The very work of intercession laid upon your heart for these friends is no mere human impulse, it is God that writes intercession upon men's hearts. Do not cease, then, to pursue them with your persistent intercession, even should they seem beyond reach, for we are quick to seize every advantage in pleading with God when our hearts are set on this blessed work. Yet remember, the Holy Spirit’s intercession is not in or for the unregenerate. If your friends remain in denial, they must first be made saints, else they cannot feel that inward groaning. Pray, then, with a holy horror at the thought of ceasing, as Samuel cried, "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you." Let no provocation, no slight, no slowness, silence your suit.
As for your own body, I have known what it is to be more trembling than an infant, so great was my pain and heaviness. The Holy Spirit helps us to bear the infirmity of our body and mind, whether physical pain or mental depression. Cry out with Jeremiah, "Why have You smitten us, and there is no healing for us?" That is not unbelief, but the raw edge of faith gasping toward the Healer. Pain of body wraps up within itself great mercy; there are some who can scarcely be taught except through physical chastening. Yet I bid you look to the Lord Jesus, for not only is His fruit sweet, but the very leaves of that Tree are for healing. The least thing about Christ is healing, His wounds our healing, His death our life. Pardon and healing are placed in happy conjunction; when Jesus healed the palsied man, He first said, "Your sins are forgiven you." Ask to be forgiven, and healing will come from the pardoning hand.
But know this: deliverance from the power of sin and sickness must be worked by the hand and outstretched arm of Jehovah alone. The clock of mercy struck in Heaven the hour and moment of deliverance when God found a ransom, none would have thought of that way but Him! Now hard by His cross, where His wounds bleed afresh, pledge yourself wholly to Him without reserve. He who brought Israel forth with silver and gold after the lamb was slain can bring you forth from this pit. Do not doubt your deliverance, for God has said, "I have found a ransom." Welcome, then, to pardon and healing through our Lord Jesus. Let the Sun of Righteousness rise with healing in His wings upon your soul and your knee, that you may take not an atom of the honor to yourself, but ascribe all to Free Grace alone. God bless you.