We all know God can work miracles. But how do we respond when
someone with a chronic illness can’t find His healing touch?
Sad ChildWhat do we think when we encounter chronically ill
people in our charismatic churches—godly, sincere believers who
don't receive their healing despite years sometimes of pleading
with God or examining themselves to find some fault that might
be blocking their recovery?  Do we associate their unhealed
illness with the weak faith they must possess? Do we view them
dismissively, thinking hidden sin in their life surely is
fueling their condition and that mere confession would restore
physical wholeness?  These are relevant questions, since we all
probably know chronically ill believers.  Consider this cross
section of such Christians from the Pacific Northwest.  Bonnie
Sanders. The Seattle resident was born with an extremely rare
genetic defect that prevents her body from repairing skin damage
caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays. For years, she attended a
megachurch where the lead