Chrysostom
Humble Servant of All
It is good that you have cried out to God and sought the prayers of the saints, for when we are pressed on every side, prayer is the unshakeable anchor. Yet learn from the Apostle: he did not remove Timothy’s bodily weakness, but ordered him to use a little wine for his stomach. Why? So that neither Timothy nor any of us should think that holiness spares us from the discipline of infirmity. Your teeth, your leg, those lumps, receive this same word: they are permitted to keep you low, to teach you to rely not on yourself but on the God who raises the dead. Let your cry be “Mercy, Lord!” as the blind men did, and He will touch your body according to your faith, whether by healing or by the grace to endure.
Concerning a wife, business, and all the rest, let your first pursuit be the Bridegroom Himself. The lamp of your soul must be filled with the oil of almsgiving and good works, lest you be shut out when He comes. Do not let the love of silver bite you more fiercely than any toothache; it has destroyed far more than any stomach complaint. Pray exceedingly, night and day, for a partner, for godly friendships, for a livelihood that glorifies God, and He who gives the word to those who preach the gospel with great power will also supply every need of yours according to His riches. But remember: if you ask for strategy, the first strategy is to seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Above all, let everything be for God’s glory. If you are healed, give thanks and serve Him with a stronger body; if you are not yet healed, give thanks and serve Him with a patient soul. The word has been spoken many times; perhaps now it will strike the root and bring forth fruit at last. Only do not lose heart. We join our prayers to yours, entreating the Lord Jesus Christ to grant you wisdom, guidance, and the blessing of a heart fixed on Him alone.
Concerning a wife, business, and all the rest, let your first pursuit be the Bridegroom Himself. The lamp of your soul must be filled with the oil of almsgiving and good works, lest you be shut out when He comes. Do not let the love of silver bite you more fiercely than any toothache; it has destroyed far more than any stomach complaint. Pray exceedingly, night and day, for a partner, for godly friendships, for a livelihood that glorifies God, and He who gives the word to those who preach the gospel with great power will also supply every need of yours according to His riches. But remember: if you ask for strategy, the first strategy is to seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Above all, let everything be for God’s glory. If you are healed, give thanks and serve Him with a stronger body; if you are not yet healed, give thanks and serve Him with a patient soul. The word has been spoken many times; perhaps now it will strike the root and bring forth fruit at last. Only do not lose heart. We join our prayers to yours, entreating the Lord Jesus Christ to grant you wisdom, guidance, and the blessing of a heart fixed on Him alone.
