your honesty and the loving way that you approach difficult topics.
Josh - I'm glad you were in the neighborhood and that you were encouraged! We are praying for your mom and dad. Thanks for the lyrics, loved them!
Cindy - Thanks for the Scriptures my sister! You have been through a lot in the past few years and I know that you don't share them lightly. I'm praying for you and thankful to have you in my life. I love you!
Dawn - Thanks for the kind and encouraging words. I have missed talking and praying with you, we need to do something about that before we leave. See you soon!
Cheryl,
Thanks for your prayers. I am much better and much relieved since my visit. Little did I know, but that a prayer chain was being lifted up for me - even while I was at the Dr. Turns out I was having problems with Plurisy - and not heart related. I've been told that the pain is somewhat similar. So before I knew what it was, I was very afraid!
Thanks for the verse too! It is a great reminder that we definitely have something better to look forward to. Thanks for the blessing.
thank you for the great scripture - you must have fluttered many angel wings while searching for just the right ones - over the years i've learned that focusing on truth revealed makes contending with the mystery a bit easier - much like you have done in the post by pulling truth from scripture and ending with the presence of Christ.
Really enjoyed reading your post.
Great verses, my little girl is struggle with some health issues too.
http://theblogofnancy.blogspot.com/2008/12/dear-blog-friends.html
where are you friend? I hope all is well with you and yours!!!!
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