This is an article that was written by the General Superintendent of our church organization, David K. Bernard, and published in the Pentecostal Herald. I was so astounded by how much it was so like the note I posted on Facebook a while ago and published in our church newsletter. I am so thankful that the head of our church organization wrote this. So many times people are very judgemental of those who suffer with illness in the church. He really brings it all into perspective and shows biblical principles that many Christians either fail to realize or need reminding of. Here is his reminder.
"God often intervenes miraculously in our lives. Sometimes, however, He allows us to experience a period of trial, suffering, or sickness. In these times, we rely upon His grace to sustain and deliver us. For instance, the Bible teaches us to pray for healing and gives us a promise of healing (James 5:14-16). Yet some New Testament ministers suffered from sickness without receiving immediate healing. (See Philippians 2:25-27; I Timothy 5:23; II Timothy 4:20). These examples demonstrate that Christians sometimes become sick.
We still have mortal bodies and live in a fallen world, so we are not immune from the trials of life. Sickness is not a defeat but an opportunity for healing. Whether we receive instant or gradual healing, we give God the glory. If we suffer for a time before recovery, then we learn patience, trust, and other lessons from God. If we die in faith, as every believer will one day (until the Rapture), we receive complete deliverance in Heaven.
Our faith must rest in god Himself, not in a theology of instantaneous deliverance or healing. Sometimes God does not answer our prayers as we desire or expect; nevertheless we trust in Him. Job affirmed, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him" (Job 13:15). God is not the author of sickness and hardship-human sin brought them into the world-but sometimes He allows us to experience them.
We should not become discouraged when trials come but seek the will of God in them (James 1:2-4). God does not prevent all trials but always provides grace to sustain and deliver us in time of trial (1 Corinthians 10:13).
When King Herod arrested two apostles, one (Peter) received miraculous deliverance while the other (James) was beheaded. The same church prayed for both. We cannot say either the church or James lacked faith; both men lived and died in faith and in God's will.
When Paul was arrested, he was not miraculously delivered like Peter. He did not become bitter against God, nor did he resign himself to his "fate". He endured patiently, prayed for victory, appealed for release, and continued working for God. Ultimately Paul was executed, but in the meantime he witnessed to various leaders, including the emperor, and wrote letters that are now part of Scripture. God's purpose in his trial was greater than Paul could realize at the time; he simply had to live by faith.
Paul also battled "a thorn in the flesh", which was a "messenger of Satan to buffet me". Some think it involved a physical problem; in any case it was opposition from Satan and not God. Three times Paul prayed for deliverance, but God did not answer as he wished. Instead God said, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (II Corinthians 12:7-9).
Faith is not only manifested in miraculous deliverance; faith can be equally seen in patient endurance. Hebrews 11 lists many heroes of faith; some received miracles through faith while others died in faith without receiving a miracle. All obtained God's commendation and serve as role models for us. The three young Hebrews expected miraculous deliverance, "but if not" they were still committed to serving God (Daniel 3:17-18).
We should pray for healing and deliverance. When we pray in faith and live in faith, we will regularly experience God's miraculous power. Most of all, we will realize that God does not always answer as we think but works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28)."
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