The Cure for a Sin-Sick Heart - Martin Wiles

No, it’s because of your wickedness! There’s no limit to your sins. Job 22:5 NLT

“Have you anointed her and prayed for her healing?”

My wife suffers from various physical ailments—too many, in fact, for her years. She has undergone numerous surgeries to remove tumors that could have turned malignant. Then came surgeries to repair hernias, remove a gall bladder, remove plantar warts, and repair carpal tunnel. She still suffers from herniated disks in her back and neck. To top off these issues, she suffers with fibromyalgia, degenerative arthritis, and neuropathy. Every trip to the doctor seems to entail another medicine or a further diagnosis.

Had my wife lived in Job’s time, she would certainly have been classified as a notorious sinner by any number of pious church folks. Although a righteous man—declared so by God and himself—Job faced real accusations, not hypothetical ones. Several fair-weather friends accused him of sinning against God. Why else would he be afflicted by boils and have lost most of his family and possessions? Even his wife told him to curse God so he could die and get his miserable life over with.

Job, however, maintained his innocence, and at the end of the story God corroborated his testimony. Sickness is the bane of living in a world tainted by sin. The world God originally created was free from sickness—and all the other results of sin—and the new world he will create at the end of time will be identical.

While sickness came when sin entered the world, all sickness is not the result of individual sins. If this were true, my wife would be one of the greatest sinners in the world—when, in fact, she is quite saintly. God can and does use sickness as a means of disciplining or punishing those who revel in willful sin, but having a cold, flu, COVID, or some other illness or disease doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve committed a particular sin.

When my friend asked whether I had anointed and prayed for my wife, I answered, “Yes.” But she hasn’t been healed. Just as sickness is not always the result of sin, so God doesn’t always choose to heal our sicknesses when we ask. He is sovereign. We must trust his plan.

If you’re sick, examine your spiritual life. If it’s in order, pray for healing, but leave the results to an all-wise God.

Father, we entrust our health-related matters to you. If sin is the cause, convict us. If it’s not, then give us the courage to trust you and endure. 

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Sustained by God - Anita van der Elst

Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble. The LORD protects and preserves them — they are counted among the blessed in the land — he does not give them over to the desires of their foes. The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness. Psalm 41:1-3 NIV

As I peeled apples for an apple crisp I intended to serve at my women’s small group in my home the following morning, I noticed how my hands and finger joints ached more than usual. My head felt heavy, and not long after I put the dish in the oven, everything ached, and the chills began. 

When the oven timer buzzed, my body seemed to echo the sound. I set the glass baking pan on a rack to cool, and took myself to bed. The thermometer indicated a fever, so with disappointment, I notified my small group that they all needed to stay far away the next day.  

An unpleasant few days followed, as the virus ran its course. The ensuing weakness, fatigue, and residual cough continued weeks longer, curtailing several activities and events I’d looked forward to. At least I was in good company, as my husband quickly followed suit with all the same symptoms.

With thankful hearts, we accepted our daughter-in-law’s offer to bring us groceries while we convalesced, including a surprise treat of M&M’s. Kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy those colorful, sweet candies. May God bless her in her regard for us in our weakness.

How reassuring to read the biblical announcement that God sustained His loved ones even on their sickbed and restored them. As I read this passage in my recovery time, I realized He delivered, protected, and preserved my husband and me through the challenge of illness.

Depend on God when you experience illness. Then, look for ways to bless others who are ill. 

Anita van der Elst finds joy in creating with words, believing God gifted her with the desire to do so. Married to her best friend, Edward, since 1976, she is a proud mom of four adult children and Oma to three of the most delightful grandchildren ever. Other joys in her life include bringing beauty to Facebook through photos she takes on her iPhone, exploring the state parks in the PNW, facilitating a small group of women, and participating in a Bible study.

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Meandering Monday - Life on the Bottom - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Meandering Monday, where we take a trip back to an earlier post and enjoy it again. 

You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Daniel 4:32 NLT

I’ve been fortunate with on-your-back experiences.

I’ve only had one hospital stint. I’ve never broken a limb nor had a surgery that left me incapacitated or with limited movement. Hardships, trials, and emotional stressors are another story. Of these on-your-back episodes, I’ve had my fair share. These types of occurrences have put me on my back emotionally.

Nebuchadnezzar had an on-your-back, or rather an in-the-field, experience. He was king of the mighty Babylonian empire, but pride put him out to pasture—literally. As he surveyed his kingdom—imagining that its greatness was solely because of his talents and intellect—God reminded him it wasn’t. So he wouldn’t repeat the same mistake in the future, God gave him a lesson in humility.

When life places me on my back, there’s only one direction to look—up. Asking why I’m on my back is always important. If it’s because of circumstances beyond my control, then I accept it as such. But if my actions have put me where I am, then that’s a different scenario.

On-my-back episodes can teach me vital life lessons. They can show up misplaced priorities, unhealthy relationships, poor decisions, or bad company. What I can learn is the necessity of rectifying these wrong or unwise situations.

Regardless of why I’m on my back—whether it’s my fault, someone else’s, or no one else’s—I can lean on God for strength and comfort. He may choose to leave me there for a spell—especially if being there is my fault—but he’ll still encourage and strengthen me while I’m there.

My major endeavor in an on-your-back incident is determining how I’ll be different once I’m on my feet again. Will I repeat the same mistake? Will I indulge in the same lifestyle? Will I associate with the same people? Will God assume a new place in my life?

When you’re on the bottom, look up for strength, guidance, and encouragement.

Prayer: Merciful God, when we find ourselves on our backs, encourage us to look to You for strength and direction.

Tweetable: Where do you turn when life hits the bottom? 

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Flashback Friday - What Is the Cure for Every Sickness? - Martin Wiles

What Is the Cure for Every Sickness?

Series: Hey God…I Have a Question

Why do people get sick? Why can’t everyone—myself included, just remain well continuously?

After fifty-nine years of living, I’ve seen my share of sickness…even though overall I’ve not been as sick as some. With the exception of German measles, I escaped all childhood diseases. I was fortunate enough to bypass the chickenpox in spite of the fact that everyone else in my middle school class contracted them. Even when both of my children endured them, I came through unscathed. My life has been hospital and surgery-free except for a bleeding ulcer and a malfunctioning gall bladder. Other than the occasional cold, stomach virus, and sinus infection, I’ve been favored with few illnesses. Yet my body houses no built-in immunity. Like everyone else, I could one day hear the doctor say, “The news isn’t good. You have….”  Read more...

Tweetable: How do you handle sicknesses? 

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Flashback Friday - Depression's Deception - Martin Wiles

Depression’s Deception

Things don’t have to be bad for it to sneak up. In fact, life can be good. 

Elijah was the man of the hour. When God wanted to punish his people for their disobedience, Elijah was the one he used to announce a drought. God then demonstrated that he’d take care of his man by multiplying the flour and cooking oil of the widow who was caring for him. When God wanted to demonstrate his superiority over the pagan god Baal, he sent Elijah to the top of a mountain to have a fire delivering contest with them. And when God had made his point and it was time for the drought to end, he again used Elijah to summon rain. Read more...

Tweetable: Things don’t have to be bad for depression to sneak up on you. 

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Throwback Tuesday - Curing Workplace Stress - Martin Wiles

Curing Workplace Stress

Even though I work exclusively with Christians, my workplace can still get stressful. Evidently, I’m not alone.
According to a recent poll by The American Psychological Association, 83% of employees go to work even when they’re sick, 69% report their workplace as a significant source of stress, 41% say they feel stressed during the typical work day, 52% state they have considered changing jobs due to stress, and 52% maintain their jobs are interfering with family and home responsibilities. (“Workplace Stress.” Facts & Trends Summer 2013: 8. Print.) Read more... 

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Seeing with Faith Eyes - Martin Wiles

Then at your command, O Lord, at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. Psalm 18:15 NLT

Jan could see herself healed, but she had no proof she was.

For more than a year, Jan had suffered from a hacking cough and congestion. Her initial doctor visits resulted in a diagnosis of bronchitis for which she was prescribed antibiotics. Somewhere along the way, her bronchitis cleared up, but the coughing and shortness of breath didn’t. So her family doctor referred her to a pulmonologist who diagnosed her with asthma.

After a year of coughing, Jan is tired—physically and emotionally. She rarely attends church because she is afraid her coughing will disrupt the service. Her energy level makes going to the grocery store or getting together with friends almost impossible. She is confined and discouraged.

I called to check on Jan recently. Carrying on a conversation with her is almost impossible because of her coughing. She apologized; I told her I understood. She told me she wanted to come to church; I assured her the church understood. Then she said, “But I still believe God can heal me.” She still saw life with faith eyes.

David did as well. God hadn’t defeated his enemies yet, but he believed He would. He could see what the earth and sea would look like after the battle was over—the battle that hadn’t taken place yet.

Seeing with faith eyes lets me see God’s forgiveness. I have no tangible proof my sins are forgiven and cast into God’s sea of forgetfulness, but I believe they are.

Seeing with faith eyes gives me a glimpse of eternity—even though I’ve never been given a sneak preview. All I have is the picture God’s Word paints, but I stake my life on the belief it exists.

Seeing with faith eyes helps me believe God has a plan for my life. I don’t always understand it or see how He is working it out—but I believe He is. He tells me I’m His masterpiece, and that I have potential to be used in His Kingdom agenda.

Seeing with faith eyes also helps me remember the ill effects of sinful behavior, thoughts, and attitudes. Although I can’t handle sin, I can be handled by it. God says sin violates His standards, and I choose to accept His word.

There’s more to life than what you can physically see. Let God help you live with faith eyes.

Prayer: Father, remind us that we walk by faith—not by sight--and that our faith will be rewarded. 

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Lessons from a Waiting Room - Martin Wiles

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 NLT

Important lessons can be learned in waiting rooms.

My wife and I have been frequent flyers at the local emergency room lately. We visited for my wife because of unexpected fluid gain and abdominal pain. Her last visit led to a brief stay in the hospital. My visit was due to a minor bleeding issue.

Although we learned some lessons from waiting in the emergency room, both of us agree we are sick of going there. But I don’t have to visit an emergency room or even a doctor’s office to experience the benefits of waiting. Life is filled with waiting rooms of various sorts. It was when the psalmist wrote the above words.

In life’s waiting rooms, I’ve learned things don’t often happen as quickly as I wish. This predicament develops what the psalmist calls patience—a worthy virtue but not one that’s always enjoyable to develop. A typical emergency room stay in our small town is four hours. As much as one hour in the waiting room itself and then three more waiting on doctors and nurses to do what they are going to do.

Waiting rooms have taught me life is unfair. When I see people who don’t have and can’t afford insurance. When I see people who’ve been abused by others or who’ve had crimes committed against them. And when I see people addicted to drugs who are making a visit to get a pain fix. Or when I see bodies mangled by wrecks.

Waiting rooms develop compassion in me. When I see and hear about the various conditions that bring people in for emergency care, my heart reaches out to them. I wish I could intervene. I thank God for His grace that has kept me from being in a similar situation.

In the waiting room, I learn unfortunate situations often get better. Yes, some die in the emergency room, but many more are tended to in a way that eventually leads to their healing. Trials have an end, and God determines it.

Waiting rooms also remind me I affect only a few of my life events. God, however, controls them all, and I must trust Him with the trial, the length of the trial, and the outcome.

When life puts you in the waiting room, take time to learn important life lessons.

Prayer: Father, give us the faith to trust You when You allow us to spend time in the waiting room. 

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Sin Sick - Martin Wiles

No, it’s because of your wickedness! There’s no limit to your sins. Job 22:5 NLT

“Have you anointed her and prayed for her healing?”

My wife suffers from various physical ailments—too many, in fact, for her young age. She has undergone numerous surgeries to remove tumors that could have turned deadly. Then came surgeries to repair hernias, remove a gall bladder, take off planter’s warts, and repair carpal tunnel. She still needs to have herniated disks in her back and neck repaired. To top off these issues, she suffers from fibromyalgia, degenerative arthritis, and neuropathy. Every trip to the doctor seems to entail another medicine or a further diagnosis.

Had Michelle lived in Job’s time, there would have been any number of good church folks who would be telling her she sinned. Though a righteous man—declared so by God and himself, Job was accused by several fair-weather friends of having sinned against God. Why else would he be afflicted by boils and have lost most of his family and possessions? Even his wife told him to curse God so he could die and get his miserable life over with.

Job maintained his innocence, and at the end of the story God corroborated his testimony. Sickness is the bane of living in a world tainted by sin. The world God originally created was free from sickness—and all of the other results of sin, and the new world He will create at the end of time will be identical.

While sickness came when sin entered the world, all sickness is not the result of individual sins. 

If this were true, my wife would be one of the greatest sinners in the world—when in fact she is quite saintly. God can and does use sickness as a means of disciplining or punishing those who revel in willful sin, but having a cold doesn’t necessarily mean I’ve committed a particular sin.

When my pastor friend asked if I had anointed and prayed for my wife, my answer was yes. But she hasn’t been healed. Just as sickness is not always the result of sin, so God doesn’t always choose to heal our sicknesses when we ask. He is sovereign. I must trust His plan.

If you’re sick, examine your spiritual life. 

If it’s in order, pray for healing, but leave the results to an all-wise God.

Prayer: Father, we entrust our health related matters to you. If sin is the cause, convict us. If it’s not, then give us courage to trust You and endure. 

Looking for a wide selection of genres in inspirational books at discount prices? Click here to see selections.

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines.