Spiritual Fortitude in the Midst of a Health Crisis
Job 13:15 (KJV)
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him: but I will maintain mine own ways before Him”
Job 13:15 (KJV)
In the Bible, Job, a man of great faith, endured devastating physical ailments while Apostle Paul pleaded for God to remove his particular thorn in the flesh, but instead of physical healing of his ‘brokenness’ he received a special kind of wholeness: “My grace is sufficient for you,” the Lord told him, “for my power is made perfect in weakness” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV). Paul in full comprehension of God’s will for his life then declared, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (v 10, NIV). Such encouragement is particularly meaningful to those who, despite faith, prayer, and medical intervention, still suffer from chronic diseases.
There are many of us Christians, despite our position in our local church, suffering from some form of degenerative, debilitating, and/or cancerous diseases; however, it should not affect us being effective in Ministry. Research conducted has revealed that many chronic diseases are a result of the consumption of unhealthy foods and no matter how much faith one possesses we simply cannot live as we please, violating the laws of health and still expect to live longer.
Authors, Mark A. Finley and Peter N. Landless of, Health and Hope: Keys to Enriching Your Life’ stated, “Assuming that if you have enough faith your lifestyle choices will make little difference is a misguided presumption that will quickly lead you to end up in the hospital. The idea that faith is some kind of magic cure that makes medical professionals unnecessary is a major misunderstanding. Some people believe that if you go to the doctor for a medical problem you lack faith. They fail to understand that the same God who can heal directly more often guides the skilled medical professionals to accomplish it.” They further stated that “All healing comes ultimately from God. He is the great Healer. But how He heals and whom He uses to accomplish the healing process is up to Him”.
Saints, whatever our medical condition, let us continue to keep our eyes on Jesus, the Author, and Finisher of our faith. Trust Him no matter what decision He makes regarding our state.
Prayers
Heavenly Father, we repent from every sinful attitude, action, or habit of ours which have resulted in (appropriate name of sicknesses) and ask for forgiveness, release, cleansing, and wholeness in our entire anatomy. Many of us who serve in your vineyard have been leading while bleeding. We continuously pray for Your strength and grace to manage despite our weaknesses; particularly when there is no medical cure for our health condition. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen!
Read: Proverbs 3:7-8; 1 Samuel 25:6
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 24:5-14; Philippians 4:2-23; Jeremiah 6; Jeremiah 7:1-29
