Certain Christians are very adamant in their beliefs that healing is provided to believers in the crucifixion of Christ Jesus. The Apostle Paul was not healed. We have some believers contending God will answer any prayer if we pray hard enough.
Mind you that Paul was a man of prayer, and a loyal servant of God. He did not lack any confidence whatsoever, and yet he was not healed. 2nd Corinthians 12:7-9 “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Notice the same concern is in the Book of Philippians 2:25-27 “I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker…and your messenger and minister to my need for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.”
What can we learn from these passages?
Paul’s admonition is that Christians can suffer difficulties and sickness, without the cause being attributed to sin, or lack of faith. In these verses, the context is that God had a purpose in allowing Paul’s suffering.
How exciting to have a loving and true living God who is not cold to His children when they are experiencing bad health. When we experience hardships and difficulties, remember God does have a good purpose in view. However, if it is not related to physical ailments, when we are weak expect God to demonstrate his power in and through us. Our prayers should be let Christ be manifested in us.
George L. Arroyo