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April 23, 2008
In Pastor's Words
Can Blessing Really Be Found in Illness?
Almost no one wants to be sick. In fact, a major goal in almost everyone’s life is to keep our health as good as it can be. We spend a small fortune on health insurance, drug stores carry thousands of prescription and over the counter health care products, and we are reminded so often through the media that we are an overweight nation that needs a lot more exercise than we are getting. Despite all of this, we do get sick, our bodies do wear out, and there are times when we feel so “under the weather” we may wish we would expire than to go through prolonged pain, discomfort or disability. Can those times be of any benefit or blessing to us? Can we find something good or learn some lesson in periods of physical trial?
Even in those times when we feel the worst, some lesson can be learned and some blessing found that will encourage our hearts. Sickness certainly is a trial and James encourages his readers, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2,3). Even Paul, when requesting healing, found this response from God: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (1 Cor. 12:9). Though the water may be deep and the fire of trials may be hot, God reminds us, “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, O Jacob (put your name there), he who formed you, O Israel (put your name there): ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have summoned you by name; you are mine’” (Isaiah 43:1).
Here are some blessings you can count on in times of illness: 1) It can awaken us to the sweetness of Scripture (Psalm 119:50, 71, 92, 143), 2) It can drive us to prayer (Isaiah 38:1,2), 3) It can deepen the prayer lives of others (James 5:13-15), 4) It can lead us to spiritual self examination (Psalm 119:67), 5) It can humble our souls (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), 6) It can develop the qualities of patience and endurance in us (James 1:2-4), 7) It can develop maturity in our lives (Romans 5:1-5; Isaiah 48:10; Hebrews 2:10; 1 Peter 1:6-8), 8) It can enable us to empathize and comfort others who will later got through similar trials (2 Corinthians 1:3), 9) It can heighten our desire for heaven (Job 19:25-29), 10) It can provide an opportunity for us to witness to others (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), 11) God will be glorified (John 11:4; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
Whatever illness you’re facing today or will face, be encouraged that God can bring blessing through it.
Pastor Ralph Partelow
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at April 23, 2008 11:50 AM