Quote:
Originally Posted by OneAccord
I thought about posting something on this subject- but, well, recent events might color my opinions to a degree. But I will say this... while my wife was in the hospital where she was operated on for a brain tumor, I really needed an encouraging word. Something to bolster my faith and spirits. Then I found a Gospel Tract written by an Apostolic preacher on the subject of Divine Healing. Just what I needed. Or so I thought.
One paragraph was dedicated to the promises of God to heal the sick. The rest of the tract was assessing blame on the sick for their sickness. Yes, sin can and does cause sickness. But sickness, like death, is a part of living. However, sickness doesn't always have to have a reason. Sometimes, it just is. So, instead of playing "pin the tail on the donkey", so to speak, we should be doing what Jesus said to do, healing the sick. And THAT is one reason for sickness that is carefully avoided. James urged the sick to call on the elders of the church. ( James 5:14). Jesus said that believers would lay hands on the sick and they would recover. ( Mark 16). He also said Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Mat 17:21 Instead of blaming the sick for their problems, maybe we should look at ourselves as part of the problem. Have WE paid the price for the Miracle-working Power of God? |
I appreciate this post. When I read this thread, I immediately thought of Sister Priscilla McGruder who is now going through cancer again! Other than my mother, I have not known a more godly woman in my lifetime. Talk about a prayer warrior. Talk about spiritual! When they do concerts, you can walk into the dressing room, and there will be other women arranging hair, putting on make-up, etc., but Sister McGruder will be curled up in the corner praying. (Not that there's anything wrong with fixing your hair--but its just that she prepares a little differently than others.)
I know too many wonderful saints of God who have suffered and died to say that it is because of sin, or even a lack of faith. My own father died after a long illness, and even while he was sick he prayed for others and they were healed (me included), but yet God never healed
him of his disease. I do believe God gave him strength on many occasions.
Again, I do agree that sin and sickness may be connected--sometimes--but more often, sickness is just part of life, and God does not always choose to heal us or deliver us from our pain.
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