“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
JOHN 16:33
Katy and Brad heard about the healing room from a family member. They drove more than forty miles through snow and rush-hour traffic to get there. Katy was diagnosed several months ago with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and it was progressing fast. Her left side was growing weaker. She was losing feeling in her left hand, arm, and leg. Recently, she started walking with a limp. Upon hearing her story, a group of prayer ministers gathered around and prayed. They anointed her with oil. She felt a strong outpouring of the Lord’s presence. She felt His peace. She clearly received His love. But as they prayed, Brad grew more and more agitated. One of the prayer ministers looked directly at him. “How are you doing?” Brad shook his head back and forth. Not good. He fought back tears and finally spoke. “It’s not fair. She is the kindest, most selfless person I know. She has served the Lord all her life. She feeds the homeless. She is a giver, and she has great faith. It’s just not fair.”
Our limited human minds just can’t understand when bad things happen to good people. We’re much less conflicted when bad things happen to bad people! But it’s imperative to know that no one is sitting up in heaven keeping score. We can never “earn” our way into God’s favor by doing good. No, it’s all about what’s been done for us. Jesus died because we can never do enough. We can only be made right with God by believing Jesus died to take away our sins (Romans 3:22–25). In this one ultimate act of unconditional love, God wiped our slate clean. As His children, we are saved by grace, a free gift to all who believe, so none can boast or outgive the other (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Like many of us, Brad struggled to accept that God’s favor doesn’t depend on how good we are or how many kind things we’ve done. Even the world’s worst sinner cannot escape the Lord’s outstretched arms of grace if he is truly repentant. Only by trusting what God has done for you at the cross will you be whole and perfect in His sight (Ephesians 2:8–10). It’s only by this grace that we receive every blessing in our lives. And it’s only by His mercy that we aren’t penalized for every sin.
While Jesus came to save the world, the enemy’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He is a liar and a deceiver, and his goal is to demoralize you and make you cower in intimidation (1 Peter 5:8). Being a good Christian doesn’t guarantee a trouble-free life, because your enemy the devil doesn’t play fair! Even Jesus was spat upon, beaten, misunderstood, betrayed, and crucified. But His sacrifice guarantees you direct access to the throne room of God and a supernatural storehouse of peace in the midst of all your trials and sorrows. You can be pressed on every side by troubles, but He promises you will never be crushed and broken. You may fall down, but you will get up again and keep on going (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). The Lord Himself is fighting for you (Joshua 23:10; Exodus 14:25), and He will never, ever abandon you (Hebrews 13:5).
That night, the Lord began to restore Katy. She felt strength return to her leg and arm, walked without a limp, and slept on her left side without pain and numbness. You, too, can take heart, because your God is a restoration expert. No matter what the enemy destroys, He can gather up the broken pieces and make all things work together for good according to His purposes for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). He restored His fallen Kingdom (Amos 9:11), He fulfilled the promise in Christ’s resurrection (Acts 15:16–17), and He removed your sin and restored you to Himself. He can redeem all that the enemy has stolen, and then some (1 Samuel 30:8; Job 42:10). No, the devil doesn’t play fair. But God has overcome the world.
Father, forgive me for believing I could ever earn Your favor or that my goodness could somehow pay the price for my healing. You already paid, Lord. You paid the price with Your blood. There is nothing more I have to do, except receive Your gift of love. Lord, I receive Your grace, Your mercy, and Your forgiveness. I receive Your perfect peace.
Lord, thank You that You fight my battle for me and You will never leave me or forsake me. In Your name, and by Your authority, I take back everything the enemy has stolen from me! You are good, Lord. All that is broken in my life You can heal and restore. You can pick up the pieces of my failing health and make me whole again! Restore me, Lord! Thank You for your promise of redemption and for making all things work together for good, according to Your purposes. Praise Jesus, You have overcome the world!