I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
“I am in pain to see you suffer so long; what gives me some ease, and sweetens the feeling I have of your griefs, is that they are proofs of God’s love towards you: see them in that view, and you will bear them more easily.
As your case is, ’tis my opinion that you should leave off human remedies, and resign yourself entirely to the providence of God; perhaps He stays only for that resignation and a perfect trust in Him to cure you.
Since notwithstanding all your cares, physic has hitherto proved unsuccessful, and your malady still increases, it will not be tempting God to abandon yourself in His hands, and expect all from Him.
I told you, in my last, that He sometimes permits bodily diseases to cure the distempers of the soul. Have courage then: make a virtue of necessity: ask of God, not deliverance from your pains, but strength to bear resolutely, for the love of Him, all that He should please, and as long as He shall please.”
Brother Lawrence (c. 1614-1691) in The Practice of the Presence of God: The Best Rule of Holy Life (Grand Rapids: CCEL) 31.
I am thankful for my brief visit to Florida (pictured above) to see family, but there’s a lot of COVID here.
Brother Lawrence notes that God “sometimes permits bodily diseases to cure the distempers of the soul.” In that sense, they are proof of God’s generous love for us. That’s counterintuitive. Few would consider disease as a cure for anything.
We are to entrust ourselves to the providence of God.
What if our prayer should shift from deliverance to something bigger, such as a heavy dose of strength and perseverance from God? He has a purpose for everything, including suffering. It’s for our good and His glory to be revealed through us.
God allows suffering to produce growth and good outcomes in our lives.
Our most generous testimony during a time of global lockdown and pandemic may well be to embrace the disease as a cure for the distempers of our souls. God sends plagues to call us to humble ourselves.
God, give us a big dose of strength to endure out of love for You. Amen.