You know, I agree with all that, except for one thing. The Lord does and has punished with sickness. A few people I know myself who have been gifted prophetically have had the somber task of telling somebody that if they don't obey the Lord in something, repent, whatever, they will (for example, this was in one case) be blinded by the Lord. The one didn't take their advice/word from God/His command, and after leaving then returning months later, the person who had told her this, saw the lady enter the restaurant with a guide dog