Our Lord Jesus Christ has not only paid the ultimate price for our sins by shedding His precious BLOOD (Revelation 1:5), but He also gave us His body that we might receive healing from all our sicknesses (1 Peter 2:24). When our Lord Jesus Christ came to the world, His mission was to preach the good news of salvation, heal the sick, give sight to the blind, deliver the spiritually oppressed (demonically possessed), raise the dead, and ultimately give His life for our salvation (Luke 4:18-20; Luke 7:22).
Faith to Receive Healing
Moreover, the Lord says that many Christians don’t have enough faith to receive healing in His name (Mark 5:34). Biblically, we know the principle to receive anything from God has to be by faith and nothing short of it (Hebrews 11:6; Mark 11:22-24). Throughout the New Testament, we read of countless accounts of healing; several Scriptures testify to this (Acts 10:38; Acts 5:16; 1 Peter 2:24; James 5:14-16; Matthew 4:24; Matthew 10:1-8; Matthew 14:14; Luke 4:18; Luke 9:11; Mark 6:13; Mark 16:15-18). There are some sects within Christianity that believe that divine healing is not for today and this practice ended with the apostles; this notion is a lie and it robs people of healing and deliverance. There is danger in following such a sect even with a well-formulated "statement of faith", since it limits countless believers from receiving gifts (including healing) from The Lord.
Not so long ago, a friend of mine was diagnosed with an incurable sickness. We inquired of the Lord what we could do for him, and The Lord promised to heal him and told us that we must invite him to church. The Lord commanded me to preach about our title subject, ‘Healing in Christ’. As it was, the purpose of inviting that friend to church was for him to listen to the word of God, in order to receive faith for his healing (Acts 14:8-10; Romans 10:17). Although this brother promised to come to the service which was especially for him, he failed to come and consequently he never received his healing. Admittedly, it is hard to exercise faith because it is associated with some unpleasant challenges but the rewards are refreshing bringing with it a great joy. Those who have exercised their faith and received healing and blessings from the Lord knows how rewarding it is.
Similarly, another sister approached us asking to we pray for her and ask the Lord to heal her of her many infirmities. The Lord again promised to heal her completely, but due to her lack of faith and dependence of the arm of flesh and complaining, she failed to receive healing (Luke 7:50; Mark 5:34). As it is, the Lord told this sister that she does not have enough faith in Him, and that she must read her Bible to build up her faith to receive whatever she needs.
On another occasion, my family and I heard about someone who was very sick and unable to speak or appreciate anything around her. We decided to pray for her. This we did for a full month everyday, praying three times or more daily. After sometime we asked the Lord if we should still pray for her and He said no. We contended with the Lord as to why she was not healed and why we should stop praying for her. Later on the Lord made me aware that because of her deteriorating health, she had no mental capacity to believe, and neither did her husband. Also, if He brought about a miracle healing through our prayers only, who would they have acknowledged for her healing? How would this have led them to salvation? Therefore, faith is an intended and conscious experience, giving the recipient confidence in God’s ability. The purpose of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is to sustain and encourage our faith, the goal being our eternal salvation (Ephesians 4:7-16). The spiritual gifts are not meant for showcasing and inviting people to idolize our own power or ability (Acts 8:19-20). The Lord Jesus Jesus Christ must be glorified through all the gifts of the Holy Spirit (John 16:14; Revelation 4:11).
Wrongful Practices of Healing
God is Sovereign and He never violates a person’s will; I am a witness to this fact and we must choose, believe and follow Him (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). The Lord Jesus Christ did not just go about and heal any sick person. He allowed people or their loved one to come to Him and ministered to their needs for healing and deliverance (Luke 7:1-10; 8: 40- 41; 18:41; Matthew 9:28).
In the case involving young children or those with weak faith, the Lord would always honor the faith of parents and grant the request for healing (Matthew 15:26). The Lord always engaged people’s wishes or faith; this is shown when He asked the paralyzed man, “…Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6 HCSB).
Brethren, this is not to discourage any well intentioned man or woman of God for exercising their faith through the gifts the Lord has given the church or individual believers. If we ignorantly just go out laying hands on the sick without ministering the Word of God to them, or inquiring from them if they believe in Christ Jesus, our efforts would prove fruitless and at best embarrassing, leading people to have doubts and skepticism about The Lord.
In my experience, I once felt sorry for a woman who was in great pains due to medical operations she underwent. I blindly offered to pray for her, ministering the word of God to her and without pointing her to relevant healing Scriptures to boost her faith. While I was praying for her, I felt a strong sense of unbelief and doubt that she had, and to my expectation she never received healing. Our pity for the sick is natural; however we must ascertain if they believe in the Lord Jesus and if they trust He can heal or deliver them (Matthew 9:28).
Also last year, when my children and I went to minister to Aunt Lily (please refer to the article on Salvation Received on Deathbed), I preached the gospel to her while she had the masks on, and after prayer she was able to breath without the masks as is evident on the pictures. However, The Lord decided otherwise and gave us an even greater testimony by allowing us to witness her entry into Heaven.
In addition, I prayed on numerous occasions for my own sickly mother and aunt who helped raised me up. After expressing their faith to me and wish for prayer, they would receive relief from pain and healing. Sadly, this only lasts for a few days and the moment they get well they go right back to their former ways, and so their sicknesses return to torment them again (John 5:14), with their last resort being medication. Let me clarify that as a ministry we do not disprove, discourage or come against the use of medication. We just want to reiterate that, above all, we should have faith and be faithful to God; He still remains Jehovah Rapha - The God our healer, who heals all diseases (Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3; Matthew 4:23; Luke 6:17).
Furthermore, as a ministry we have been ministering to quite a number of people who have faith in The Lord and who needed prayer for healing; many of them did not receive healing because they poisoned themselves with cigarettes, liquor, and corrupt sexual practices. For some of these people on whose behalf we inquired of the Lord, He would tell us that they need to stop their wicked practices, but their choice would always be the wrong things they do above God’s gift to them. God will not allow us to use Him (Galatians 6:7). Like I alluded elsewhere in this article, faith must be accompanied by obedience because the goal is to sustain salvation.
In conclusion, recently a member of this ministry fell gravely ill. This precious sister suffered from an incurable disease. During her ordeal, she shed a lot of weight due to vomiting whatever she ate. She even announced to some of her closes relatives that her departure was imminent. As a ministry, we stood by her through prayer and encouragement in the Lord. In His mercy and to save us from sorrow, The Lord Himself added His voice by giving our sister a message saying, “My daughter Dorcas must not worry; she must have faith”. In my zeal and excitement, I took these words in person and in Jesus’ name it revived her spirit. She regained her appetite and could retain food in her stomach. As it is, the Lord has healed her using her faith and she is faithfully serving and following the Lord with us.
The Lord refuses no one healing, deliverance, salvation or anything else. His commands are very clear; faith (Hebrews 11:6), obedience to maintain our relationship with Him (John 5:14) and fruit bearing (Matthew 3:8). So then, the word of God gives us a healthy attitude and body (1 Timothy 4:8). Remember, the gifts of God are freely given to the church for the well-being of all who would accept them by faith and reverence to God and not as a measure to use and control God.
Finally, there are people who are in the habit of trusting in others' abilities, faith, or prayers in times of sickness (2 Chronicles 16:12). Although it is welcomed for others to pray for us, The Lord encourages us to call to Him ourselves that He may show us His great love. He is faithful to hear our prayers of faith and deliver us (Psalm 50:15; Psalm 91:15). The Lord is fully willing and able to heal you! (Matthew 8:3; Matthew 14:36; Mark 6:56). God also says: I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me (Jeremiah 32:27); “...With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Unfortunately, most people like the easy way out of their problems by depending on on man instead of fully placing their trust in God. Admittedly, it is hard to exercise faith because it is associated with some unpleasant challenges, but the rewards to the faithful believer are refreshing, bringing with it great joy. Indeed, God's promise is remains true: "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Do you lack faith in Christ Jesus for your healing? Have you been disobedient to the Lord, expressing doubt in His abilities, or only looking to others instead of Jesus Christ to heal you? Please repent and trust Him. If you would like to accept Jesus as your Lord, Saviour, and Healer, here is a
Blessed Regards,
Brother Glenn.
