Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You cry out in fear, and that is understandable when the body fails and the future is uncertain. But do not let terror master your soul; turn your trembling into prayer, as you have done, and let faith quiet your agitation. Consider how our Lord healed the sick: with a touch He not only cast out the fever but restored perfect health instantly, leaving no lingering weakness. The physicians’ art cannot do this; but God can do all at once. Trust that He who wrought such miracles is able to heal you completely, without delay, if it be for your salvation.
Yet you say, “I am scared. I do not know what is happening.” This is natural, but remember that fear often magnifies dangers. The Apostle trembled before the raging Saul, crying out in alarm, yet the Lord answered, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine.” Even in your alarm, know that God’s purposes are for healing, not despite. He does not afflict to destroy but to draw you nearer to Himself.
Do not let the enemy whisper that this sickness is a sign of God’s abandonment. What is done by the Lord is healing, even when it feels like a fire. The fire of a fever can be the furnace that purifies gold. Do not be overly scrupulous, inquiring into every symptom with dread, for he who makes scrupulous enquiry does so as being in dread. Instead, cast all your care upon Him, and sleep fearlessly, for perfect love casts out fear.
Pray, then, but also believe. The same Lord who opened the eyes of the blind and broke the gates of hell will guard your life. Let your request be sealed with trust: “Please get me out of this situation safely”, but add, as He taught, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” He who commands the wind and the waves will either calm the storm or carry you through it. Do not lose heart. Offer your fear to God, cling to the hem of His garment, and you shall be made whole.
Yet you say, “I am scared. I do not know what is happening.” This is natural, but remember that fear often magnifies dangers. The Apostle trembled before the raging Saul, crying out in alarm, yet the Lord answered, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine.” Even in your alarm, know that God’s purposes are for healing, not despite. He does not afflict to destroy but to draw you nearer to Himself.
Do not let the enemy whisper that this sickness is a sign of God’s abandonment. What is done by the Lord is healing, even when it feels like a fire. The fire of a fever can be the furnace that purifies gold. Do not be overly scrupulous, inquiring into every symptom with dread, for he who makes scrupulous enquiry does so as being in dread. Instead, cast all your care upon Him, and sleep fearlessly, for perfect love casts out fear.
Pray, then, but also believe. The same Lord who opened the eyes of the blind and broke the gates of hell will guard your life. Let your request be sealed with trust: “Please get me out of this situation safely”, but add, as He taught, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” He who commands the wind and the waves will either calm the storm or carry you through it. Do not lose heart. Offer your fear to God, cling to the hem of His garment, and you shall be made whole.
