“Why won’t God heal you?” These words can sting because they feel like judgement, but I have learned how to answer with bold faith.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Many times I’m asked, “Why doesn’t God heal you?” or “Why does God allow you to be in such pain?”
What happened today, is a good example that. . . Let me tell you one answer to the question, “Why doesn’t God heal you?”
I went to the Department of Motor Vehicles today. I waited two hours for them to complete the transaction in about eight minutes (I ordered a disability license plate). I was very thankful that I was done in time to make it to my chiropractor appointment for an adjustment and treatment.
But the two hours of waiting was not wasted as I talked to several people and shared that I could smile in spite of my pain—because God is good! If I had been “just another person waiting” I don’t think anyone would have talked with me. However, since I was standing and pacing from time to time in the back of the room, people noticed me.
Several standing near by asked if my injury was recent, or how long I’d be on crutches, etc. And questions such as those provided opportunities to talk about how much God cares for me and loves me—and them too.
Seeds were planted today. Wonder who will water and reap?
So, to answer the questions: “Why doesn’t God heal you?” or “Why does God allow you to be in such pain?” here is my answer: Living with chronic pain has provided many opportunities to share that God’s love is real, and that He provided a way of salvation to all who believe. It seems like on the “higher” pain days, I’m given more opportunities to share God’s Gospel with others.
I’m thankful that God’s love and joy is able to shine through the pain and radiate to those around me. And that is in direct relation to all those who pray for me! Thank you for praying! God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
The key to creating a positive day is remembering that God has a specific plan for my life. No matter how I feel or what I’m doing, I have a responsibility to share His love with those I meet.
Prayer: Lord, Your mercy and grace help me each and every day. Even when people ask me, “Why doesn’t God heal you?” shine through me, so that others can see Your love.
About the Author:
Rhonda Sawtelle lives with chronic headaches and pain due to failed back surgery syndrome. Her philosophy is “Create a positive day!” She enjoys watching football, digital scrapbooking, and reading. To read more about how Rhonda creates a positive day, even while living with pain, visit her blog: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com.
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“Why doesn’t God heal you?” Have you ever been asked this directly? How did you respond? Did you get angry, or did you see it as an opportunity to talk about what He has done through your pain? How can you use it as an opportunity to share about the Lord’s goodness, rather than a time to get annoyed the next time this happens?
I love your attitude and the way in which you’re dealing with this. Thanks Rhonda!
Yes, I’ve had more opportunities to witness from my recliner than before when rushing around in the world! I’ve also developed more of a prayer ministry than before!! God is good. It hasn’t been easy, but I “feel” closer to the Lord than ever before. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Kerryn, Thanks for sharing how God has increased your ministry. Prayer is so vital and I too have been able to increase my prayer ministry. God is good all the time! And all the time God is good!
Rhonda
Thank you for sharing your experience.
I have also waited a long time at the DMV for my disability placard.
Later I learned through a friend that if you are a Automobile Club of America ( AAA)
member you can get your placard there also.
I had an opportunity to get a temporary disability placard for my son’s knee injury during
football season. I went to AAA, and had my placard within 10 minutes.
I to have chronic pain that I have had since I was seven, when I was seriously injured, and my parents refused me medical care. Where was God then to stop the bully from hurting me, and to reach his hand down from heaven and make my parents take me to the doctor. No amount of praying or begging worked. Even the church would not help me, the pastor or his wife. I have finally come to grips with the fact that either God is so cruel that he makes me suffer pain everyday of my life since he can help people if he wants, or he just can’t do anything to help anyone including me. Either God hates me or the all the things the bible are false. Thanks so much for the pain, now do you think you could let me die peacefully in my sleep tonight, so I don’t have to wake up maimed, bitter and in pain? Is that to much to ask? Apparently asking to be healed or be allowed medical treatment for to much to ask for from a mericiful God. What would happen if your were not merciful as I am already suffering day in and day out, I don’t see what more you could do to me without killing me, and that would just be merciful.
Dear BOG…..I’m so VERY sorry that you’ve suffered so much in your life & are continuing to suffer! My heart truly goes out to you! I’m especially horrified to hear that there was no help from your church or the pastor & his wife!
I absolutely do NOT have answers to all of your questions. I wish I did, but I’m only human, like you. I’m also too fatigued, so that my body can’t write all that I’d like to say to show my love & concern for you.
All I can say is that I’ve suffered terribly myself today, physically & emotionally, with a trauma in our family today that has devastated me. Somehow in amongst my pain & grief I chose to cry out to God & he calmed me, showed me some verses in the Bible and poured out a peace & comfort…….& even joy that I KNOW only comes from God. One verse was:
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I know that this does not make sense to feel a peace like that, in extreme circumstances! It still surprises me when it happens! People let me down often, but Jesus is always with me & comforting me, when others abandon me. The troubles don’t go, but a peace, comfort & strength comes from God to help me to cope & to smile. My challenge is regularly to take time out to be still & want God to calm me.
I sooooo hope that you will allow Jesus back into your heart. Gentle hugs. I’m praying for you!
Lotsoluv Kerryn
PS. Before I was a Christian I used to get sooooooo mad with Christians telling me that I could experience His peace too!! Now I’m the one probably making you mad!! LOL! I hope not!! Hugs.
Dear Kerryn,
You are such an inspiration to me as are so many others here. Thank you for the encouragement you gave me the other day. I know you know how it is, some days you can read and not be able to reply. But I get so much strength and hope from all of you. And I am so very sorry for what ever trauma you are now going through. But to witness the growth and maturity you are experiencing with our Lord is a blessing to me. It gives me lessons in hope that I strive for in my chronic illness journey! I, too, look for the peace that passes all understanding. I have had glimpses of it, but still have a lot of self improvement work to do in this area. But with maturity brings wisdom which brings His peace and to see that happening in you and others is such a blessing.
And, Bog, I do understand your feelings, been there, felt that. I have no easy answers, either, except that I could not stay in that angry depressed state anymore; I was just so miserable that I now just go minute by minute and say Jesus, help me , help me. I get settled down and become more calm for awhile. It.s a work in progress. I was so sick and tired of being so down all the time, I found Rest ministries and what a blessing. Everyone here is suffering with multiple health problems, emotional , physical, spiritual issues, the whole enchilada. In reading the devotionals and the replies, my heart and soul become connected, long distance, with people I am probably never going to meet in person. But they share their feelings, theirhurts, their triumphs, and their love of God, and I suddenly don’t feel so alone. They love the Lord so much, while enduring in their pain and long suffering. People do let us down all the time, but the courage shown here , the abundance of faith, no matter what, is absolutely amazing. I have a lot of down days like we all do, but there is so much help here that I pray you keep on reading and sharing and don’t give up. I almost did but so glad I am here! It is far from easy but it is doable, one step at a time. Please stay with us here, Bog.
I praise and thank God for these Christian sisters and brothers in my life.
Love and hugs
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