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Miracles & Affliction 

God’s Word, the Bible, teaches us about his healing power. It provides us with many examples, especially in the ministry of Jesus Christ as recorded in the gospel accounts. 

I would like to be able to say that I’ve seen innumerable healings take place, but to date that would not be accurate. 

Nevertheless, through the years I’ve seen the power of God demonstrated a number of times before my eyes. As well as hearing reports of what God has done following prayer for the sick in Jesus’ name. And it shouldn’t surprise us that the Lord does much more than we are aware of. 

I have no doubt that Jesus Christ heals today. 

There will come a time when there will be no more illness, no more death and no more sorrow. But that time has not yet arrived. A careful reading of the Bible reveals that the early church experienced miracles and suffering, persecution and church expansion. For example, Epaphroditus was ill and close to death before recovering. Paul left Trophimus to hopefully recuperate from sickness in Miletus. Stephen was stoned and died. Paul was stoned and lived. James was martyred by Herod, but the Lord sent an angel to rescue Peter from Herod’s intent. A sane and honest appraisal of the present time witnesses to the fact that we too experience the same mix. 

In August 2011 I was examined by my doctor and his trainee and was sent immediately into hospital. Although he thought all was well, he didn’t want to risk making a mistake. They’d heard something through their stethoscopes. 

A blood sample was taken and I was told that my D-dimer count was 5000. I was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. 

Lying there in hospital I realised how close to death I’d been. A powerful tangible sense of God came over me, together with the assurance of “no condemnation” .... that I didn’t stand condemned before him ...that I was accepted in Jesus Christ ... that I belonged to him and that he belonged to me. And I was totally at peace. 

Spontaneously there arose in my heart an overwhelming desire to see Jesus. I didn’t want to leave my wife Barbara, our sons, their wives nor our grandchildren. But I did want to go to Jesus. I wanted to see my Saviour. 

Suddenly a scripture dropped into my mind. Words that the Lord had spoken to the apostle Paul, as described in 2 Corinthians 12. “My grace is sufficient for you ... (verse 9).” 

I knew it’s context in Paul’s experience and it’s fuller statement: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 

What I didn’t know, at that moment in time, was that I’d be faced by varying degrees of physical weakness in the months and years ahead. And periodic random exhaustion, sometimes stretching over weeks. God was mercifully preparing me. 

Some time later one of the specialists said to me that I’d had a large blood clot that exploded or a number of smaller clots that developed at the same time. He gave me a printout of the diagnosis. Later, another blood sample was taken and I was told that my D-dimer count had dropped below 200. 

God preserved my life, giving me more years to enjoy with my wife Barbara and to see our family grow. He has also preserved in my heart a longing that he will continue to use us in whatever way he wants. Next year I’ll be 70. The time and manner of my death is in his hands. And who knows, Jesus might return first, so that I’ll experience transformation instead of resurrection, as we rise to meet him together. But if I die before his return he’ll be with me through that valley. And absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. If he gives me another 10, 20 or even 30 years I want my Lord to continue to work in and through me for the sake of his gospel in whatever way he deems best. 

What God does through us does not depend on our strength, nor on how we feel. It depends on his grace, mercy and power at work in and through us. He demonstrates his strength in the middle of our weakness. His grace is truly sufficient! And he keeps his promises. 

Paul knew that what was accomplished through his God-given ministry and mission was achieved because of Christ working in and through him. Before he died God performed miracles of healing through him and used him to plant communities of believers across the Mediterranean. His physical condition was not a hindrance for God. 

True miracles don’t demonstrate our power. They demonstrate God’s power and confirm the truth of the gospel to a needy world. 

I want to say this to every believer who longs to serve Christ our Saviour, from the youngest to the oldest, wherever you live, whatever your circumstances. You may feel weak. You may feel you lack ability. Good! Because then you will not depend on yourself. Study the Bible as much as you can. If you have the opportunity, train as much as you can. Prepare as much as you can. But don’t depend upon your own ability. Because that which is done in the strength of the flesh cannot achieve anything for God. But that which is achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit is of eternal importance and impact. It will bear fruit and multiply. And it will last forever. 

I don’t know what God has for your future, but he knows. Trust him to lead you. 

FOR FURTHER STUDY 

Acts 6:1-8:8; 12:1-13:3; 14:8-23 

Romans 8:1-39; 15:14-21 

1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5; 6:9-11; 15:50-58 

2 Corinthians 5:8, 1-21 

Philippians 1:21-24; 2:25-30 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 

2 Timothy 4:20 

Revelation 20:1-8 

Song: You are my strength https://youtu.be/cD6MyWoRDEI