690 The Spiritual Man
have disobeyed the Lord, have sinned anywhere, owe anybody a
debt, have violated some natural law, or have neglected some special
duty. We ought to know that frequently our violation of natural law
can constitute a sin against God, for God sets up these natural laws
by which to govern the universe. Many are afraid to die; upon
becoming sick they hurriedly seek out physicians, for they are
anxious to be cured. Such ought not to be the Christian’s attitude. He
should first attempt to isolate the cause for his malady. Alas, how
many brothers and sisters do not possess any patience. The moment
they fall sick they search for a remedy. Are you so afraid to lose your
precious life that through prayer you lay hold of God for healing yet
simultaneously lay hold of a physician for drugs and an injection?
This reveals how full of self you are. But then how could you be less
full of self in sickness if you are filled with self during ordinary
days? Those who are ordinarily full of self will be those who
anxiously seek for healing just as soon as they get sick.
May I tell you that anxiety avails nothing. Since you belong to
God, your healing is not so simple. Even if you are cured this time,
you will be ailing again. One must solve his problem before God
first; and then can be solved the problem in his body.
Learn to accept whatever lesson sickness may bring to you. For if
you have dealings with God many of your problems will be resolved
quickly. You will find out that often your illness is due to some sin or
fault of yours. Upon confessing your sin and asking for forgiveness,
you may expect healing from God. Or, should you have walked
further with the Lord, you may discern that involved in this is the
enemy’s attack. Or the matter of God’s discipline may be associated
with your unhealthy state. God chastises with sickness so as to render
you holier, softer or more yielding. As you deal with these problems
before God you will be enabled to see the exact reason for your
infirmity. Sometimes God may allow you to receive a little natural or
medical help, but sometimes He may heal you instantaneously
without such assistance.