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What does the Bible say about coping/dealing with a terminal illness?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked July 01 2013 Mini Anonymous (via GotQuestions)

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26
Shea S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries
It certainly can be difficult to accept some of the sorrowful twists and turns that life brings our way. And there are few things that can stir the human soul more than the news of a terminal illne...

July 01 2013 8 responses Vote Up Share Report


6
Mini Billy P Eldred Supporter
My first response to your question is biblical and is also backed by statistics:

Not all terminal diagnosed illnesses are terminal! 

2Kings 20:1 says: In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover." Then Hezekiah prayed to the Lord. 

20:5-6 then says "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, 'this is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. I will add 15 years to your life... "

On the other hand, When David's son was sick, David prayed and fasted. His son died anyway. 

The point is, God is in charge. It is His call. He can (and does) overrule terminal diagnosis. In James chapter 5: 14-15 we are told:" Is any sick among you? 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 shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins they shall be forgiven him. 

In that last sentence, the word raise is translated from the Greek word egeiro. According to Strongs, here are the definitions of egeiro :

1 to arouse, cause to rise
a. To arouse from sleep, to awaken
b. To arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life
c. To cause to rise from a seat or bed

He can and does restore life to those who are under a death sentence Spiritually and physically. 

In the above scriptures, we are told to pray and we are told to have others pray for us. Does this guarantee we will be healed? No. But God hears our prayers and the Bible tells us to pray expecting God to heal us. While doing so, we just need to remember that healing can only come from God (even if He uses doctors). My advice then to you is to reread 2Kings 20. Get your house in order, yes. But then pray that God heal you. Ask others to pray for you as well. God told Job's friends to take an offering to Job and have Job pray for them because they "have not spoken of me the thing which is right like my servant Job. " Most of all believe that God is in charge and be willing to accept His will in your situation. Praise Him either way. After all you will be healed, one way or the other.

May 10 2017 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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