There are currently many people around me suffering from sickness, be it in the family, among relatives, friends, brethren or acquaintances, as well as among colleagues at work.
Sadly, illnesses have existed for a very long time and are also part of the consequence of sin, which began with Eve choosing to eat the forbidden fruit. Satan’s direct involvement can of course also be responsible for illnesses. We read Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:7: “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.” Paul suffered from some kind of illness that is not described here in detail.
Job also had to suffer much, albeit because of his arrogance, through a direct attack by Satan. We can see from Job 1:6-12 that whatever Satan attacks always turns into evil. Verse 12 confirms that its outcome is in Satan’s hands: “The LORD said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands…’” (New International Version). But Satan can only work to a certain extent, and we read this in the same verse as follows: “… only do not lay a hand on his person.”
Leprosy is a very serious disease. It is said that leprosy is one of the oldest known diseases and has been described for around 4,000 years. Because of the distinctive skin lesions, the disease became known as leprosy. We read about it for the first time in Leviticus 13:1-3. Whether this disease has been brought under medical control is highly questionable.
Many of our brethren also suffer from a wide variety of diseases, such as cancer, which comes in many different forms. Others have been suffering for years from diabetes or severe back pain, knee and hip problems, allergies and so much more. My wife suffers from many different illnesses. I personally suffered from a pulmonary embolism caused by thrombosis. Initially, I had to take a blood thinner from the pharmaceutical industry, which unfortunately had countless side effects. But through the advice of endearing brethren, I was able to use natural remedies made from plants created by God, which, with God’s help, meant that firstly, I no longer needed thrombosis stockings and secondly, the blood clot was able to dissolve.
God has created all kinds of plants and herbs to heal many diseases. The Bible gives us a glimpse that there were physicians in both the Old and New Testaments (compare Genesis 50:2 and Colossians 4:14). Although the Bible does not mention much about healing with herbs or other natural substances, there are some accounts, and we may assume that competent physicians made use of natural remedies or ointments and oils.
Isaiah 1:6 records that ointments were used for relief. Luke 10:34 shows that oil and wine were used to disinfect and treat wounds. Treatment with natural eye salve and balm was also known (compare Jeremiah 8:22 and Revelation 3:18). We also read about a poultice made of figs for boils to induce healing (compare Isaiah 38:21). In the future, leaves from all kinds of fruitful trees will also be used as healing medicines (compare Ezekiel 47:12).
It is even claimed that pomegranates can cure many different cancers, but they are also said to be very helpful for healing wounds. And there are over thousands of different plants and herbs that can help.
God has brethren ordained as ministers, including for the purpose of anointing the sick with oil for healing. Now, of course, the oil has no healing effect in this respect; it is symbolic of the Holy Spirit of power, through which God brings about healing. Although complete healing does not always occur immediately, we know that it is up to God’s Will how and whether He will heal someone later, today, or in the near future.
You might ask yourself: “Why do I have to suffer so much, even though I pray so often for healing, have faith in healing, or even fast for it?” Paul received his answer from Christ after he had prayed to Him three times for healing: “And [Christ] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
God could, of course, deliver us from all our sickness and pain in the blink of an eye, but if this doesn’t happen, then God has chosen to wait a little longer, and whatever His motives are, we will find out in due time. As long as we are not healed of our sicknesses, patience and perseverance are another test for us.
We must not let up, give up, or doubt that God will help. James 5:13-15 tells us: “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
But James 1:6-8 also admonishes us: “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Everything comes from God. Only, we need to have faith and trust in Him.
(Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger)
