Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian tradition, sickness is often viewed as a trial or test of faith, and the saints of the Bible provide numerous examples of resignation and trust in God's sovereignty during times of illness. The Bible presents sickness not only as a physical ailment but also as an opportunity for spiritual growth and reliance on God's grace.Job's Endurance The account of Job is perhaps the most well-known biblical account of a saint enduring sickness with resignation. Job, a man described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), faced immense suffering, including severe physical afflictions. Despite his condition, Job maintained his faith, declaring, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). Job's response to his suffering exemplifies a profound trust in God's ultimate purpose, even when it is not immediately understood. Paul's Thorn in the Flesh The Apostle Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh," a metaphorical expression that many scholars interpret as a physical ailment or chronic condition. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul describes how he pleaded with the Lord to remove this affliction. However, God's response was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul accepted this answer with humility, recognizing that his weakness allowed Christ's power to rest upon him. His resignation to God's will demonstrates a deep understanding of divine strength manifesting through human frailty. Hezekiah's Illness King Hezekiah's experience with sickness is another example of a saint's resignation. In 2 Kings 20:1-11, Hezekiah became mortally ill, and the prophet Isaiah informed him of his impending death. Hezekiah prayed earnestly to the Lord, and God granted him an additional fifteen years of life. While Hezekiah initially sought healing, his prayer and subsequent acceptance of God's will reflect a heart surrendered to divine authority. David's Lament and Trust King David, in his psalms, often expressed his struggles with illness and distress. In Psalm 41:3, David acknowledges God's sustaining power, saying, "The LORD will sustain him on his bed of illness and restore him from his bed of sickness" . David's writings reveal a pattern of lament followed by trust, illustrating a resignation to God's care and timing. The Role of Faith and Prayer The New Testament encourages believers to respond to sickness with faith and prayer. James 5:14-15 instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick" . This passage highlights the importance of community support and the power of prayer, while also acknowledging that ultimate healing is subject to God's will. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, saints demonstrate a remarkable resignation to God's will in the face of sickness. Their examples encourage believers to trust in God's sovereignty, seek His grace, and find strength in their weakness. The biblical narrative affirms that while physical healing is a blessing, spiritual growth and reliance on God are of eternal value. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 2:10But he said to her, You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Holy Song from Happy Saints Special Practices of Uniformity. Preface to the Present Edition. Prior Hugh Christian Sympathy Our Watchword Holy Exercises of Resignation. The Life of Mr. John Welch. Epilogue: a victim of Divine Love Spiritual Peace Resources What does the Bible say about healing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a spirit of infirmity? | GotQuestions.org Why doesn't God heal everyone? | 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 |
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