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At one time or another, everyone needs or wants to be healed. Divine healing is a miracle God lovingly extends to those who call upon Him. While the Bible is full of examples of healing, the incidents in the Old Testament prove God does not instantly intervene and heal every disease. In the New Testament, during Jesus’ time and during the apostles’ early ministry, tremendous healings took place. Today, healings are not taking place to the same degree.
Many Christians wonder why they aren’t healed and question whether healing really works. Healing does occur today, it just may not happen according to one’s own plan or desire. The apostle Paul lived with a thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7), yet Paul continued in the faith. Why wasn’t Paul healed? Was there a sin that kept God from healing him? No. In Romans 7 Paul exposed his sins of covetousness and his other human frailties. The thorn in Paul’s flesh did not involve sin or he would have disclosed it in this chapter. Did Paul lack faith? No. Even if Paul lacked faith, the lack of faith or of healing isn’t a sin. Healing is a gift from God and as such is not commanded or required.
God knew what was best for Paul. Second Corinthians 12:7, “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh.” While Paul pleaded with God to remove it, the Lord answered him with, “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. This is why for Christ’s sake I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
For those of us suffering with an ailment and are waiting on the Lord for healing, there is no better example of faith or positive attitude to follow than Paul’s. For whatever reason God decided to withhold His blessing of healing of Paul or you, only God knows. God knew what was best for Paul just as He knows what is best for you. Paul’s example teaches that one’s physical weaknesses may be used to successfully build one’s spiritual muscle.
Through the pages of this issue you will receive guidance and read many encouraging stories of hope and healing. Healing may be a single event or a life long process, which will be completed in the Kingdom. My prayer for each of you is, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
Sincerely,
Noni McVey
Editor in Chief
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