When Illness Strikes by Martin Wiles

Dan needed a new heart. The one he had was worn out, but he died before receiving it. Frank only needed a new valve. He got it, and the operation was successful. But the recovery wasn’t. He contracted Mercer and died in the hospital.

Fred was dying from a life threatening disease. I prayed with him, he asked Jesus to forgive his sins, but it didn’t keep him alive. John was succumbing to the effects of old age. I listened as he gasped for air and watched as his chest stilled. Mark was a dialysis patient tired of the weekly trips. He decided not to go anymore and ten days later took his final breaths.

Jairus’ daughter was dying. He did the only thing he knew to do. Then a leader of the local synagogue…arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said (Mark 5:22-23 NLT).

Facing illnesses involves realizing they respect no one. Jairus’ important position didn’t prevent sickness in his family. Nor does obeying God ward off infection, disease or death, but trusting God is essential when all three assault us. Jesus advised Jairus not to fear but to trust instead. Fear and faith are strange bedfellows, and too much of either will shove the other onto the floor.

When enduring sickness, it’s also important to realize ultimate healing is eternal not temporal. Jairus’ daughter died before Jesus healed her. Though Jesus restored her temporally, she had experienced the complete healing of death. All sickness and disease will be forever mended in heaven. Learn to trust the master healer when you’re facing sickness.

Prayer: God of power and peace, we trust You to care for our bodies and to deliver us from illness now and in eternity.