Touching the Hem Book

Touching the Hem: A Biblical Response to Physical Suffering

As humans, we are bound to suffer physical affliction on this earth.
As Christians, how should we respond to that affliction?

Material abounds on the subjects of faith healing, the purpose of trials, and the practice of faith in the believer’s life. But where is the book that covers all of this? Where are the resources for today’s Christians regarding the whole subject of sickness and healing? When I was diagnosed with a devastating long-term illness in 2007, that question suddenly became very personal.

A few months after graduating from college, I started experiencing all sorts of physical problems. After many ER visits and doctor’s appointments, tests and labwork, and unsuccessful rounds of medication, I was diagnosed with a rare disease: Wegener’s Granulomatosis (now GPA). The disease is treatable, but not curable, and I’ll be facing its effects for the rest of my life. After my diagnosis, I began wondering how to respond to it all—the sickness, the long-term effects, the harsh treatments, the unexpected changes in my life’s direction. I looked for books to help me, but didn’t find much that agreed with what I’d learned from God’s Word. So I decided to study the topic for myself.

Touching the Hem: A Biblical Response to Physical Suffering has grown out of that study. It considers how to respond well to sickness or injury, whether God still heals those things today, and how to seek healing if He does. It first looks upward at who God is, and what He has done and will do for His creation (mankind). It then looks outward, considering our present circumstances in light of God’s character and works. Finally, it turns the gaze inward, considering our response to present physical suffering and how to live according to a biblical response.

I’ve also written a free study guide to help you work through the book, which you can download here. It includes observation and application questions for each chapter, plus related suggestions for prayer and praise. It would be a great way to study the book on your own, with a friend, or as part of a small group.

My hope and prayer is that this book might help others who find themselves or their loved ones in similar situations, encouraging and building up their spirits in the knowledge of God and His Word.