"The age of miracles passed—now we're in the Church age where we grow through suffering."
How it sounds in your head: Your pastor preached it, your study Bible notes confirm it—different dispensations, different operations of God. Your aching knees and failing eyes are building perseverance and character now, not opportunities for healing.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father."
-- John 14:12Religion: Dispensationalist theology that compartmentalizes God's power into past ages, making suffering the primary sanctification tool for today.
The theological framework you were taught divides history into neat boxes—miracles in one box, suffering-produces-character in your box. It explains why your prayers don't seem to produce biblical results.
Eutychus fell from a third-story window during Paul's long sermon and died—not injured, DEAD. Paul went down, fell on him, embraced him, and his LIFE returned. This happened well into the Church age, proving apostolic power continued AFTER Jesus ascended and the Church was established.
I REFUSE the lie that miracles passed and suffering replaced them. IT IS WRITTEN: he who believes in Me will do the works I do and GREATER works—that's present-tense Church age promise. I am not in a lesser dispensation with a weaker God. I am a branch attached to the Vine—the same power that raised Christ from the dead is resurrection life IN my mortal body NOW. IT IS WRITTEN: these signs will FOLLOW those who believe—laying hands on the sick and they RECOVER. That's not past tense. The BARAK blessing covering me is the BETTER covenant with BETTER promises, not lesser ones. I am Abraham's seed through Christ—if his blessing protected him even when he LIED, how much more does mine protect and provide for me under GRACE? Suffering isn't my sanctifier; the Holy Spirit is.
The Father isn't putting you through suffering-school while He waits for heaven to heal you. He's running toward you NOW, the same Father who raised Eutychus from the dead in the Church age, not the miracle age. He's already thrown the party in heaven over your healing—He finished that work at the cross—and He's celebrating every manifestation of resurrection power in your body TODAY.