"God wants me to suffer without medicine to prove my faith."
How it sounds in your head: Your head hurts during class, but you don't want to ask for Tylenol because maybe God is testing you. You see videos of people fasting from medications and getting healed. Maybe if you endure the pain without help, God will notice how serious you are about trusting Him.
"When Jesus heard that, He said to them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.'"
-- Matthew 9:12Religious teaching that God requires suffering as proof of devotion, making pain a spiritual test.
Stories of miraculous healings often mention people who stopped treatment first. You think maybe God is waiting to see if you'll reject human help before He steps in with divine help.
Timothy had frequent stomach problems and sickness. Paul didn't tell him to have more faith or suffer through it - he gave him MEDICAL ADVICE: 'Use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities,' an instant practical solution.
I REFUSE the lie that God requires my suffering as proof. IT IS WRITTEN that Jesus said the sick NEED a physician - He defended getting help. I am the righteousness of God in Christ, and my Father doesn't withhold relief to test my loyalty. Timothy received medical advice from Paul himself without shame. IT IS WRITTEN in Deuteronomy 28 that I am blessed with health, and that blessing includes access to treatment. I receive help as a daughter, not as someone on probation.
Your Father sees your headache and is running toward you with both Tylenol AND His healing hand, saying 'Don't perform for Me - let Me take care of you however I choose.' He already proved His love at the cross; you don't have to prove anything back.