When God Doesn’t Heal Now
By Dennis Edwards
Why don’t we get answers to prayer immediately or in the way we desire? Why does God take so long to answer our prayers? Why aren’t we healed when we pray for healing?
Answer: God may be more interested in the formation of our character than in the instant healing of our bodies. The apostle Paul wrote,
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16–18).
God may consider that the forming of our character and the lessons we are learning are more important than Him instantly and miraculously healing us. He does heal when the conditions are right for the results that He wants to bring. Until then, we have to wait and trust God. The lessons we learn in perseverance can make up for the lack of a physical manifestation of healing. Our transformed character and personality shine forth the interior healing that is taking place.
Martha and Mary were dismayed that Jesus didn’t come immediately and heal their brother when he was sick. Jesus purposely waited until Lazarus was dead. He was doing a bigger miracle and testing the hearts and minds of His beloved followers, Mary and Martha, who then declared in faith that He was the resurrection and the life. God allowed Job to be tested in a like manner. Job passed the test and proclaimed, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15). The Bible says, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Then He called forth Lazarus as a testimony to His healing power and to the promise of His resurrection that was only a few days away.
In His time and according to His will, Jesus will call forth our healing. In the meantime, we will keep on believing and growing in faith and trust, drawing closer to Him day by day.
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations [or various trials]; knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience (James 1:2–3).
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7).
We will not doubt though all our ships “or hopes” come home with broken sails. We know whom we have believed and we are persuaded that He is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him until that day (2 Timothy 1:12).
If He doesn’t heal us now, or even in this life, He will teach us how to endure our difficulties, and make us more than conquerors through Him in whom we have believed and who loves us (Romans 8:37). He will teach us how to bear the pain and smile through our sorrows. Though our hearts or bodies be broken, our faith will be strong as we cling to Him, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
We will trust in Him no matter what happens. We will cling to Him in the good times and in the bad. He loves each of us and is working all things together for our good and will prove His love to us through it all (Romans 8:28). He tells us, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
God bless each one as we cling to Him and that old rugged cross. The symbol of Christianity is a cross, a symbol of suffering. We need to embrace the cross and grow through it. Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). Whether or not we are healed or rescued, whatever happens, let us be a testimony of the love of our wonderful God and Savior. Let us trust Him through it all. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning each one of us (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
May He help us to keep on keeping on, as we wait for that healing or answer to prayer that we are seeking Him for. God is on the throne, and prayer changes things!
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