2 Timothy 4:20 The Apostle Paul, apparently writing from his second imprisonment, tells us that he left Trophimus sick, not healed, but sick; in Miletus. This is another instance where divine healing was not evidenced in the life of a believer. Recall that Paul also instructed Timothy to take some wine for his stomach problem and "frequent illnesses". (1 Timothy 5:23).
What this tells me is that we cannot expect divine healing on demand, or in every case, contrary to what some healing preachers proclaim. I had long been an adherent to the "word of faith" teaching and they were very influential on me as a young Christian. As I understand this teaching, it is always God's will to heal every believer from every disease in every circumstance. They buttress this with many proof text scriptures. I would that it were true, but evidence from scripture as above demonstrates that God doesn't provide divine bodily healing in every case. Else why wouldn't Paul have told Timothy "No longer depend on water or wine for your stomach and frequent illnesses, but call upon the Lord. Get into the word and strengthen your faith that you may be healed. Your lack of faith is impeding the manifestation of what Jesus has already provided for you on the cross." He would also have said something to the effect of "I left Trophimus divinely healed in Miletus."
Make no mistake, I do still believe in Divine healing, what I realize now however, is that sometimes Divine healing does not happen to even the "best" Christians and it has little to nothing to do with that believers faith, and everything to do with the totality of God's will.
For Spurgeon's take on this verse:
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols25-27/chs1452A.pdf
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