Forgiveness Factor

James wrote to Christians, “Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins they will be forgiven him (James 5:14-15).” Last time I checked, there are a lot of Christians that are sick, but are not receiving instant healing after being anointed. As a matter of fact, they may suffer for weeks. Is something wrong with their faith?

How often has persistent illness led a Christian to question his faith? Is there something wrong with a saint’s relationship with God if he suffers with sickness? How many Christians believe their faith is the problem for their pain and troubles not going away? I will be honest and admit that I do not understand how James 5:14-15 works. I have my ideas about its application, but that is not for this message. What I do want you to be assured of is that if you are a Christian and sick, that does not automatically mean something is wrong with you and God.

Paul wrote Timothy to, “No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments (1 Timothy 5:23).” Timothy, a Christian that Paul honored, was sick quite often. With all the miracles and healings going on in the first century, Timothy still did not have relief. Instead of calling the elders for anointing and healing as James wrote, Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine.

Was something wrong with Timothy and his relationship with God that made it impossible for him to be healed of all his illnesses? If so, there is nothing indicating that in Paul’s letter to him. Timothy was highly praised by Paul for his faith (Philippians 2:19-24). What I can conclude is that in a day where signs and healings abounded, good faithful Christians still got sick and could wrestle with them frequently. This was not necessarily a sign of a lack of faith or power. If anyone could call on a healing from God for Timothy, it was Paul. But, that is not what he did.

If you are facing constant physical battles in your life, please do not allow Satan to distract you by questioning your place with God. Remember that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).  Paul asked rhetorically, “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?…I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35, 38-39).” Have faith in God’s promises to you about his love, regardless of whether you are sick or well. God never promised you would always be healed and relieved of illness. God did promise He would always be with you!