· By Mr. Sim · ~2 min read
Living with the Long Illness: A South African Christian's Guide to the Body That Has Stopped Cooperating
Living with the Long Illness: A South African Christian's Guide to the Body That Has Stopped Cooperating
The Scene
The Christian in Midrand was diagnosed with MS four years ago. The first prayer was for healing. The prayer was not answered the way it was asked. The body is still the body.
2 Corinthians 12:9 — *"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."*
The South African Christian in the situations described above is not alone. The Bible has been speaking to these situations for two thousand years. The Wednesday Bible study in Parkmore has been hearing these passages read, discussed, and applied for ten years. What follows is a distillation of what the Bible says and what we have learned from the journey.
What the Bible Says About Healing
2 Corinthians 12:8-9: 'Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me: My grace is sufficient for you.' The word 'sufficient' means enough.
The Christian Who Has Not Been Healed
The apostle Paul himself was not healed of his 'thorn in the flesh' despite three prayers. The Christian who is not healed has not failed God. The Christian is walking a difficult road that God has not left them on alone.
Community and the Chronic Illness
The chronic illness is isolating. The Bible study community is called to go to this Christian, not wait for this Christian to come to it.
Practical Care for the Chronically Ill Christian
Practical help. Consistent presence. Inclusive language. Pray specifically. Acknowledge the grief.
A Prayer for the Chronic Christian
Father, your grace is sufficient. We ask for your presence in the hospital room, the GP's waiting room, the quiet house on a bad day. We ask for the community to hold us. We ask for the hope that does not disappoint. Amen.
A Closing Prayer
Father, we bring this struggle to you. We ask for your wisdom, your strength, and your presence. We ask for the community to hold us. We ask for the hope that does not disappoint. Amen.
*Johannesburg Bible Study Church meets online every Wednesday at 7:30pm for a Bible study that is intentionally local and biblically grounded. The Bible study is free, open to anyone, and free to join or to leave. Call Mr. Sim on +27 77 487 1295 or Ms. Dora on +27 67 442 4461.*
Community notes
From people who have shown up.
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Naledi P.
Parkmore
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I attended my first Sunday picnic with my family. The vibe was warm without being overwhelming. The kids ran around Mushroom Farm Park, the adults talked, and someone brought extra blankets for the cool afternoon.
Johan v.d.M.
Sandton
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The Korean class has become our family Sunday ritual. My wife and I take the class, the kids play. It is the only Sunday we look forward to in the month.