“Slow To Heal”

Monday, September 19, 2016

For many years I have been disabled with constant pain from osteo-arthritis.  I have asthma and struggle with major depression.  I have pain in my knees, feet, neck, head, spine, etc.  Each day I can barely function, walk, or stand up for very long.  I am 54-years-old and have a lot of fatigue.  I don't have a job because of all the pain and trouble breathing in hot and humid weather.  I feel weak and frail.  I have to be careful how I move, or I might hurt myself.  I move slowly and do everything slowly.  I have prayed to be healed physically, emotionally, and mentally.  What does God think of people who are disabled with pain... people who are sick... who can barely function?  What does God expect me to do in this world... when I can barely get through each day?  Please answer me soon.  Thank you.

Sincerely,
No Stranger To Suffering

Dear No Stranger To Suffering,

Do what you can – and don’t worry about the rest.  God has a lot to say about those who are sick and ill in this life.  Sickness is a result of Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden of Eden (Gen 2:17).  Sickness and pain are not what God wants for us; they are the consequences of our choices.  God will eventually remove all sickness, pain, and death when we get to heaven (Rev 21:4).

When Jesus walked this Earth, He showed constant compassion for the sick (Matt 14:14).  Jesus is the same today, yesterday, and forever (Heb 13:8).  You may never know this side of heaven why it is that you’ve had to suffer, but know that it wasn’t because God doesn’t have compassion.  There is some reason why He has told you “No” when you’ve prayed to get better.  Paul had a physical ailment that he prayed God would remove, and God didn’t give him what he asked for either (2 Cor 12:7-9).  Paul learned to trust in the Lord more because of his illnesses and how dependent it made him.  Your illness has the potential to draw you nearer to God as well.  God only holds us accountable for what we are capable of doing (2 Cor 8:12).  If you are ready to work, but are unable to because of sickness, God understands.  Do what you can: write letters of encouragement to others (1 Thess 5:14), read your Bible for encouragement and comfort (Rom 15:4), continue to go to services when you can because your example will do wonders for others (Heb 10:24-25), and stand fast in your convictions and morals (1 Cor 16:13).  We don’t know how or when, but the Lord will cause your circumstances to turn out for good (Rom 8:28).

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