Yet all healing now is temporary. All those whom God heals now will finally die. This mortal life begins and ends. It does not last forever. What we call "healing" is but a temporary restoration of wellness. At best, it is only a brief extension of earthly life. The ultimate healing comes in the resurrection, when we will exchange this mortal body for one that never dies. Strength will replace weakness then, glory will supplant dishonor, the perishable will become imperishable. That will suit us for eternal life in its fullness -- life that will never end; life unmarred by evil, pain, separation or death; life in God's company in a perfect society in new heavens and earth.

Compared to that, the most wondrous and dramatic healings now pale into insignificance. When that time comes, we will scarcely remember the healings of today. Nor, when that time comes, will we care any longer about the healings that did not occur today. Something far better will occupy our thoughts then. The disappointments of earth will all fade into distant darkness. Nevertheless, for now we ask. When God heals, we give him praise. When he does not, we remember the big picture, We maintain our perspective, We recall that everything now is temporary. The final word has not yet been spoken. The last chapter still waits to unfold. The eternal God has promised and he will faithfully perform. Bless the LORD, who heals all our diseases -- sometimes now, for a brief while, but some day totally and forever!

For more on divine healing, click here.