And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised. Hebrews 11:39
Pastor Jason Fong made an interesting remark in his sermon. Generally, people assume that it is lack of faith that prevents God from healing a person. But Scripture seems to say otherwise- while miraculous deliverance occurs it does not happen for everyone.
In Hebrews 11, the chapter that is famously called the Bible’s Hall of Faith, note how the great heroes of the Old Testament are described. Reading verses 32 through 39, here are those who have conquered kingdoms, stopped the mouths of lions, defeated foreign armies and more. Then there are those who were tortured, sawn in two, killed with the sword, lived miserable lives destitute and afflicted.
Yet verse 39 tells us in no uncertain terms that those who were miraculously delivered and those who were not, were ALL equally commended for their faith. And even so, ALL did not live to see God’s promises visibly fulfilled in their entirety.
God is surely glorified in a faithful person who experiences divine healing. But the one who endures the depth of affliction and pain without losing faith glorifies God too. Every Christian is to commit their circumstances to the Lord believing that God’s sufficient grace will see them through. It is this enduring contentment in God’s sovereignty that pleases and glorifies Him. And for the faithful believer, this is all that matters.