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Originally posted by Jan Markell on FB
Dr. Ron Rhodes: SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FOR SEASONS OF SERIOUS ILLNESS
Recently, I spent time in the hospital due to serious illness, and I am still very weak and in recovery at home. Such seasons remind us that God allows trials not by accident, but by design. Illness can be alarming and exhausting, yet within it God offers profound spiritual lessons. Here are five insights I pondered during my recent experience:
⸻
1. OUR BODIES ARE FRAIL
Scripture paints a realistic picture of our frailty, reminding us that our bodies are weak, temporary vessels easily broken. Paul says, “We have this treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7), likening our fragile humanity to clay pots that can crack at any moment — yet carrying the priceless treasure of Christ’s life within. He continues the analogy in 2 Corinthians 5:1, describing our bodies as earthly tents that will one day fall down. These “tents” will be exchanged for a permanent “building” from God (a resurrection body). Elsewhere, the Bible underscores this frailty: Our life is like “a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14), and “all flesh is like grass” that withers and fades (1 Peter 1:24; Isaiah 40:6–8). These images remind us how quickly and how easily death can come, yet also point us to the eternal hope God gives through Christ — a treasure beyond the fragility of these temporary bodies, a resurrection body that will never die.
⸻
2. GOD’S STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN OUR WEAKNESS
Illness strips away our illusion of self-sufficiency. When our bodies fail, we see clearly how desperately we need God. God said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we are weak, He becomes our strength, carrying us day by day.
⸻
3. TRIALS REFINE OUR FAITH LIKE FIRE
Sickness is a refining furnace. Peter wrote that trials come “so that the tested genuineness of your faith — more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor” (1 Peter 1:7). Illness exposes where our trust lies and draws us deeper into God’s unshakable promises.
⸻
4. GOD USES SUFFERING TO TEACH US ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES
Illness reminds us that life here is temporary. Paul wrote, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Pain and illness direct our hearts heavenward, urging us to live with eternity in view and to treasure Christ above all.
⸻
5. GOD’S PRESENCE SUSTAINS US IN THE DARKEST VALLEYS
When illness lingers, loneliness and discouragement can press hard. Yet David reminds us, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4). Our Shepherd never abandons us; His presence brings peace and courage no sickness can take away.
⸻
I’ll continue to rest as I recover, knowing I won’t be operating on all pistons for a while. But little by little, I’ll tiptoe back into my regular routine, treating each new day as a gift from God. Thank you, Lord!
A PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for walking with me through the valley of illness.
Continue to teach me to lean on Your strength, to see with eternal eyes, and to trust Your refining hand.
May my life bear witness to Your faithfulness, even in weakness.
Fill me with Your peace and remind me daily of Your nearness.
Use this season for Your glory and my good.
In Jesus’ name, Amen. #God #bible #faith
Dr. Ron Rhodes: SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FOR SEASONS OF SERIOUS ILLNESS
Recently, I spent time in the hospital due to serious illness, and I am still very weak and in recovery at home. Such seasons remind us that God allows trials not by accident, but by design. Illness can be alarming and exhausting, yet within it God offers profound spiritual lessons. Here are five insights I pondered during my recent experience:
⸻
1. OUR BODIES ARE FRAIL
Scripture paints a realistic picture of our frailty, reminding us that our bodies are weak, temporary vessels easily broken. Paul says, “We have this treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7), likening our fragile humanity to clay pots that can crack at any moment — yet carrying the priceless treasure of Christ’s life within. He continues the analogy in 2 Corinthians 5:1, describing our bodies as earthly tents that will one day fall down. These “tents” will be exchanged for a permanent “building” from God (a resurrection body). Elsewhere, the Bible underscores this frailty: Our life is like “a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14), and “all flesh is like grass” that withers and fades (1 Peter 1:24; Isaiah 40:6–8). These images remind us how quickly and how easily death can come, yet also point us to the eternal hope God gives through Christ — a treasure beyond the fragility of these temporary bodies, a resurrection body that will never die.
⸻
2. GOD’S STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN OUR WEAKNESS
Illness strips away our illusion of self-sufficiency. When our bodies fail, we see clearly how desperately we need God. God said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we are weak, He becomes our strength, carrying us day by day.
⸻
3. TRIALS REFINE OUR FAITH LIKE FIRE
Sickness is a refining furnace. Peter wrote that trials come “so that the tested genuineness of your faith — more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor” (1 Peter 1:7). Illness exposes where our trust lies and draws us deeper into God’s unshakable promises.
⸻
4. GOD USES SUFFERING TO TEACH US ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES
Illness reminds us that life here is temporary. Paul wrote, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Pain and illness direct our hearts heavenward, urging us to live with eternity in view and to treasure Christ above all.
⸻
5. GOD’S PRESENCE SUSTAINS US IN THE DARKEST VALLEYS
When illness lingers, loneliness and discouragement can press hard. Yet David reminds us, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4). Our Shepherd never abandons us; His presence brings peace and courage no sickness can take away.
⸻
I’ll continue to rest as I recover, knowing I won’t be operating on all pistons for a while. But little by little, I’ll tiptoe back into my regular routine, treating each new day as a gift from God. Thank you, Lord!
A PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for walking with me through the valley of illness.
Continue to teach me to lean on Your strength, to see with eternal eyes, and to trust Your refining hand.
May my life bear witness to Your faithfulness, even in weakness.
Fill me with Your peace and remind me daily of Your nearness.
Use this season for Your glory and my good.
In Jesus’ name, Amen. #God #bible #faith
