THE SUFFERING OF THE SAINTS

Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  ‎For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory….  (2 Corinthians 4:16-17)

Is healing in the atonement?  Doubtless—every blessing flows to us from that crimson stream of Calvary.  One dimension of our redemption is a new body.  That awaits the resurrection, however.  Romans 8:23 promises, “Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”  I would not deny that miracles take place today and extraordinary healings are experienced.  God is still God, and does what He wishes.  That is different than turning Him into a cosmic errand boy to serve my desires.  To dictate to the Sovereign Lord and demand healing is a blasphemous role reversal.

Many godly people suffer enough without some self-appointed theologian coming on TV and declaring their problem is they don’t have enough faith to receive their healing.  Now, the physical affliction of the saint compounds by the mental anguish of guilt.

Paul was an instrument God used to bring miraculous healings to some—but not all.  “Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.”  (2 Tim.4:20).  Why didn’t you send him an anointed prayer cloth for a donation Paul?  Neither did the Apostle receive his healing though he asked three times (2 Cor.12:7-10).  We do not know specifically what the condition was, and it is possible that this was not a disease, but some other trial.  That pain was caused is clear and despite the prayers of faith, God chose not to remove it.

History is filled with spiritual giants who suffered greatly.  Moses had a speech impediment; Job suffered agonizingly; Timothy had stomach problems—and the list could go on with Amy Carmichael, blind Fanny Crosby, John Newton, Spurgeon, Joni Eareckson Tada, and many more.  Examine the lives of all God has used mightily and you will see a dark thread of suffering—tears and tragedies—woven into the fabric of each.  The health, wealth, and prosperity preachers of today are not worthy to untie the shoes of these anointed afflicted.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 that pain produces a greater glory.  If we want glory, we must endure suffering—the cross precedes the crown (2 Tim.2:12; Rom.5:3-5; 8:18).  Should we then rate our faith as substandard because we don’t get our miracle?  Examine Hebrews 11:33-40.  Following a roll call of those who saw the miraculous were those who suffered the grievous—and ALL are extolled as heroes of faith!

So, are you sick?  Try to get well!  Ask God to heal you.  Go to the doctor.  Take some medicine.  You will be well someday—even if it awaits that Eternal Day.  If God chooses to permit the pain, then know there is a purpose in it, and that the suffering of the saints will only enhance the future glory.  “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  (2 Cor.12:10)  Don’t lose heart!  Press on to glory!