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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The biblical doctrine of the sovereignty of God states that God is almighty over all. He is in complete control of all things-past, present and future-and nothing happens that is out of His jurisdi...
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Glenn Harrell
Supporter
It is at all times within the permissive will of God for us not only to be sick, but dying. If this is not true, then God cannot be trusted. Our struggle as Christians is not so much to believe this but to demand predictability. We want some sort of formula and all the formulas break down because so much of life's tragedies are senseless to our minds and logic. Each generation looks at this temporal world and resurrects the fantasy that mortality is possible. We live and act as though this world is our eternal home. The scripture reminds us, "We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day." (II Corinthians 4:16) Paul goes on to teach us that our true hope is not for trouble-less days here on earth. He calls on us to keep our minds focused on things that cannot be seen. "These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. Things that are seen don't last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That's why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen." (II Corinthians 4:17-18) To the ones whose child is sick, these words can seem almost calloused and heartless. To those who lose loved ones, these words provide both a challenge to faith in the God who allowed the circumstance as well as a hope in God that there truly is an eternal glory. Just as Jesus said that the rain falls on the just and the unjust, it is certain that we, in our fallen state, will experience sickness, suffering, healing, joys and ultimately death. As Christians, we live our lives with an awareness that we bring much, if not most of the sickness, suffering and pain we experience upon ourselves. I will say that this is true for me. If I got what I deserved from God, I would not be here today. God forbid that we should continue to suffer for evil doing. (I Peter 2:20) I love Him because of the sustaining grace and kindness He shows me in the midst of my trials. He never fails to send me to someone, or bring someone to me, that needs a sympathetic ear and shoulder. It makes a difference when I can say, "I know where you are and how you feel". I am comforted when I hear these words. "I know how you feel." This is what Jesus says to you and me. He knows we suffer. He said we would suffer. He also said that He would not leave us comfortless. He knows how each of us feel--no matter what we are going through and he cares for us. What believers believe is important. It determines how they act and react to all circumstances in this life. Glenn W. Harrell
Laura Ostrowski
Supporter
It is not God's will for anyone to be sick. In the old testament people were sick and in bondage of the devil. Jesus didn't come yet, but in the new testament we were redeemed from the curse of the law of sin and death. On the cross at Calvary Jesus took our sin our sicknesses our shame and so much more so we don't have to suffer. It's always God's will for us to be healed! Whatever we need has been provided at the cross!
gary mcpherson
Supporter
After dealing with pornography since the age of eight, I asked God to take it away from me and He gave me prostate cancer that helped eliminate my pornography problem. I had a choice of thanking the devil or God and I chose to thank God for my cancer. Since removal of my prostrate & nerves as well as radiation & hormone treatment for 11 years I have since been told that I may no longer have prostate cancer. Many Christians may disagree with God giving me the cancer but I thank Him for it.
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