Pastor's Column 5/18/2025

PASTOR’S COLUMN

67 “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. 68 You are good , and what you do is good; teach me your decrees…” 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”  Psalm 119:67-68; 71, NIV                                                                   

  “There Is Some Good!”

The very thought of dreaded diseases and illnesses that wreak havoc with our health and living can cause much anxiety. According to the Scriptures, these foreboding infirmities that haunt the human family did not arise until our primal parents disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden.  The Biblical explanation for the origin of sickness, brokenness, disease, and disharmony is the result of sin. Illness has become the price we pay for the disruption of our relationship with the Creator. Yet, we also see in the Scriptures a God of mercy who says to us if we obey His laws and teachings, some illnesses will not destroy us. He says, “I am the Lord who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26, NLT).  As dreaded as sickness is, there always is hope of healing. Jesus reminded the family and neighbors of Lazarus, “This sickness will not result in death.” (John 11:4).   Many of us have seen hope diminished before us, when a loved one’s condition declined, and death occurred. But we also know that for all who share our Christian faith, the cessation of life here, leads to never ending life in eternity. The psalmist found some good and benefit, even  during his infirmity. The illness brought him to a place he needed to be: “closer to God.” Nearness to God gives us strength and revives us. We can learn so much about God, when we’re down. For, as I learned through illness, when you’re down you can look “up” to the source of your strength and healing. In wellness or sickness, knowing God is healing! The power of healng is not merely in us; but it is God working through us that brings Him glory and us healing!  There may be a time we will feel unfairly attacked by some disease or infirmity. But our trust in God who has power over all diseases and illnesses will bring us His healing. This is the confidence we have in God, as did the psalmist.