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From District Superintendent Mack McMillan

DEVOTIONAL - October 18, 2010

Healing is a mystery, even when medical science is involved. Doctors don’t know everything. Sometimes they are surprised by a patient miraculously recovering from severe injuries or traumatic diseases. One question that must be addressed by some of our conference clergy right now is: why did God not heal Todd Krueger?

I would humbly suggest Todd was healed in a perfect way. Read his wife’s comments on the family blog, Todd brought his whole family together near the end of his life. Jesus’ name was praised, and hymns were sung! Todd was perfectly healed by the Divine Physician because his earthly body was ravaged by leukemia, and his heavenly body will be without spot or blemish. Further, Todd has been received into the Lord’s presence where there is nothing but eternal praise. He has no more pain, anguish or worry. Todd, as a child of God, has everlasting peace, joy, faith, and love.

Doctors didn’t give my sister-in-law a great chance of surviving a cancer that was discovered in her chest in 1993. Seventeen years later, Sarah Lancaster is cancer-free. We praise the Lord for His continual presence and power in her life. I believe Sarah would testify about how many prayers were lifted up for her, and she believes those prayers helped her tremendously during her battle with cancer.

Yet, we know countless people were praying for Todd, and he was not physically healed. Why would God allow a youthful pastor with teenage children and a caring wife to suffer from the pain of leukemia and even its treatment? Why would God choose not to heal Todd? Again, I say to you, God did heal Todd perfectly. God did answer our prayers, just not in the way that we were hoping and expecting.

The mystery of healing comes to my mind as I have surgery tomorrow. While what I face is very minor, I know God is the Divine Physician. I have confidence in my surgeon, but it does my heart good to know that he, too, has faith in God through Jesus Christ. Also, I know that in my time of recovery, God will be with me to strengthen me and bring further healing. It humbles me to know of your prayers, and I appreciate every one.

Your fellow servant of Christ, 

Mack McMillan

October 18, 2010

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