Posted by Ima on September 2, 2003, at 1:23:46
In reply to miracle healing , posted by NutMeig on September 1, 2003, at 22:02:52
> Do you think that God can make it so I'm not bipolar any more? He can bring the dead back to life, heal leapers, cure a woman's blood condition and so many other countless things, but can He make this simple chemical imbalance go away?! I want it to happen SO badly, but I dont think I have the faith.
I would like to to add my two cents of expereince.
Yes. God can.
For me the question I had to come to grips with was why God hasnt.
There are many different views on this subject, even Christian ones.
The modern church view is often expressed as "if you have enough faith"
That view often worsened my depression.
So I searched the theology of my faith deeply to find answers that made sense to me.This is the conclusion I am at peace with.
Because I know He can, I strive to have childlike trust that He has a good and loving reason when He doesnt, believing that there is a greater purpose than I can comprehend.
I am a more compassionate person after years of suffering. My heart longs to comfort those with the comfort (not nec. healing) Ive been given.
My family has learned a great deal of patience in their support of my illness.
I feel that if I had perfect health, mental or physical, I would not see my need for Him.
He has given us the medical realm for consolation, and to ease our suffering.
He desires me to desire the other world, the suffering I endure in this world, weans me from my love of it.
It frees me a little more each day from the desire to grasp pleasure and avoid pain. And like Paul, to struggle to be content in what ever circumstance I am in.
My ever present sorrows compel me to divorce my happiness from my circumstances,( including my health)
I AM NOT saying He makes me ill to accompolish this end. But it seems to me, He allows it. Because the demoniac who cut and abused himself, with one touch, was cured.
The fleeting joys,and fortastes of the divine contrasted with my sorrows, most surely wet my appetite for eternity. This is good thing, because believing that this world is transitory, eternity is the one that counts.
I hope I have said something that helps. Forgive me if my words are hard, I am a great sinner.
peace
Ima
poster:Ima
thread:256228
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20030530/msgs/256263.html