This week begins a series on healing. The first lesson is about hindrances to healing. Specifically, impediments to God blessing us as He desires to do.
In Greek the word for whole means complete in every part, perfectly sound. It is God's desire that we be whole. Healing is for everyone but it can come in different ways for different reasons. For non-believers, it does God no good to heal the body and watch their souls go to Hell. For these, He will perform miraculous things that they might believe. For believers He heals us like any good father who wants to bless His children.
Blessings vs miracles? Is there a difference? Our pastor explained that yes there is a difference. Remember, God is not in the business of making life on Earth better so we will like it better here. His main driving force for everything He does for us is to reestablish the right relationship with mankind that was broken when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. What does it prophet a man to live longer on Earth only to still find himself damned to Hell? I suggest that God's miracles are so the lost will come home.
So then what about believers? He is our Father in Heaven and He wants us to prosper and succeed. He heals us because He loves us and wants us to have His blessings.
Why are some non-believers healed while a believer dies of the same illness? That question has caused more then one disagreement among people much smarter then myself over the centuries. I believe Pastor Stan put it in the most straight forward terms I have ever heard. He said, "God will not do the impossible until we do the possible." God is sovereign, He does not get it wrong or make mistakes. Nothing gets by Him or escapes His grip. There will always be death and illness in the world until we join Him in paradise.
However, it is God's will that His people would receive healing and the lost would be reunited with Him. In order for us to receive that blessing from our Heavenly Father, we must first do what we can. For example, the man with diabetes who is 50 pounds over weight praying for God to heal him, but washes down his doughnut with a coke. Get off the couch and go for a walk. Take better care of yourself. Do the possible, so that God can do the impossible.
Then Peter opened [his] mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality" Acts 10:34
God is not a respecter of persons but He is a respecter of faith. Also, God is not moved by need, but He is moved by faith. Faith, our faith is what He respects and what motivates Him to action.
But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
If all healing starts with faith, and if you have not received healing, instead of asking God why He hasn't healed you start by asking yourself "what is possible?". Do your part to care for yourself and grow your faith and trust God to do His part in His time. Many people who read this may be hurting or fighting a chronic disease, it is not our place to question God's timing or motives. We simply must do the possible and let God do the impossible.
Be blessed and be healed!
Recommended reading: Mark 5
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