My next article on Desiring God explores how single-minded prayers for healing can mislead us and shake our faith — unnecessarily — when illness strikes.
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Kathryn Butler 
Katie, thank you for a beautiful article. I’ve been struggling with prayer about healing, and I will share this with my husband. He’s been struggling as he watches me endure, and I’ve been “camped” on the first chapter of James. I’ve been focusing on being steadfast and allowing the afflictions strengthen my faith and hope in the Lord. But it’s hard many days. I don’t have cancer, so it’s not life-threatening — hence I struggle with asking people to pray for healing for me when I know some of our church family are dealing with cancer and other terrible illnesses. So thank you for your post that was on Desiring God.
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Thank you for your kind words, Cheryl. Jesus Himself prayed for His cup to be removed from Him, but also submitted to the will of the Father. May God grant you strength and fortitude to endure,
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I think you need to make a clearer distinction between healing and curing in your article. Healing can include curing, but God may choose to heal but not to cure. People often feel disillusioned and disappointed in God because they think the two are the same thing. The closure, fellowship, and spiritual preparation at the end of life that you write of are some of the ways God chooses to heal but not cure, but you didn’t come right out and say that. Healing also includes reconciliation and forgiveness, which , though precious, are again not curing. Finally, for the believer death is the ultimate healing.
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Hi Denise, thanks so much for your feedback. I wholeheartedly agree that healing can be both spiritual and physical. In my experience, when confronted with a life-altering illness, the prayer for “healing” refers to physical cure (as it was in the scenario I recount in the article), after the references to “healing the sick” throughout the New Testament. I apologize for not making that clearer. Blessings to you and yours.
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Thank you so much Katie! I have been learning about hope even during suffering and this brings fresh perspective in terms of illness. Thank you.
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Thank you Damaris! “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Ps 34:18)
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Such a good article! I needed to read this today. Thankyou for writing. *hug*
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Thank you Julie! Blessings to you.
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Good article and words. I know I myself must continue to accept more and know beyond a doubt and beyond all pain and confusion, that God is enough. God is it. God is enough. When nothing can take my eyes off of God, then I am healed. God’s eternal love is my healing and my fulfillment. But it isn’t easy because I was brought up believing (and continue to be surrounded by people who believe this) that God does intend for physical healing for all who pray hard enough. Yet, in my heart, I know that God just wants me to love and focus on Him single-mindedly. Jesus asks “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” This life, these people here, they are nothing compared to God, and He wants my attention. God bless and keep you!—-Terri F
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Amen, Terri! Blessings to you!
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Thank you Katie. Your article brings peace and hope to a soul thirsty for a Gods truth.
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Thank you Dawn, blessings to you.
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