Living With Purpose

There are some physical difficulties that seem too much to bear for some people. Take cancer for example. Though I’ve never had to battle this disease, I know of numerous people who have. The ones who battle this terrible disease are some of the most courageous people you will ever meet. As the search for a cure to eradicate cancer continues, the battle one faces with this is but a brief moment in time compared to eternity. This life will bring sickness to many, because of the fallen state of this world. But thanks be to God, this world and its troubles are not our home and they will not last forever. We are only here for a brief period of time. The Bible says, “Your life is like a vapor (mist) that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14).
I am always encouraged when I read Psalm 121: “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, because that’s where my help comes from. My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth…” While God can remove sickness and trials from your life, He sometimes allows them to linger. I’ve asked why on behalf of my sick friends and family. Maybe you’ve asked this yourself, “Why Lord?” or “Why me God?” Pain and discouragement are indeed hard to bear. It’s like climbing a mountain hoping to see the sun shining at the top or on the other side, only to find another, higher mountain in the way. A feeling of helplessness is very near, in fact, this is the devil’s wish, that you lose all hope. Fear can take hold of you and despair from your problems can be overwhelming. You must remember this promise and never forget it—God does not stand far off in the sky somewhere while you are left to suffer. Although you may reject Him or leave Him, He does not leave you. The moment you call on Him, He is there (Psalm 145:18). God wants to help you and offers healing and comfort during your darkest days.
I know of a man who suffered a heart attack and was confined to bed rest for several weeks. He had once been a very active man, even to the point of exercising every day. He was a runner, but enjoyed biking and swimming as well. The doctors told him he would never be as active as he once was and told him to stop running. His heart could not take it, they said. As he lay in bed, he began thinking of how Jesus had healed people two-thousand years ago. He wasn’t a very religious man, but he claimed to be a Christian. His prayer life consisted of a short prayer before meals, if that much. But, this time, he closed his eyes and started to pray: “Lord, you know what they told me. I don’t want to quit Lord, because I have important work to do. I am going to get up, work, exercise and put myself into your hands. If you want me to go on, you will let me do it. But, if you say my time is over, you will call me home. Whatever you want for me will be alright Lord.”
A great peace came to him. The next day he thanked God and said he would have no fear for his health, because God was in control. Day after day he prayed. And for many years after that, he lived, he worked, he ran and had Jesus as his daily companion. Suppose you were to talk like that with God when you are not well? Talk to God simply about your sickness. Keep the right spirit and speak humbly, but tell Him in your own words how you feel. You can build health, to some degree, greater than you have now. Invite God into the healing and recovery process. Feel Him at your side. Hear Him say: “Fear not, I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).
Faith in God to heal does not take sickness away sometimes. But, it always, always and without exception can bring peace to your troubled heart (Colossians 3:15). Abide with Him and let Him be a part of your life (John 15:4). In the quietness you have with Him, He can help with your pain. My sister wrote a book titled, Susanna’s Psalm, and details her physical challenges and speaks of this very thing—peace in the midst of physical and emotional pain.
In addition to a program of medication and treatment, add the spiritual healing formula. As a pastor and military chaplain, I’m also a spiritual physician. So, here’s my spiritual prescription for healing and recovery for you: 1) In your solitude, pray and meditate-“Be still (quiet) and know that I am God,” says the Lord (Psalm 46:10), 2)Practice patience as much as possible- “Wait upon the Lord, be of good courage, He will strengthen your heart” (Psalm 27:14), and 3) Be assured and confident in yourself and God- Say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
I believe a positive-thinking person can, by the power of the mind affirm and visualize health for many years beyond the average life span. The primary step to take in living long and having good physical health is to keep the mind active and healthy. You can do this by becoming a strong believer in yourself, in the future, in people, and in God. Let your positive thoughts cast out pessimism. The way to health: good medical attention, less stress, exercise, sensible diet, regular doctor check-ups, and an attitude of love—mainly a love for God. Find a church, attend faithfully, and follow God in all your ways.
• This weekly column is written by Matt Dobson. A graduate of Florida State University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He’s the author of the “Living With Purpose” book series, “TBH The Truth Will Set You Free”, and “Running With Purpose”. Matt can be reached by email: rmdobson@liberty.edu. He welcomes your thoughts concerning faith, belief, and Christian living. Visit the Living With Purpose website at www.living-with-purpose.org.