Chronic Illness, Healings and Miracles
Dealing with sickness, chronic pain and illness as a Christian can be an interesting dilemma. As Believers, we must constantly hold onto the two tensions of trusting in God, having hope for redemption that one day all tears and pain will be removed, yet live in the present reality that we are in a broken, fallen world that is under the weight of suffering and unanswered questions. As humans, we should be no stranger to these circumstances. In fact, the Bible promises that we will have to endure difficult situations, and that these circumstances would create steadfast character, endurance and faith if we allow them to. In the body of Christ, the Bible also says that we are called to lay hands on the sick and believe for healing for our brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 6:18). But, what if the answer doesn’t come? What if we pray for 20, 30 or 40 years for the promise, but it doesn’t come in the way we thought or expected?
My story
For 20 years, I have been dealing with severe chronic back pain that has often crippled me. I absolutely love being active outdoors, exploring nature, traveling and try to live life to the fullest, but sometimes my body limits me of what I can do. I can’t go to football games, because I know I won’t have full back support, and I can’t stand very long at concerts, so I have to be “that person” and sit on the floor surrounded by a crowd of people. These are just a few examples. My knees have also given out on multiple occasions on top of mountains and that always creates a fun adventure in trying to hike down with busted knees. (No one likes to share that cute photo on Instagram!).
To make things even worse, six years ago out of nowhere, I also developed an autoimmune disorder that basically makes me feel like there is burning sulfur running through my veins all day, everyday. My body breaks out into hives, 24/7. It is by far, one of the most agonizing and uncomfortable feelings on the planet. If I forget to take my medication, I feel like I am in hell. Even as I write this — even under medication, I can feel the pain seeping through my veins and skin. OUCH! After numerous tests, doctors don’t know the trigger and is something I must live with until I figure out what is causing it. I guess that is why they call it an autoimmune disorder…
For years, I have asked, pleaded and begged God to answer my request and heal my body from these ailments so I can live in peace and not be in pain for 20 YEARS! WOW! That is a long time of praying! There have been times when I have given up hope and grown frustrated. There are times when I have prayed for more faith when I have doubted Him and His goodness and wondered why God hasn’t allowed me to be healed but has healed the person next to me instead. Maybe you can relate. Yet, every time there is an invitation to be healed at church, I raise my hand, because I know God still heals today and I never want to give up hope that one day I could possibly be healed from the pain that I experience. As a Christian, I believe in God, His supernatural power, provision and miracles. I have seen revival, miracles and unexplainable signs and wonders happen that you would blow your mind. There is no doubt in my mind; God still performs miracles today and He is still moving across the earth. But still, in the same breath, it is clear, God does not always operate the way we want or expect Him to. If that were the case, certainly, the world would be a much different place, wouldn’t it? I have seen both loved ones die and recover from terrible diseases, experienced great loss and answered prayers. As a leader in the church who has sang songs about miracles, signs and wonders and contended for the body of Christ, it is a difficult tension to carry and I sympathize greatly with those who have yet to see the promise come to pass on this side of Heaven. I empathize too great for words! If you are currently struggling with an unanswered prayer, find yourself tired, weary and worn out, I want you to know that you are seen, known, loved and not forgotten. I know all too well the pain of celebrating victory and mourning loss all in the same week. You may have heard the cliche saying “God works in mysterious ways.” Although that phrase can be used too often for sensitive situations in my opinion, there is an element that is true in that. We don’t always get to see how or if He is working, but He is, it just may not look the way we desired it.
The Good far outweighs the Bad
Through that veil of tension, I have met God, His strength and provision over my life. It is through the lens of suffering that we can truly know what it means to lean on God, even when the answer doesn’t come when we thought it would and in the way we want. It has produced a steadfast spirit within me, to keep pressing on, in prayer and faith to encourage others. I have seen God use me through my own weaknesses than I could have never imagined — even when I have been in pain. It is in our weakness, when we become strong. Paul, too, had to deal with an unspecified weakness that he begged God to take it away on several occasions. Yet, it was through His reliance on God and His power, that God was able to use Paul far beyond what he was capable to do on his own.
2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
It is through our own weakness, whether that is mental, emotional, spiritual or physical, that God can use people for his glory. Paul realized this and took the chance to boast about God in the middle of his own struggles. Paul went on to be one of the most prolific writers, apostles and missionaries in the New Testament that has impacted the world.
When the Answer Hasn’t Come
If you are reading this and your prayer has yet to be answered, I would like to share with you a few truths that I have learned along the way to encourage you:
1. Our Suffering Produces Endurance
Romans 5:3-5 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Be encouraged, that our suffering is always a “win win” situation. If we are willing, any trial that we face can always work for the benefit and strength of our character, and character is what sustains us through life’s toughest battles. We can choose to not allow our circumstances to create a victim mentality, but a victor mentality. This can create a perseverance in us that will sharpen our character as gold to encourage others who may be struggling in similar situations.
2. Our Hope belongs to Jesus, Not the Outcome
“For the believer, there is hope beyond the grave, Because Jesus Christ has opened the door to heaven for us by His death and resurrection.” – Billy Graham
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Because we believe in Jesus, we can look forward to the day when there will be no more tears, pain or anguish. As Christians, we must have a mindset that understands Earth is temporal and Heaven is eternal. This pain won’t last forever. This should give the Believer great hope and great assurance!
3. Don’t Stop Praying
As Believers, we are called to pray without ceasing and to lay hands on the sick for ourselves and others. It is powerful to come alongside one another as a community to contend for those who are in need. These motivational acts of love point people directly to a God of grace and healing, who so willingly gave His life for our suffering and sin. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:14 to “purse love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts (including healing), especially that you may prophesy”. Praying for healing is powerful because it points to Jesus and His love.
As Jimmy Seibert from Antioch Community Church in Waco recently said in one of his sermons, “We aren’t the determiners of outcome but facilitators of Grace.” It is through God, not our human hands, that we can become whole and healed. He has already done the hard work for us, we just have to be willing! Our job as Believers, are to point people to Jesus, and prayer is a powerful tool and weapon in the kingdom of God to encourage not only ourselves but His people!
Maybe you find yourself like me, still waiting on a 20 year old prayer to be answered. Maybe you find yourself tired and given up hope. I pray that you are encouraged today with new strength and endurance. That you would know God is using our situations for our good and His glory. Believer, don’t give up Hope. He has a plan for your life and He will be sure to see it through, you have His word and He is faithful to His promises.