Power of promises

'It opens up a whole new realm of freedom when you realize that you are forgiven and you don't have to pay the penalty.'

By BOB CAMPBELL

Southeast Missourian

Mark Gerler of Perryville, Missouri, had long witnessed people's suffering with illness when he began pondering it in the light of God's will as expressed in the Bible.

Author of a book titled "God's Medicine, the Pathway to Divine Health," Gerler began researching the subject about 10 years ago and came to the conclusion many Christians suffer because they do not understand the power of the promises they have been given.

"I wondered why God promises healing, but so many of us are sick," Gerler said. "'God's Medicine' is about putting his word into your heart through the daily meditation of his word."

Of the book, Gerler said, "It has a lot of life applications and personal testimonies from people who have been healed and delivered through the power of God."

His book cites a number of scriptures, Gerler said, particularly the Messianic prophesy in Isaiah 53:5: "But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed."

Published by Tate Publishing of Mustang, Okla., "God's Medicine" is available for $9.99 through Amazon.com, and the 35-year-old author is working on having area Christian bookstores carry the book.

Gerler attended Ste. Genevieve High School and earned a master's degree in theology from Christian Leadership University in Buffalo, New York. He is a salesman at John Sinclair Nissan in Cape Girardeau, and he and his wife, Brenda, are members of the Rock'n'Roll Church in Cape Girardeau at 4 Spanish St.

"I found that some of the reasons Christians are sick today is because of sin. They are not aware that when they get saved, not only are their sins forgiven, the consequences of their sins are forgiven," Gerler said.

"It opens up a whole new realm of freedom when you realize that you are forgiven and you don't have to pay the penalty. When sickness comes, you realize that it doesn't have any right to be on you," he added.

Asked his interpretation of the times when faithful Christians or their loved ones become sick and die despite fervent prayers, Gerler said, "I don't think there is any one answer.

"Every situation is different. Sometimes, God uses that situation to draw that family or somebody to him. His plans and purposes are beyond our comprehension, but I would never say it is his will to see his children suffer," Gerler said.

"He sometimes allows people to go through trials and tribulations to perfect their faith," he added.