Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, sickness is often portrayed as a condition that affects humanity due to the fallen nature of the world. However, the recovery from sickness is frequently attributed to the divine intervention and mercy of God. Throughout Scripture, saints and faithful individuals consistently recognize and ascribe their healing and recovery to the power and grace of God.Old Testament Examples 1. Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery: King Hezekiah's experience is a profound example of attributing recovery to God. When Hezekiah fell gravely ill, the prophet Isaiah informed him of his impending death. In response, Hezekiah prayed earnestly to the Lord, who heard his plea and granted him an additional fifteen years of life. Hezekiah's recovery was directly ascribed to God's intervention. In Isaiah 38:20 , Hezekiah declares, "The LORD will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the house of the LORD." 2. Job's Restoration: The account of Job is another testament to God's role in recovery from sickness and suffering. After enduring severe trials, including physical afflictions, Job's fortunes were restored by God. Job 42:10 states, "After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his prosperity and doubled his former possessions." Job's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and mercy is evident throughout his narrative. New Testament Examples 1. The Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood: In the New Testament, the account of the woman who suffered from a bleeding disorder for twelve years is a powerful illustration of faith and divine healing. Upon touching the hem of Jesus' garment, she was immediately healed. Jesus attributes her recovery to her faith, saying in Mark 5:34 , "Daughter, your faith has healed you; go in peace and be free of your affliction." 2. The Raising of Lazarus: The resurrection of Lazarus is a profound demonstration of Jesus' power over sickness and death. When Lazarus fell ill and died, Jesus raised him from the dead, showcasing the glory of God. In John 11:4 , Jesus states, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." Theological Reflections The consistent theme throughout Scripture is the recognition of God's sovereignty and compassion in the healing process. Saints and believers are encouraged to seek God in times of illness, trusting in His ability to heal and restore. The act of ascribing recovery to God is an acknowledgment of His ultimate authority over life and health. This perspective is rooted in a deep faith that God is both willing and able to intervene in the lives of His people, bringing about healing according to His divine will and purpose. Practical Implications for Believers For contemporary believers, the biblical accounts of healing serve as a reminder to maintain a posture of faith and gratitude. In times of sickness, prayer and reliance on God's power are encouraged, with the understanding that recovery, whether through natural means or miraculous intervention, is ultimately a gift from God. The testimonies of saints who have experienced divine healing inspire believers to trust in God's goodness and to give Him glory for their recovery. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 38:20The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Last, and the Last First The Life of Cassian. The First Book Translated from Latin of Rufinus. The Tabernacle of the Most High An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... part i Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 Resources Is it sometimes God's will for believers to be sick? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is kingdom theology? | GotQuestions.org Why does God allow birth defects? | GotQuestions.org Sickness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sickness: Christ Compassionate Those In Sickness: Christ Healed by Imposition of Hands Sickness: Christ Healed with a Touch Sickness: Christ Healed with a Word Sickness: Christ Healed: Being Present Sickness: Christ Healed: Not Being Present Sickness: Christ Healed: Through the Touch of his Garment Sickness: Faith Required in Those Healed of, by Christ Sickness: God: Abandons the Wicked To Sickness: God: Comforts Saints In Sickness: God: Exhibits his Love in Healing Sickness: God: Exhibits his Mercy in Healing Sickness: God: Exhibits his Power in Healing Sickness: God: Hears the Prayers of Those In Sickness: God: Often Manifests Saving Grace to Sinners During Sickness: God: Permits Saints to be Tried By Sickness: God: Persecutes the Wicked By Sickness: God: Preserves Saints in Time of Sickness: God: Promises to Heal Sickness: God: Strengthens Saints In Sickness: God's Aid should be Sought In Sickness: Healing of, Lawful on the Sabbath Sickness: Not Visiting Those In, an Evidence of not Belonging to Christ Sickness: Often Brought on by Intemperance Sickness: Often Incurable by Human Means Sickness: Often Sent As a Punishment of Sin Sickness: One of God's Four Sore Judgments on a Guilty Land Sickness: Pray for Those Afflicted With Sickness: Saints are Resigned Under Sickness: Saints: Acknowledge That, Comes from God Sickness: Saints: Ascribe Recovery From, to God Sickness: Saints: Feel for Others In Sickness: Saints: Mourn Under, With Prayer Sickness: Saints: Praise God for Recovery From Sickness: Saints: Pray for Recovery From Sickness: Saints: Thank God Publicly for Recovery Form Sickness: Saints: Visit Those In Sickness: The Apostles Were Endued With Power to Heal Sickness: The Devil Sometimes Permitted to Inflict Sickness: The Power of Healing: One of the Miraculous Gifts Bestowed on the Early Church Sickness: The Wicked: Forsake Those In Sickness: The Wicked: Have Much Sorrow, With Sickness: The Wicked: Visit not Those In Sickness: Visiting Those In, an Evidence of Belonging to Christ Related Terms |