In Prayer, Part 1 we learned that we need to approach God the way a child approaches his earthly father, with love and respect. We also learned that God sometimes says “wait”, or even “no” to our prayers because He loves us. Part 2, will continue with why God sometimes says “no” when we pray, specifically with healing. In the Bible, there is one passage that heavily supports the fact that God does not always heal us. This passage also gives the reason. II Corinthians 12:7-10 - And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Basically, the Apostle Paul had some kind of physical problem or condition, which he asked God three times to heal him of. Gods reply was a “no”. Why? Because God’s strength was made “perfect” through Paul’s weakness. Whatever Paul’s ‘problem” was, God used it to help Paul proclaim the Gospel more effectively. Paul was a better missionary because of his physical problem.
None of us know the mind of God, why some of us are healed, and others not. Whatever the reason, I love Paul’s response to God telling him “no”. He then glories in his weakness, and embraces it. In fact, Paul says that “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” The power of God rests upon him stronger because of his Infirmity! What if we are the same way? For one, our weaknesses keep us humble, so that God can display His power through us.
Personally, I have seen this in my life, with my handicapped son. God refused to heal him. People claimed my wife and I did not have enough faith. Our son was like this because of our unbelief. It caused a lot of soul searching within myself, and Bible reading. Sincerely, I believed God could, and does, heal. I saw my daughter get healed in a children’s hospital after our church prayed for her. She amazed the doctors. My son has never been healed. However, now I understand why. My son gets excited, beyond description, when it is time to go to church or youth group. He loves Christian music. In fact, he loves Jesus with such a pure, unfettered love, that I often feel ashamed. He is an example to the whole church, demonstrating God’s love. He can’t talk, but he can quote Bible verses (no one has figured that one out) and sing praise songs. God uses my son, to further the Gospel.
Even though God has never answered my prayer to heal him, I keep praying. I understand God is using him in a mighty way, so I do not question our Lord Jesus when the answer is still no. Maybe someday, God will heal him. Either way, I love God, my son loves God, and one day, I will talk to my son in heaven. Of that, I am 100% confident!
Author of Deception of Magic.
Basically, the Apostle Paul had some kind of physical problem or condition, which he asked God three times to heal him of. Gods reply was a “no”. Why? Because God’s strength was made “perfect” through Paul’s weakness. Whatever Paul’s ‘problem” was, God used it to help Paul proclaim the Gospel more effectively. Paul was a better missionary because of his physical problem.
None of us know the mind of God, why some of us are healed, and others not. Whatever the reason, I love Paul’s response to God telling him “no”. He then glories in his weakness, and embraces it. In fact, Paul says that “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” The power of God rests upon him stronger because of his Infirmity! What if we are the same way? For one, our weaknesses keep us humble, so that God can display His power through us.
Personally, I have seen this in my life, with my handicapped son. God refused to heal him. People claimed my wife and I did not have enough faith. Our son was like this because of our unbelief. It caused a lot of soul searching within myself, and Bible reading. Sincerely, I believed God could, and does, heal. I saw my daughter get healed in a children’s hospital after our church prayed for her. She amazed the doctors. My son has never been healed. However, now I understand why. My son gets excited, beyond description, when it is time to go to church or youth group. He loves Christian music. In fact, he loves Jesus with such a pure, unfettered love, that I often feel ashamed. He is an example to the whole church, demonstrating God’s love. He can’t talk, but he can quote Bible verses (no one has figured that one out) and sing praise songs. God uses my son, to further the Gospel.
Even though God has never answered my prayer to heal him, I keep praying. I understand God is using him in a mighty way, so I do not question our Lord Jesus when the answer is still no. Maybe someday, God will heal him. Either way, I love God, my son loves God, and one day, I will talk to my son in heaven. Of that, I am 100% confident!
Author of Deception of Magic.
