Does God Heal All Diseases?
Scripture Reading — Psalm 103:1-18
Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his bene-fits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.
—Psalm 103:2-3
About three years ago someone who was diagnosed with cancer asked that we come to anoint her with oil and to pray for healing. That afternoon a group of Christians came together in her living room to do what James 5:14 instructs. We anointed her with oil, we laid hands on her, and we prayed. It was one of the most moving worship times I had ever experienced.
But there was no healing of her body. The cancer did not stop, and she died some time later. Why no healing? What about the promise in Psalm 103 that the Lord heals all our diseases? Is that an empty promise?
Make no mistake: God does heal all our diseases. He heals the disease called sin.
He did not bring physical healing that afternoon for a cancer patient, but he gave her peace of mind. He helped her overcome her fear of death. And he brought healing to the family by helping them to accept what was happening.
God does bring physical healing today. God has the power to heal at any time. The gospel accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) mention countless times when Jesus healed people. His miraculous healings are a foretaste of what is to come—and someday, when he comes again, he will indeed heal all our diseases (Revelation 21:4).
Father in heaven, help us to remember that Jesus came to heal our diseases, and help us to believe that someday every disease will be eradicated. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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