Even in the Fire, God Is in Control
God’s plan for believers in all times is that we walk in greater and greater health, even if we are present on earth during the great falling away. The Bible indicates many times that when things worsen around us, Christians only grow brighter and stronger. Paul said that when the culture around us becomes crooked and perverse, Jesus’ followers “shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15).
When early Christian martyr Stephen was persecuted, “all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). And when three righteous Hebrews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to an idol, a fourth man appeared with them, “and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God,” said King Nebuchadnezzar, who was looking on (Dan. 3:25). “And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them” (v. 27).
Even in the fire, these men remained perfectly healthy.
God’s love imparts not only spiritual health but also the highest level of physical and mental health. Not everyone will endure persecution without a scratch as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did, but for believers who walk in love with Jesus and others, wellness will actually accelerate as we near the end of the age. In a famous passage, Paul wrote beautifully about how believers act and speak in the power of God’s love. “Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech,” he began, indicating a vibrancy and robustness inside and out (2 Cor. 3:12).
He continued a few verses later, “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (v. 17). Christians usually spiritualize this verse to mean liberty in worship, but this liberty is all-encompassing and includes things like freedom of physical movement, facility of thought, and freedom from emotional or mental shackles or weights. Paul then added, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (v. 18, emphasis added).
How amazing is that? As we walk “by the Spirit” we go “from glory to glory.” This is why the writer of Hebrews could confidently encourage us, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus” (Heb. 12:1–2). While others are falling apart, love-fueled believers will be running at marathon levels!
While darkness and dysfunction may increase, light and glory will always increase for those who accept God’s love. We will again see days like those of Charles Finney when entire cities were converted through his revival meetings. We will see outpourings of the Spirit like the ones described in the Book of Acts, but they will be happening all over the globe at the same time. Nothing in all of history can compare to the move of God that will come upon the earth in those last days for all who will receive it—and this revival will include top levels of physical and mental health.
Right now, the best thing we can do for our minds, bodies, and souls is learn to walk in the empowering, cleansing, and strengthening love of God. This will protect us from disease and promote all aspects of health.
To learn more about Don Colbert, MD’s latest book, Dr. Colbert’s Spiritual Health Zone, visit Mycharismashop.com