Favor

Good Morning!! I know a few women who have testified, "I was diagnosed as having inoperable cancer, but I trusted God to heal me and He did." Yet there were so many others in the same situation and with just as much faith have fervently prayed,...and yet,...they died. I'm nearly sixty now, I still feel strong, I'm moderately active, and in reasonably good health. But I know of other Christians, my age and younger, who are coping with so many severe physical problems, or have simply died. Does God heal only those with a strong faith?...Is good health a sign that God loves one person, more than another who isn't well?

Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.—Jeremiah 10:23 (NIV)

Hebrews 11 answers these questions with a resounding "No!" It tells of devout believers who were persecuted. Some were miraculously delivered, while others were imprisoned, tortured, and slain. But all of them are cited equally for their faith. The issue then and now is not God's love or the strength of one's faith but God's sovereignty and wisdom. Some of my Christian friends believe they know God better than if they had been healed. They testify of having grace for each day, and they anticipates the day when they will be given their resurrection body. God's ways are different. Accepting this is the first step to a stronger faith in Him.

God tries our faith,...so that we may try His faithfulness.

Father in Heaven, we thank you for the season of favor that we enjoy, and any and all success that goes with it. Don't let us forget that it is UN-earned, Don't let us be like the friends of Job, thinking; it's a matter of our righteousness, and someone else's sinfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Before we lose patience with others, we need to stop, and think how patient God has been with us."