And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”  John 9:2

Many times people see illness or affliction as a punishment from God. The first disciples of Jesus were not different when they asked, “ … who sinned, this man or his parents?” (John 9:2b). Jesus responded that the man’s blindness was an opportunity for God’s glory to be displayed, and He healed the man.

When illness comes to us or a loved one, we may not consider it to be an opportunity for God to display His goodness. And God’s goodness does not necessarily mean He will provide physical healing. He may, but do we need to have physical healing to see God’s goodness in our lives?

Nothing, not even pain, can take away the assurance that Jesus died to pay for our sins; in this we have spiritual healing. We can be aware that God’s love, kindness, and presence are in our lives when our trust is in His promises. Illness or affliction cannot change that. Believing in Jesus Christ as Savior assures us of an everlasting life where there will be no more pain.

• We prayer for the family and friends of Jan Kraft, Ed’s mother, who was taken home to heaven…. We pray that her husband, Stan and their entire family find comfort in God’s wonderful promise of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus.  Fortify their faith in Jesus as their Savior.
• We pray for continued recovery for Cary, Pete Suelflow’s former wife, who was in a bad car accident and subsequently in the hospital to heal. Thanks for your protection despite the potential for severe damage.
• We rejoice with Pastor Aaron & Laura Bublitz, for good news after her recent cancer surgery. The doctor is quite confident that they were successful and that the cancer has not spread.  You have been their Great Physician in every way, body and soul to preserve them and their family through your grace.
• We seek your protection and guidance for the hands of the surgeon as Paul Karnopp’s mother, Karen, has hip replacement this coming week. Give her patience and faith as she goes through rehab and recovery.
• We join Eric & Tammy Fabitz in rejoicing over the healthy birth of their son, Jax. We ask for your daily blessing on his growing in body and soul, as this week you also have brought him into your family of faith by baptism.
• We pray for your continued guidance for Darren Vogt (and his wife Ruth), whom our congregation has called to teach and to serve as athletic director in our school beginning in the fall of 2017. As he deliberates where you want him to serve, direct him to a decision that is according to your will.
• For rehabilitation and re-integration for Ron Telega, at the VA Spine Center.

Training workers in mission fields –Lord of the Church, the Holy Spirit is prompting many in other countries to seek theological training to become leaders in their local church bodies. Guide our synod as we teach them through seminaries, online coursework, and other arrangements. Continue to work in all of your people a love for your Word, its doctrines, and our calling to proclaim the gospel. Amen.