“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
Our theology – or belief system – is important, because it impacts the way we respond to life. If our thoughts aren’t grounded in Reality, when Reality then comes and slugs us between the eyeballs, we’re going to get our world rocked.
Next, we’ll collapse into despair, anger, or doubt – usually against God. When all the while, these dark emotions wouldn’t be there, or wouldn’t be as strong, is we just thought properly and biblically to begin with.
Too many Christians in America have a very inadequate theology of suffering, and nested within those faulty beliefs are thoughts related to sickness and health.
In college, I went to a church that promoted what is sometimes called the “health and wealth” gospel – the idea that God’s will is for my perfect health and prosperity, and if I merely exercise enough faith in what God wants for me, then I’ll receive it.
Too many Christians in America have a very inadequate theology of suffering, and nested within those faulty beliefs are thoughts related to sickness and health.
To this day, churches that promote this idea bust at the seams because the message seems so “positive” (in comparison to those churches which teach such dreary concepts as “sin” and “crosses” and “repentance”).
But more so, the churches of these “faith preachers” are packed, and their books sell, because there will always be sick and poor people who are desperate for a quick fix. For every person who eventually drops out of the church because they learn that life on this side of heaven doesn’t work the way the preacher tells them, there’ll be ten more to take their place.
In my case, I had a severe skin disease called psoriasis which was a living contradiction to my college church’s unbiblical theology. I exercised “faith”, even going so far as to throw away my medicines. I fasted. I prayed. I memorized dozens of verses that spoke of healing. And nearly ended up in the hospital because my plaque-covered body swelled up with an infection.
My “healing” came only when I gradually got my theology in line with what the Bible really teaches. That yes, there are wonderful occasions where God does heal on this side of heaven.
My “healing” came only when I gradually got my theology in line with what the Bible really teaches.
And yes, God in his heart of hearts is a healer, who is determined to one day heal not only my lowly body, but the entire Cosmos.
But no, not all diseases will be healed here and now. (For sometimes God uses my body’s very weaknesses to show his power in a way that wouldn’t happen otherwise.)
And no, disease and death should never turn me away from God in anger or doubt, but drive me deeper into his loving embrace.
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