I am saddened to hear of Joni Eareckson Tada’s breast cancer and only wish her the very best with her surgery and following treatments. In the video, Joni said:
Our afflictions come from the hand of our all wise and sovereign God.
We believe that God can and does heal.
Given her own words, I sense that doubt is revealed and a lack of confidence in God’s ability to heal is displayed because Joni has sought out medical assistance through surgery and (presumably) subsequent chemotherapy and/or radiation. According to Joni, it was God who determined that she was to contract cancer. The question I seem to ask of Christians who make the assertions that God inflicts some with life-threatening disease (or any other kind of malady or calamity) is; do Joni’s actions in seeking medical treatment indicate that she really does rest in her stated view of God’s sovereignty and God’s will in the matter of her healing?
Update: From the latest video and posting on her site above, it’s good to hear that Joni appears to be doing well after surgery.
Update (7/6): Joni continues to recover after her surgery. I’ve enjoyed reading the comments that people have posted. Although I have my doubts that it was God who brought about cancer within Joni, it is apparent Joni that has peace about the whole situation and her faith is a testament to God working out all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28)
Martin's Mercurial Musings 