The question of whether God can heal physical sickness today is one that has profound implications for our faith, our understanding of God's nature, and our approach to prayer and suffering. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I believe that a thoughtful and biblically grounded exploration of this question can provide both hope and clarity.
The Bible is replete with instances of divine healing, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, we see God as Jehovah-Rapha, "the Lord who heals" (Exodus 15:26). This name reveals God's nature and His willingness to heal the physical ailments of His people. For example, in 2 Kings 5, we read about Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was healed of leprosy after following the prophet Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River. This story emphasizes that God's power to heal is not limited by time or place.
In the New Testament, the ministry of Jesus Christ is marked by numerous healings. Jesus healed the blind (John 9:1-12), the lame (John 5:1-15), and those suffering from various diseases (Matthew 4:23-24). Perhaps one of the most compelling examples is found in Matthew 8:16-17, where it is written, "When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.'" This passage not only highlights Jesus' healing ministry but also connects it to the prophetic words of Isaiah 53:4, indicating that healing is a part of the redemptive work of Christ.
The apostles continued this ministry of healing after Jesus' ascension. In Acts 3:1-10, Peter and John heal a man who had been lame from birth, demonstrating that the power of God to heal did not cease with Jesus' earthly ministry. James 5:14-16 provides further instruction for the early church regarding healing: "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Given this biblical foundation, it is clear that God has the power to heal physical sickness. However, the question remains: Does God still heal today? Many Christians, including myself, believe that He does. There are numerous contemporary testimonies of individuals who have experienced divine healing, often in response to fervent prayer. These accounts serve as modern-day affirmations of God's continued willingness and ability to heal.
One might ask why, if God can heal, not everyone is healed. This is a deeply complex question that touches on the mystery of God's will and the nature of suffering. The apostle Paul provides some insight into this in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, where he speaks of a "thorn in the flesh" that he pleaded with God to remove. God's response was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Paul concludes, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." This passage suggests that there are times when God, in His sovereign wisdom, allows suffering to persist for a greater purpose.
It is also important to consider the role of faith in healing. Jesus often attributed healing to the faith of the individual or those interceding on their behalf. In Mark 5:34, Jesus said to the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." However, it is crucial to understand that faith is not a formula or a guarantee for healing. Faith is trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, regardless of the outcome.
In addition to faith, the Bible teaches us to pray persistently and with a heart aligned to God's will. In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus shares the parable of the persistent widow to encourage His disciples to always pray and not give up. This parable underscores the importance of perseverance in prayer. Yet, our prayers should be in harmony with God's will, as Jesus modeled in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42).
In the broader context of Christian theology, healing can be seen as a foretaste of the ultimate healing that will occur in the new heavens and the new earth. Revelation 21:4 offers a vision of this future reality: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This eschatological hope reminds us that while we may experience God's healing power in this life, complete and final healing awaits us in eternity.
Christian literature also provides valuable insights into the topic of healing. For instance, in his book "The Problem of Pain," C.S. Lewis explores the purpose of suffering and how it can lead to a deeper relationship with God. He writes, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." Lewis suggests that while God can and does heal, He also uses suffering to draw us closer to Him and to accomplish His purposes in our lives.
Similarly, Joni Eareckson Tada, a Christian author and speaker who has lived with quadriplegia since a diving accident in her youth, offers a perspective on healing and suffering. In her book "A Place of Healing," she shares her personal journey of seeking healing and ultimately finding peace in God's sovereignty. She writes, "True healing is so much more than being able to walk. It is a deeper healing of the soul, a healing that binds up the brokenhearted and sets the captives free."
In conclusion, the Bible affirms that God has the power to heal physical sickness and that He continues to do so today. However, the mystery of why some are healed and others are not calls us to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty. Our role is to pray with faith, persistence, and a heart aligned with God's will, while holding on to the hope of ultimate healing in eternity. Whether we experience physical healing or not, we can be assured that God's grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness.
