I'm surprised that you would have to ask this, seeing as how your religion teaches we must "take up our crosses" and suffer for Christ in order to even be saved.
Kind of ironic, isn't it?
My outward circumstances are no indicator of God's love for me, my love for God, whether or not He's hearing and answering my prayers, the measure of my faith in any way, my level of spirituality, or sin in my life.
I know plenty of Catholics who deal with their own health issues. Our Catholic neighbor is diabetic. I know of a priest who is blind. There are many people of all faiths who are sick and many people of no faith who are healthy.
And *returning* to Catholicism will do what, exactly?
As far as anyone's words being prophetic, I've been offered advice from every corner, If I'd just do this or that, all my problems would be solved and yet everyone has a different answer. Which one should I listen to?
When Jesus healed, He did it differently each time. Perhaps that's because He wanted us to trust HIM and not the method. God cannot be reduced to a formula and manipulated by us for our selfish benefit.
And so I will say with Job, (13:15) "Though he slay me, I will hope in him;"
I am God's; I have been bought with a price. He lays claim to me through creation and redemption. My life and my times are in His hands. I am His to do whatever He wishes in me and through me. When and how my end comes is His decision, not mine.
In the meantime, Philippians 4:10-14
10I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
ABSOLUTELY INDEED.
God seems to hate formulas in HIS RELATIONSHIPS with His kids.
Amen! God bless you, Metmom, I continue to pray for you that God's will be done in your life, knowing that even if it means we continue or worsen in our suffering, it is all to his glory. There are unbelievers always watching us in how we deal with problems in our lives. They EXPECT us to do like they would do, reject God because he didn't "answer" our prayers the way WE expect him to. Yet what greater testimony is there than what Job said, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him."? That, to me, is the mark of true and surrendered faith - that through it all, we STILL continue to believe and trust the one to whom we know loves us and desires the best for us. Even when we go through trials, we trust that God works ALL things together for our good - just as he promised. He is faithful and true.