“Miraculous healing, to be sure, is as vital a part of Christian ministry today as it was in the first century. Without it the church limps along, lame and leprous. Nevertheless, it is possible to place so much emphasis on a miraculous cure that one completely loses sight of the inestimable worth of patient, faithful endurance of disease. We like to talk about ‘having the faith to be healed,’ but what about having the faith to be sick?”
I ran into two friends from the Atlanta multiple myeloma support group at the hospital this past week. Mary fell outside after church the Sunday following Christmas and broke her pelvis. Despite being in a wheelchair, she still radiated a joyful smile that always encourages others. I’ve known Mary over twelve years and she is a true servant.
Ernestine has been on dialysis for several months as the disease has impacted her kidneys. I just learned that another complication has disabled her from swallowing. I asked how she received nourishment. “Now let me tell you how God is good…” and she recounted the story of receiving a feeding tube. I love Ernestine’s faith. Both these ladies have taught me much about living with grace and courage.
We all need the faith to believe Jesus heals, and when we doubt we should remember the father who asked the Master: “Can you help my son?” Jesus answered, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for one who believes.” The father cried, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
As I sit in waiting rooms with fellow cancer patients, I also know that Jesus can help us endure. The once-athletic man who shuffles by with no energy and less hair needs to know he can make it. The newly diagnosed patient full of fear and worry needs to know that God can give peace. The lady pushing the wheelchair of the father or husband or son needs the strength to persevere in hope. Perhaps we pray best regarding things we have experienced.
Jesus has the best perspective. He has been here and He understands everything we face. Having suffered Himself, He is the best intercessor. As we follow Him this year in loving and serving and praying for others, let’s ask God for healthy perspective and robust faith.
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” I Peter 4:1-2
Quote from “The Gospel According to Job” by Mike Mason, ©1994 by Crossway Books, Wheaton, IL, p 97