Biblical Answer

Healing in the face of suffering can be a complex and multifaceted issue. On one hand, many people seek to alleviate their pain through various means, such as exercise, support from loved ones, and prayer. However, when these efforts do not yield the desired results, it can be tempting to question God's plan and purpose. This was the case for me, where I initially held a faulty theology of suffering, believing that God's desire for me was to heal me. However, as I delved deeper into Scripture, I began to understand that God's sovereignty and plan for my life were not necessarily tied to my physical healing. In fact, Jesus Himself did not heal Timothy immediately when he was ill, but rather told him to drink a little wine for his stomach and frequent ailments (1 Tim. 5:23). This teaches us that God's way of working is not always immediate or predictable, and that He may choose not to heal us in the way we desire.

But what about the role of prayer in healing? The Bible teaches us that prayer is a powerful tool in the face of suffering, and that God can and does heal in response to our prayers. In James 5:14-15, we are instructed to call upon the elders of the church to pray over us when we are sick, and to anoint us with oil in the name of the Lord. This is not a guarantee of physical healing, but rather a means of seeking God's presence and power in our lives. Moreover, the Bible teaches us that we are not to question or doubt God's plan when we are healed, but rather to give Him the glory for His work in our lives. As the apostle Paul wrote, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Cor. 4:7). In other words, our suffering and limitations are not a hindrance to God's power, but rather a means of showcasing His glory in our lives.

So how do we start to heal in the face of suffering? The answer is not to try to fix or heal ourselves, but rather to be with Jesus. This means pausing throughout our days to turn our hearts toward Him in silent prayer and love. It means seeking His presence and power in our lives, even when we are struggling with pain and uncertainty. As we do this, we begin to experience a deeper level of healing, not necessarily in our physical bodies, but in our hearts and souls. This is the kind of healing that brings us closer to Jesus and enables us to live a life that reflects His values and teachings. It is a healing that is not just about alleviating our pain, but about becoming a saint, a person who is transformed by the power of God and lives a life that is truly life.