For anyone who truly knows God, the question of whether He heals is absurd. Circumstantial evidence, however, suggests that He does not always heal in the same way or timing. Perhaps a more relevant question might be: When and why does God not heal?
It would be presumptuous to expect to answer that question fully. However, Scripture clearly indicates at least some conditions in which God does not, even will not, heal.
Matthew 13:54-58 says, “He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, ‘Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?’ Then they scoffed, ‘He’s just the carpenter’s son. …’ And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. … And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief” (NLT).
From this passage, we see that there are at least three reasons God won’t heal:
» Because of offense against God
» Because of what people are sure they know
» Because individuals refuse to believe.
Instead of embracing what God offered them through Jesus, the people of Nazareth chose to become offended and mocked Him instead. They were so certain they understood who Jesus was that they were blinded to His real identity. By their arrogance, they forfeited the power of God in their midst. The Word says they refused to believe. They refused to need Him.
Need can either humble us or harden us, depending on our willingness to submit to God regardless of whatever “form” His provision takes. When we reject the messenger or the means, insisting instead on our own defined paths, we risk forfeiting God’s healing power in the Son.
Those of us in the Western world run a great risk of being just like the people of Nazareth, thinking we know all about health and healing, and all about when and how God works. If we are not careful, we may find ourselves taking an offended posture against Him, refusing to accept His will or bow in need to His miracles.
The fact is: Jesus does heal. He has the power and the desire. He is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8). However, healing in God’s view may mean a whole lot more than it does in our limited view. We may not understand His purposes or His path, but we can always rely on His steadfast character.
Julie R. Wilson is a Bible teacher and freelance writer and editor living in Lubbock, Texas.
To read and complete a longer version of this Bible study, go to our Web site at seekinggod .charismamag.com.
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