"Now Isaiah had said, “Have them take a cake of figs and rub it [as an ointment] on the inflamed spot, that he may recover.”Isaiah 38:21
For many, a visit to the doctor’s office is not very high on the list of favorite places. For most, it is a necessary routine to ensure our bodies are functioning properly and to identify potential risks. Unfortunately, for others, it is a last resort for ongoing medical issues. There’s also a group that steers clear of any medical treatment altogether in pursuit of “faith healing”. Faith healing entails health through one’s religious beliefs and prayer. It’s closely related to divine healing. The primary difference between the two is that faith healing derives its power solely from the individual’s belief or from the person praying. Unlike divine healing, God’s power is the source of healing.
I believe God is the source of all healing, whether it’s a miracle from divine healing or orchestrated through medical science. Jesus’ statement in Matthew 9:12 affirms that God is not opposed to healing through medical science. Proverbs 2:6 teaches that all wisdom comes from God, including any medical advancements in the treatment of the body and the mind. This truth aids our understanding that God is not only the source of divine healing but also of healing accomplished through natural means. We see in Isaiah 38:21 that God employs both natural means and divine healing to cure King Hezekiah of his terminal illness. The ointment made from figs would have been useless without God’s power,
In my own medical challenges, particularly the glaucoma in my right eye, my prayers ranged from restored eyesight to maintaining the current vision. I was determined not spend the remaining days dependent upon prescribed drops and subject to very concerning side effects. In my quest, on two occasions, I underwent surgery to lower the pressure in both eyes. However, the last surgery was not as successful as the first. During my last visit to the doctor’s office, as the doctor relayed her concerns and the benefits of drops, I began seeking God’s guidance. Knowing my desire was not aligned with His will, God helped me to yield to His will for my healing. Before the doctor had finished speaking, I interrupted to say, “Let’s give the drops a try.” I was just as surprised as my doctor, who has been on this journey with me. Now, like Paul, I still believe in miracles but understand God has the final say in choosing how to bring about the various healings in one’s life.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
“God help us choose your way to take the sting out of offenses by choosing to forgive.”_ASA
Chronicles of ASA 