The first week of May I injured my groin while weightlifting. It was by no means a life-threatening injury, but it was serious nonetheless, causing for a time what I believed to be the permanent loss of my reproductive ability. This injury caused tremendous mental distress, especially for a young man like myself who is unmarried and does not yet have children. It was the most painful experience of my life. I was extremely depressed, almost suicidal, had difficulty sleeping at night (waking up 5-6 times a night), etc.
As a result of this, I did what many would do. I sought help from the Almighty. I prayed, studied the word (reading the latter half of the Old Testament in 3 weeks), and attempted to humble myself and examine my life in order to turn from any sin. After about 5 weeks, I was healed. Although I did not consult a medical doctor in all this, I believe without a doubt that he answered my prayers and I was healed by his power and mercy. And whether you want to call it a "miracle" or the like is really irrelevant, because the Almighty is in control of everything. Any blessings or healing we may receive ultimately come from him. I now believe that he allowed me to go through the situation for the purpose of chastisement in order to bring me closer to him and turn from sin in my life.
The most important lesson I have learned from all of this is the reality we all face regarding the consequences of choosing to obey or reject our Creator. You cannot disobey YHWH and expect to get away with it. Sooner or later, your sins will catch up with you. As I was reminded in my recent reading of the scriptures, the central issue in the Bible regarding the relationship of YHWH with his people is obedience. Those who obey YHWH and live righteously will be blessed in this life and inherit eternal life, while those who disobey and practice evil will be punished and eventually destroyed if they do not repent. The latter half of the Old Testament concerns how the nations of Israel and Judah rebelled against YHWH and became very wicked by worshipping idols, rejecting YHWH's laws, and descending into lawlessness. As a result, YHWH himself destroyed His own people by sending foreign nations to attack them, killing many through war, starvation, and disease. He only saved a remnant (the more righteous among the Israelites) and sent them into exile, promising to bless and increase in number that remnant in the future. For those concerned with the condition of the modern-day Israelite people, this history is very enlightening, humbling, but also encouraging.
The New Testament and Yahshua certainly did not alter the requirement of obedience. He told the rich man that in order to inherit eternal life, he must obey the commandments (Matthew 19:17). And at the Judgement, not everyone who says to Yahshua, 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who have done the will of the Father will inherit eternal life (Matthew 7:21).
The state of our people as a whole at this time in history, just as in the past, comes down to this issue of obedience to YHWH, who is the sovereign of this universe and is in control of all. He is just, and he will abide by the covenant that he made with our people at the time of Moses -- including the blessings and curses from obedience or disobedience (see chapter 28 of Deuteronomy). If we are obedient, we will be blessed with many children, prosperity, and no enemy will be able to harm us as we are under his protection. While if we are disobedient, we are under his curse and will be punished by YHWH with few children, poverty, bondage, and "the alien who lives among you will rise above you higher and higher, but you will sink lower and lower" (Deuteronomy 28:43).
As individuals, or as a collective people, we can be healed and restored when in times of trouble. But in order for that to happen we must turn from our wicked ways and back to YHWH. That is the only way. We must humble ourselves before our all-powerful Creator and Father, not stubbornly and foolishly continue to rebel against his authority. YHWH resists the arrogant and proud, and will not listen to their prayers. But he hears and answers those who genuinely humble themselves, repent, and turn to him.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 )
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