Faith, Fear, and Healing: Trusting God's Sovereignty

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound intersection of faith, fear, and healing, drawing from personal experiences and biblical narratives. The journey of illness is a shared human experience, one that does not discriminate based on faith or position. I shared my own battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, emphasizing that even as a pastor, I was not exempt from fear. The fear of disease is a universal emotion, deeply rooted in our humanity since the fall of Adam and Eve. Yet, in the midst of fear, we find solace in the knowledge that God is sovereign and can heal in any way He chooses, whether through doctors, medicine, or divine intervention.

We examined the story of King Hezekiah, who faced a terminal illness and turned to God in prayer. His story illustrates the power of prayer and God's ability to extend life, as He did for Hezekiah by granting him 15 more years. However, Hezekiah's extended life also serves as a cautionary tale, as his actions during those years led to significant consequences for his nation. This reminds us that while we may pray for healing, we must also seek God's will, understanding that His plans are higher than ours.

In our struggles with illness, we are encouraged to control our minds, count our blessings, continue our work, claim God's promises, and consider our future. These practical steps help us maintain a spirit of gratitude and purpose, even in the face of adversity. Ultimately, our hope lies in the eternal healing promised through Christ, where sickness and death will be no more. As we navigate the challenges of life, we are reminded that God is with us, offering strength, love, and a sound mind.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Sovereignty in Healing: God can heal through various means, including doctors and medicine. It is not a lack of faith to seek medical help; rather, it is recognizing that God can work through these avenues to bring about healing. Trusting in God's sovereignty means acknowledging His ability to heal in any way He chooses. [01:12]

2. The Power of Prayer: Hezekiah's story demonstrates that prayer can change circumstances. When faced with illness, turning to God in prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about change and align our hearts with God's will. [15:02]

3. The Importance of Attitude: Our attitude during illness can significantly impact our experience. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on God's promises can sustain us through difficult times. Proverbs 18:14 reminds us that the spirit of a person can sustain them in sickness. [30:20]

4. Counting Blessings Amidst Trials: Even in the midst of illness, there are blessings to be found. Cultivating a spirit of gratitude helps us see God's goodness and provision, even in challenging circumstances. This perspective shift can bring joy and hope. [31:59]

5. Eternal Perspective on Healing: While we may not always experience physical healing on earth, our ultimate healing is assured in eternity. Jesus' atonement provides the promise of a glorified body, free from sickness and pain. This eternal perspective offers hope and peace amid earthly trials. [37:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:12] - God's Sovereignty in Healing
- [02:17] - Personal Journey with Illness
- [03:30] - Fear and Humanity
- [04:27] - Facing the Unknown
- [05:30] - The Origin of Disease
- [06:45] - The Impact of Disease
- [07:29] - Disruption of Life
- [08:52] - Humor in Hospital Gowns
- [10:24] - Biblical Examples of Illness
- [11:59] - Hezekiah's Story
- [13:51] - Hezekiah's Illness
- [15:02] - Hezekiah's Prayer
- [17:48] - God's Prescription for Healing
- [20:35] - The Role of Medicine
- [21:53] - Praise and Gratitude
- [24:53] - Hezekiah's Mistakes
- [25:42] - Consequences of Pride
- [26:49] - The Importance of God's Will
- [28:37] - Practical Encouragements
- [30:20] - Controlling the Mind
- [31:59] - Counting Blessings
- [34:13] - Continuing Work
- [35:35] - Claiming Promises
- [37:34] - Considering the Future
- [38:20] - Assurance in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 38:1-5
2. 2 Timothy 1:7
3. Proverbs 18:14

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the initial message that Isaiah delivered to King Hezekiah regarding his illness, and how did Hezekiah respond? (Isaiah 38:1-3)
2. How does the sermon describe the role of doctors and medicine in the context of faith and healing? [01:12]
3. What emotions did the pastor experience when revisiting the clinic where he was treated for cancer, and how does this relate to the universal fear of disease? [03:30]
4. What was the outcome of Hezekiah's prayer, and how did God respond to his plea? (Isaiah 38:4-5)

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Hezekiah's story illustrate the power of prayer in changing circumstances, and what does this suggest about the nature of God's will? [15:02]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our attitude during illness can impact our experience, and how does Proverbs 18:14 support this idea? [30:20]
3. How does the pastor's personal experience with illness challenge the notion that seeking medical help is a lack of faith? [21:53]
4. What lessons can be drawn from Hezekiah's extended life and the consequences of his actions during those years? [24:53]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a health challenge. How did your faith influence your response, and what role did prayer play in that situation? [15:02]
2. How can you cultivate a positive attitude and maintain a spirit of gratitude during difficult times, as suggested by Proverbs 18:14? [30:20]
3. In what ways can you acknowledge and trust in God's sovereignty while also seeking medical help when needed? How does this balance look in your life? [21:53]
4. Consider the blessings in your life amidst trials. How can you actively count these blessings and shift your perspective to see God's goodness? [31:59]
5. How does the promise of eternal healing through Christ provide hope and peace in your current struggles? How can you keep this perspective in mind daily? [37:34]
6. What practical steps can you take to control your mind and focus on God's promises when facing fear or anxiety about illness? [28:37]
7. How can you ensure that your prayers align with seeking God's will, especially when praying for healing or other significant life changes? [26:49]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Sovereignty in Healing
In times of illness, it is essential to recognize that God can heal through various means, including medical intervention. This understanding does not diminish faith but rather acknowledges God's sovereignty and His ability to work through doctors and medicine. Trusting in God's sovereignty means accepting that He can choose any method to bring about healing, and it is not a lack of faith to seek medical help. This perspective allows believers to rest in the assurance that God is in control, regardless of the circumstances. [01:12]

Isaiah 38:1-5 (ESV): "In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, 'Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.' Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, and said, 'Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.' And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: 'Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God's sovereignty more fully, especially in terms of seeking help and healing?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that can change circumstances and align our hearts with God's will. The story of King Hezekiah illustrates how turning to God in prayer should be our first response when faced with illness or any challenge. Hezekiah's prayer led to a miraculous extension of his life, demonstrating that God listens and responds to the cries of His people. This takeaway encourages believers to prioritize prayer, trusting that it can bring about change and deepen their relationship with God. [15:02]

James 5:13-15 (ESV): "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? 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 will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."

Reflection: When faced with a challenge, what is one specific way you can make prayer your first response rather than your last resort?


Day 3: Attitude Shapes Experience
Our attitude during illness or adversity can significantly impact our experience. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on God's promises can sustain us through difficult times. Proverbs 18:14 reminds us that the spirit of a person can sustain them in sickness. By controlling our minds and choosing to focus on gratitude and hope, we can navigate challenges with resilience and faith. This takeaway emphasizes the importance of cultivating a mindset that aligns with God's truth and promises. [30:20]

Proverbs 18:14 (ESV): "A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?"

Reflection: How can you intentionally shift your mindset today to focus on gratitude and God's promises, even in the midst of a challenging situation?


Day 4: Finding Blessings in Trials
Even in the midst of illness or adversity, there are blessings to be found. Cultivating a spirit of gratitude helps us see God's goodness and provision, even in challenging circumstances. This perspective shift can bring joy and hope, reminding us that God is present and active in our lives. By counting our blessings, we can maintain a spirit of gratitude and purpose, even in the face of trials. [31:59]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: What are three specific blessings you can identify in your life today, even amidst challenges, and how can you express gratitude for them?


Day 5: Embracing an Eternal Perspective
While we may not always experience physical healing on earth, our ultimate healing is assured in eternity. Jesus' atonement provides the promise of a glorified body, free from sickness and pain. This eternal perspective offers hope and peace amid earthly trials, reminding us that our ultimate hope lies in the eternal healing promised through Christ. By focusing on this eternal promise, we can find strength and encouragement to persevere through life's challenges. [37:34]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself of the eternal perspective today, and what difference might it make in how you approach your current challenges?

Quotes

"And this would certainly be an answer to those who have said, and you've probably heard them, and I have too, no, no, no, no, you don't need anything but God. You don't need doctors. You don't need medicine. Just trust God. In fact, they've actually, I've heard them say this, if you trust in a doctor or if you use medicine, it is because of your lack of faith, that God does not heal that way, that God always heals without any means. The only problem with saying that is it's just not true." [00:00:04]

"God can heal any way he wants. He can heal with a doctor or without one, by a prescription or without one. But in this case, God used a prescription to heal Hezekiah. And I just want to stop and say, I thank God for my doctors. From the human perspective, I would not be here apart from the two men I mentioned earlier in this message." [00:00:31]

"Was God in that? Absolutely. And I thanked God every day for his leading me to them, for his using them, for his giving them the wisdom and the knowledge and the education and the wherewithal to deal with the disease. And so God used this prescription. He prescribed something for Hezekiah. And when that was applied, Hezekiah got better." [00:00:57]

"Missionary Isabel Kuhn wrote a book entitled In the Arena, in which she explained how her various adversities and problems had become platforms for the Lord to use as she tried to witness and minister. The final chapter in her book involved the loss of her health and her battle with breast cancer, and here are her words." [00:04:56]

"Every tickle and twinge was instantly interpreted as a grim new enemy. I know about that, and so do many of you. So, disease is ever-present with us, and the probability is that you have or will encounter it somewhere along the way. The probable encounters with disease, well, it started back in the garden. God created Adam and Eve in a state of perfect health, and their bodies were free from disease." [00:05:30]

"But then they sinned, and the whole order of nature was convulsed, and sickness became a grim reality, and death an unavoidable eventuality. And at least a portion of our days on this earth, whether we like it or not, are going to be spent ill, or sick, or diseased, or injured, or wounded, or dying." [00:05:59]

"And it is the fear of disease entering into our lives that sends a pulse beat of panic through our hearts, a call from the doctor's office, the look on the face of a physician, or a spasm in our chest. Whenever we think we've contracted a disease of any kind, we experience a plague of intensely personal and poignant fear." [00:06:28]

"Now, Hezekiah is an illustration of what people do when something like that happens. We've seen the probable encounters with disease, and we've looked at some primary examples. But now I want you to notice the painful emotions of disease in Hezekiah's response. What would you do when you first heard that? Well, you would do exactly what he did. If you're a Christian, he prayed." [00:14:45]

"It says in Isaiah 38, 1 to 3, In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death, and he turned his face toward the wall, and he prayed to the Lord, and he said, Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before you in truth with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in your sight. And he wept bitterly." [00:15:09]

"understandable in our response to disease whether we're the one who's sick or the one who's caring for the ones who are sick and though we can't predict how the Lord will answer we do know we do know that tears and prayers are seen and heard by God when we cry and when we pray the prayer was the first emotion and then came the promise in Isaiah 38 for we read and the word of the Lord came to Isaiah saying go tell Hezekiah thus says the Lord the God of David your father I have seen your tears and surely I will add to your days 15 years now this is kind of a conundrum in the Bible if you will because it seems to involve God in changing his mind I mean he had just said to Hezekiah you're gonna die but Hezekiah prayed and God heard his prayer and God listened and in mercy he gave him another 15 years someday in heaven we'll figure out all that works maybe it's just the way we have to understand it from our perspective but it does give us an encouragement does it not that prayer changes things not just us but prayer changes things prayer changed things for Hezekiah when he prayed and that ought to remind us that there's a lot that we can do but there's nothing we can ever do that's more powerful or more important than to pray sometimes we say well I've tried everything else and I guess all that's left is prayer and we demote prayer to the bottom of the list when it should be elevated to the top of the list by the way let's start with prayer let everything else descend from that Hezekiah prayed listen to me and God will hear your prayers and God will be in your God heard him, and God answered his prayer and gave him 15 more years. Interesting, though, that God didn't just speak from heaven and say, Hezekiah, be healed." [00:17:48]

"When we are ill, we have to work hard at staying spiritually and emotionally strong. We often need physical therapy, but God is the great spiritual therapist who can keep us strong of heart even when we're weak of body. And what we have learned, those of us who have been through any kind of sickness at all, is this, that it is our attitude which is so important." [00:29:16]

"You look at people who battle diseases and become victorious in getting past the deadlines, you will discover that for many of them, it wasn't even just the medicine or the good doctors or the therapy or whatever. It was the spiritual therapy. It was the spiritual therapy. It was the spiritual whatever. It was their own personal attitude, their own personal fortitude. And I found a verse of scripture this week that I'd never seen before, at least in this light. I wrote it down, and I want to give it to you. It's Proverbs 18, 14, and it says this, the spirit of a man will sustain him in his sickness." [00:29:39]

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Transcript
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