October 14, 1998, Wednesday

Have you ever felt like you could not bear or tolerate pain?

Did you consider the source of the discomfort? Is there a

way to avoid those ailments? Is there a purpose for such

pain that we experience, and what does it accomplish?

Jeremiah tells us that Israel was hurt because God had left

their presence because of their sin: "The people of Jerusalem

cried out, "How badly we are hurt! Our wounds will not heal.

"Truly this is an infirmity, And we must bear it" (Jer 10:19).

Jeremiah answered, "Our leaders are stupid; they do not ask

the Lord for guidance. This is why they have failed, and our

people have been scattered" (Jer 10:21). The hedge to protect

Israel had been removed by God when Israel turned from God.

Moses advised Israel that if they would follow God closely,

they would not be vulnerable to sicknesses that plagued so

many others: "The Lord will protect you from all sickness,

and He will not bring on you any of the dreadful diseases

that you experienced in Egypt, but He will bring them on

all your enemies" (Deut 7:15). The principle is still true

today; that if one follows God closely it will bring health.

Job complained to God and quizzed God on His purpose for

the suffering that he was experiencing. After three friends had

failed in their counsel to Job, a young man named Elihu simply

gave this explanation: "God corrects us by sending sickness and

filling our bodies with pain" (Job 33:19). Righteous Job also

was in need of correction. Job understood that and could not

answer the quiz that God had for him. Job then repented and

was restored. Job accepted God's right to prove and test him.

Let us remember who is the God that is our Healer. God's

name is Jehová Rophe. He is the God that is our Healer.

He binds up our wounds and heals all of our infirmities. To

the brokenhearted, He comforts the soul. To the bruised

person, He applies His tender care and affection to ease

the pain. Lift your hands to Him and Praise Him today for

the fact that He is the God that heals us of the spiritual

infirmities that trouble us!