In The Word Audio Podcast

The Lord never promised believers freedom from sickness or suffering.  It is certainly a normal thing for a Christian to ask God for deliverance from sickness and pain. However, please know always the following:   God has not obligated Himself to heal every believer whenever he prays; but He has encouraged us to bring our burdens and needs to Him. Paul did not know whether this “thorn in the flesh” was a temporary testing from God, or a permanent experience he would have to learn to live with.   There are those who want us to believe that an afflicted Christian is a disgrace to God. “If you are obeying the Lord and claiming all that you have in Christ,” they say, “then you will never be sick.” I have never found that teaching in the Bible. The Lord never promised believers freedom from sickness or suffering.   Paul did not receive “instant healing” and maybe not any physical healing at all. He was not alone. The same was true for others, such as Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25) and Elisha (2 Kin