You Still Win

For a couple of years now, the church that Peg and I attend have been praying for one of our members to be healed of cancer.  But for reasons unknown to us, that was not to be.  She went to be with Jesus a few days ago.

God is in charge of what happens, when it happens, how it happens and why it happens.  This is true of all events from the beginning of time.  He does this for our good and His glory.


Although God is not the author of sin, sickness or disease, He still allows it to operate in the world.  We’re not supposed to understand all this ... we’re simply supposed to accept it.

I have written about this same thing before.  Many times in the past when the outcome was different than what we prayed for, I have asked ... "Why?  Where is the healing?  Isn't God true to His Word?"  Shame on me ... of course He is.

So, what's the answer to the question why?  Honestly, I have to say ... I don't know.  But the Word of God alludes to a few reasons I want to share with you today.

Deuteronomy 29:29 … "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God, but the things which are revealed belong to us …" 

In this verse we see a distinction is made between the secret things and the revealed things.  I believe God only reveals to us what we need to know.  Some things remain hidden from us.  Things like why someone isn't healed.

Proverbs 25:2 … "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing …" 

This statement can cover a whole host of things from how long we live, to what His intentions for your future are.  God doesn't want you to know everything that's going to cross your path.  God will not tell us everything or answer every question we have … including why He does this or that.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 … "Remember also your Creator, that you are not your own, but His property now …"

And is it not true that God, as the potter can make you into any vessel He chooses?  Does He not have that right?  You are His … Jesus bought you with a price … His death on the cross.  And even if you are not a believer, you still belong to God, you are not your own, if only because as your Creator, He made you. 

Isaiah 8:17 … "And I will wait for the Lord, Who is hiding His face … and I will look for and hope in Him."

This is exactly what this dear woman did for the last couple of years ... wait with an earnest hope and a sincere belief in the healing power of God through the stripes placed upon the back of Jesus before He went to the cross.

Some of the time it feels as if God is testing us by leaving us totally alone.  No, He doesn't forsake us … it just seems that way.  Especially when we or our loved ones are sick like this dear saint of God who just went to be with her Lord recently.
 
Isaiah 45:15 … "Truly You are a God who hides Himself …" 

This is the second time Isaiah said something like this.  We have no say in God's business or how He conducts Himself.  I don't know why God heals one person and not another.   

Is it the amount of faith one uses?  Does it take more faith to be healed of cancer than it does to be healed of the common cold?  If it takes great faith ... then most of us are in trouble.  I don't believe in trying to measure faith.  What's the yardstick? 

I question not ... the amount of faith ... but whether or not it is true faith. 
 
Jesus said over and over ... "If you can believe, then ask what you will ..."

1st Corinthians 2:16 … "For who has known or understood the mind and purposes of the Lord …" 

Even in healing ... it's His business and His alone. 

And if God keeps some things secret, it's because …

It's none of our business.

If God heals you ... you win.  If God takes you to Heaven ... you still win.

Keep the faith ... have no fear.