Healing and the Will of God: Understanding His Grace - Lesson 5
- Pr Enos Mwakalindile
- Aug 21
- 4 min read
Key Verse: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35, 39)
Does God’s presence remain even when we are sick and do not see an immediate miracle?
Introduction
Not every healing prayer is answered in the way we expect, but God’s love remains steadfast. This lesson teaches us to combine faith with patience, to recognize that suffering can be an instrument of grace, and that God has a glorious plan even amid our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). Here we learn that physical failure does not mean spiritual defeat; rather, through challenges we experience God’s faithfulness and mercy.
Key Learning Points
1. God’s Love Cannot Be Separated from Suffering.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? ... Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35, 39)
Paul clearly states that no situation—whether hardship, persecution, or even death—can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:35–39). This gives us enduring confidence that even when healing is delayed, God is with us, walking with us through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). His love is eternal and unchanging regardless of our present circumstances.
2. Pain Can Be an Instrument of Grace.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Paul prayed three times about his “thorn” but did not receive immediate healing (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). God answered by giving grace rather than removing the problem. This teaches us that pain and challenges can be classrooms for faith and endurance (Hebrews 12:10–11), leading us to rely more on God than on our own strength.
3. Jesus Submitted to the Father’s Will in Suffering.
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus showed a heart surrendered to the Father’s will, even in fear and pain. Isaiah 55:8–9 teaches that God’s ways are higher than ours, showing that His will always has a greater purpose. When we do not see immediate healing, we are reminded that God sees the end from the beginning.
4. Remembering God’s Goodness Gives Us Hope.
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.” (Psalm 103:2–4)
Jeremiah, even in national suffering, confessed God’s faithfulness, saying: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22–23). Remembering God’s past works encourages us to continue hoping even when immediate answers are unseen. It teaches us gratitude and hopeful living because God remains faithful.
5. Our Pain Can Give Birth to Ministry for Others.
“He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)
Paul, despite his “thorn,” received God’s grace and became a source of comfort to churches (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). Likewise, our present sufferings can prepare us to be instruments of comfort to others. Through our experiences, we become living witnesses that God can turn pain into a ministry of compassion for those in difficult situations.
6. Community and Church Partnership Brings Broader Healing.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Healing is not just one person’s responsibility. When the church and community work together, patients receive spiritual, emotional, and even physical support. Partnerships with hospitals and health professionals expand the scope of care and demonstrate Christ’s love in action.
7. Eternal Hope Gives Us Strength to Persevere.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
Faith in the resurrection and eternal life gives us a new perspective on suffering. Remembering that these are temporary gives us courage to endure, knowing our ultimate destiny is eternal life and glory with Christ.
Discussion Questions
How do you see the relationship between suffering and God’s love in your own life? (Romans 8:35–39)
Have you ever seen pain turn into a blessing or ministry for others? Describe that situation. (2 Corinthians 1:4)
How can you encourage someone who has not yet received healing to keep trusting God? (Psalm 23:4)
In what ways can the hope of eternal life change the perspective of someone in suffering? (Romans 8:18)
Home Assignment
Write a letter of comfort to someone who has not seen healing yet; remind them of God’s inseparable love.
Conduct a service of hope: read Psalm 23, sing a hymn of hope, and pray for the sick.
Reflect on Romans 8:31–39 and list the things that threaten to separate someone from God’s love; surrender them in prayer.
Prepare a short testimony of how you found comfort or help during your challenges, and share it with your group.
Summary
God’s will is sometimes different from our expectations, but His love endures forever. Through suffering and challenges, God’s grace is revealed in unique and life-changing ways. This teaches us to see suffering not as an end, but as a bridge to grace and hope.
Next Lesson: Practical Exercises and Course Wrap-Up – Living What We Have Learned.
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