This is a question that arises in our darkest hours—in the hospital ward, in the doctor's office, when the unfavorable test results return. Our need often arises unexpectedly and then consumes us. Embedded in the question are two key assumptions. First, that ours is a God of miracles, including healing. And second, that believers are instructed to pray fervently. A quick evaluation of Scripture attests that miracles display God's power (Jer. 10:12), arouse wonder (Ex. 4:21), and function as a sign to confirm his message (Matt. 12:39-40). We also are commanded to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17) because habitual prayers express dependence on God. And as little children, we anticipate "good things" from our heavenly Father (Matt. 7:11). Yet three additional points are critical. 1. God does not always respond to our desires, and he frequently allows circumstances we wish he would not. Theologically we call this sovereignty. Inherent in our faith is the scriptural truth that God is in control. And yet God repeatedly chooses to veil the ways in which he exercises his right to control circumstances. Hence our requests will not always coincide with God's response. 2. Our tendency is to doubt God's sovereignty in the midst of tumultuous times. Unfortunately, when we doubt we presume to comprehend more than he does. Instead, the nature of our faith is to be "certain of what we do not see" (Heb. 11:1). While the world looks for proof in signs and wonders, we should never forget that "the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18). It is in this power that he asks us to trust in him. 3. We must embrace the sufficiency of God's grace in all circumstances. In other words, it is imperative that the God of the mountaintop also be the God of the valley. The apostle Paul requested three times to be healed of his "thorn in the flesh." The response from the Lord? "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). The sufficiency of God's grace is found in that we can endure suffering just as Jesus endured the Cross! So we are left with this: We do not know why God allows one to be healed and others not. We have all been touched by situations where God did not heal despite the faithful prayers of his people. The words of Alister McGrath in Mystery of the Cross (Zondervan, 1990) are well posed: As with the Cross, our darkest hour may be God's finest moment. It may be there that he does his greatest work—albeit unseen to us. Thus instead of letting circumstances consume us, we are to be consumed with God. To that end, we pray without ceasing, trust in his sovereignty, and find comfort in his hope. Reflect1. Discuss a time in your life when God's way didn't make sense but turned out to be best. 2. Describe the power that God revealed on the cross. What does it mean to trust in that power? 3. What are some ways our church can be built up to place a greater trust in the sufficiency of Christ?    New TeachersMake sure new teachers are ready for their first day.  Time ManagementAre you busy? With this download, learn what it means to be a good steward of your time and how to do it. Communicate Expectations Have a strategy ready in advance. Effective Ministry to Bereaved Parents Seven ways to help you respond to those who have lost their child.
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