Healing: Restoring to Health

This is the process of restoring to wholeness what is unbalanced, diseased or damaged as a result of humanity's fall into sin (Gen 3:16-17). Sickness can be the direct result of sin, but not exclusively so, such as when a tower fell and killed 18 people Jesus declared they were not more sinful than anyone else (Lev 26:14-16; Lk 13:4; Jn 5:14). However, if a person is sick they should examine their heart and deal with any sin (including disrespectfully taking communion) by confession, repenting and then praying for healing (1 Cor 11:28-32; Jas 5:14-16; 1 Jn 1:9).

Understanding Healing

In the Old Testament God said to the Israelites, "I am the Lord who heals you" and "Pay close attention to my words...they are health to a person's whole body", while also stating that if they walked in disobedience this would open the door for sickness (Ex 15:26; Deut 28:15,21,27-28; Ps 41:1-4; Prov 3:8, 4:20-22).

God is the 'Great Physician', dealing with the whole person

The psalmist notes, "He [God] sent His word and healed them" and David declared, "The Lord forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases" (Ps 103:3, 107:20). Restoring humanity to full health is far wider than merely physical improvement.

As Christians, we are not exempt from the sickness that infects this world, yet before seeking medical advice, our first response when aware of a problem should be prayer, claiming the provision of healing that was gained by Jesus – 'By His stripes' you were healed (Isa 53:5; 1 Pet 2:24).

Primarily our faith should be in God, not the medical profession or the other various forms of reputable treatments (such as chiropractors and osteopaths whose work is based on verifiable, scientific research). However, those based on 'mystical' cures, eastern religions and some alternative practices such as using crystals and iridology must be avoided.

Our bodies have a God-given ability to heal themselves if given the right conditions, especially nutritious food, a balanced diet, exercise and wholesome attitudes, while also avoiding harmful substances. A physically healthy person can normally accomplish more, besides which it's not a good advertisement of God's blessing if a person is a medical wreck. Yet God can also work wonderfully through those who are submissive to Him and have a wholesome spirit regardless of any physical impairment.

Much physical sickness can be prevented by properly caring for our bodies

The medical profession focuses primarily on just treating the symptoms of disease, whereas a holistic approach considers the body, mind and spirit, including the emotions, to address the possible underlying root cause. Our whole lifestyle needs to come into alignment with His ways, so we don't continue to aggravate the situation by unhealthy eating, toxic attitudes or failing to address any un-forgiveness, bondages, curses or demonic influences.

Therefore, after initial prayer, if there is no lasting change in the spiritual, physical, mental or emotional condition, delve deeper to expose the reason. While prayer is effective and we are to pray about everything, there can often be practical things we must address, for even having a positive mental outlook is beneficial to promote good health (Prov 17:22; Phil 4:6). Faith, and expectancy of being healed, is a vital key, as is our confession, the acknowledgement of His working on our behalf (Num 14:28; Mk 5:26-28, 10:52; Lk 19:10; Act 14:8-10).

God will not do for us what we should be doing for ourselves. There is a time for prayer but also a time for confronting and working cooperating with God by implementing lifestyle changes (Josh 7:7-25). Is there anything in my lifestyle, attitudes, habits or diet that can and needs to be changed to bring about healing or maintain health?

Dimensions of Healing

Consider all these dimensions

Spiritual – through being born again, we come into fellowship with God. This is the most important healing and guaranteed to 'whosoever" (Jn 3:16). Genuinely addressing this area results in salvation and is the only healing that must occur for our entrance to heaven.

In what areas am I experiencing His healing?

Mental – bondage, or thought patterns in the mind are addressed by renewing the thought processes, attitudes and desires along with controlling the entry points (Job 31:1; Ps 19:14; Prov 4:23; Rom 12:1-2; 2 Cor 10:5; Phil 4:8). Depression is a prevalent, debilitating condition caused by distorted thinking.

Emotional – hurts caused by a lack of self-esteem, or abuse received (especially during the formative childhood years) need to be countered by a true understanding of the Father heart of God and of personal worthwhile receiving strong encouragement. All parties involved (including the guilty) need to be released – through forgiveness – to bring about the (inner) healing of memories (Mt 6:14-15).

Relational and social – problems are healed by dealing with bitterness and grudges so reconciliation can take place. Confrontation may be a necessary first step. Forgiveness is the basis for open, loving communicating with understanding and tolerance, especially within the family (Mt 5:24, 7:1-5; Lk 6:31; 1 Cor 4:12).

Physical – improved conditions are the most identifiable felt need of many people and in spite of the effort and various methods sought to bring about healing not all achieve this. However, it is better to enter into heaven with a physical handicap, than enter hell in total health (Mt 5:29-30).

Demonic – spirits along with generational curses must be addressed by deliverance, and followed up with self-discipline to avoid reinfection (Mt 12:43-45; 17:14-20; Lk 13:10-16).

Financial – disorders can be sorted out by developing sound work habits, diligence, budgeting, self-control (not being compelled by consumerism but instead living inside one's income), tithing and not being self-centered (Lk 6:38; 1 Thes 4:11-12; 1 Tim 5:8).

Addiction – enslaving habits and compulsions, whether to substances, behaviours or destructive patterns, need to be addressed by turning to Christ for freedom, receiving prayer and support, and replacing the false refuge with the truth and presence of God (Jn 8:36; Rom 6:12-14; Gal 5:1). Lasting release comes as the heart is satisfied in Him and new patterns of self-control and accountability are established by the Holy Spirit's power.

Faith Healing

While on earth "Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil… because the Spirit of the Lord was on Him" (Lk 4:18-19; Act 10:38). These instantaneous miracles of deliverance and healing He performed were in fulfilment of the prophecy "He took our infirmities and carried our diseases" (Isa 53:4). Jesus also told His followers to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and expel demons, as He Himself did (Mt 10:8; Jn 14:12). In obedience, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, they did as instructed and He worked with them, confirming His Word by the signs that accompanied the preaching of the good news (Mk 16:20; Act 4:29-30).

Jesus made the provision for us to be whole

It is not God's will that people are sick. Sickness entered the world through sin and remains one of its destructive effects, but Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and to restore life in all its fullness (1 Jn 3:8; Jn 10:10). As believers, we have been given authority in the name of Jesus to resist sickness and to ask boldly for healing, confident that He hears and answers prayer. Yet we do not command God; we ask in faith, always submissive to His sovereign will and perfect plan (Mk 11:23-24; Jn 14:13-14; 1 Jn 5:14-15).

Faith or divine healing, through prayer in the name of Jesus, is claimed without any medication or treatment as employed by the medical profession. Jesus took our sicknesses in His body that we might have His health, and as His representatives all believers are given authority to be a channel of healing for those who are unwell, with some Christians having the specific gift of healing (Mt 4:23, 10:1; Mk 16:17-18; Lk 7:21-22; Act 4:10; 1 Cor 12:9,28,30).

How to Pray for the Sick

When praying for someone who is seriously sick, it is helpful to ask whether they believe God has not finished with them on earth. In the Old Testament, God's people were often aware when their time to die had come, and they were ready to depart in peace (Gen 25:8, 35:29; 2 Kng 13:14). By contrast, if a believer senses that their earthly course is not complete, they can confidently ask for healing, expecting God to answer. We ask in faith, not as one who commands or demands, but as a child humbly submitting to the Father's will.

It is advisable for the person requesting prayer to attend in person, rather than relying solely on a prayer team to pray over written requests. Adequate time should be provided to allow for thoughtful reflection and seeking guidance. We come not as those who command or demand, but as those who ask in faith, bowing to the Father's greater wisdom and plan. Some afflictions have an evil spiritual component that resists release, and these need to be addressed through deliverance and spiritual discernment before physical healing is more likely to be manifest (Mt 12:43-45, 17:14-20; Lk 13:10-16). We must not rush the process, but patiently wait on God and listen for His direction.

If healing is not immediately manifest, Jesus encouraged us to keep on asking in faith: "Whatever you desire, ask in faith" (Mk 11:24). The parable of the persistent widow teaches us to come again and again, refusing to give up (Lk 18:1-8). Even Paul repeatedly asked God to remove his affliction until he received the answer, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:8-9). Persistence in prayer is not a sign of unbelief; it is the expression of faith that keeps reaching out to God.

Keep on asking in faith until you hear God's answer

We must always remember any person involved is only an instrument through whom the Lord heals, thus all credit and glory must go to Him. Often hands are placed on the sick person who may also be anointed with a small amount of oil (representative of the Holy Spirit) placed on the forehead in the figure of a cross (Mk 5:23; Act 28:8; Jas 5:14).

The name of Jesus is not a magic formula to be repeated, but the representation of His person, His finished work and His authority. We pray in that name because we come in relationship with the risen Lord, depending entirely on His mercy and power, not on the words themselves.

"I am the Lord who heals you" – Exodus 15:26

Some people have more faith in doctors and pills than in the power of Jesus. While medicine can be a gift from God and should not be despised, our primary confidence must be in Christ and the authority of His name. When we pray, let us do so with expectancy, believing that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us (Rom 8:11).

When Jesus ministered to the sick, He commanded variously, "Be healed…may your eyes be opened…come out" [to an evil spirit] with the physical condition being rectified and the spirit obedient (Mt 4:24, 8:16, 20:34; Mk 8:23,25; Lk 18:42). Jesus acted with the full authority of the Son. We, His followers, do not command God or presume upon Him; rather, we speak with faith and authority in Jesus' name while remaining humble and submissive to the Father's will. Jesus came to bring wholeness to every aspect of our lives where we have been injured, wounded, and broken.

While this is not always evidenced on earth for the Christian it certainly will be in the next world where there will be no residue of sin or its effects (Rev 21:4).

Although God can transform long-term problems instantaneously by His sovereignty, often healing takes time to be outworked. We ask in faith, but we never forget that His ways are higher than ours, and He may have purposes beyond our immediate relief. Unbelievers can be healed by God's grace and hopefully this will draw them to Him, while Christians are healed because of their relationship to Jesus our Saviour. We must thankfully acknowledge His healing and hand on our life. A communion service is a good place to do this as the bread and juice represent the mutilated body of Jesus and His blood, given so we might experience divine healing and the forgiveness of our sin (Isa 53:4-5; Mt 26:28; Eph 1:7; 1 Pet 2:24; 1 Jn 1:7).

We don't understand why some are healed and others are not in spite of intense prayer and belief but we should not allow this denial to turn us away from Him. Our relationship to God should be of greater importance than having our prayers answered as we wish. Paul saw that such experiences resulted in a greater display of God's power outworked in his life than if he had been healed (2 Cor 12:7-10).

Our spiritual condition is more important than physical wholeness

God should not be viewed as an escape route or a quick cure solution but He 'helps in' rather than 'delivers from' many of life's situations. He knows the best pathway whereby His highest purposes for us can be accomplished as we submit to Him in cheerful acceptance.

If we have the right attitude God will use affliction to test and purify our lives so we are more fit for service (Job 23:10; Ps 119:71; Isa 48:10; Heb 12:6-11; 2 Pet 3:9). Whatever our lot in this life, we must always worship, trust and love God who "does all things right…working out everything in conformity with the purposes of His will" regardless of what we see/the results in this life (Prov 16:4; Dan 4:37; Eph 1:11).

'Our cross' is not a sickness or situation we have to carry, as many believe. It is denying ourselves, accepting what will bring about the death or diminishing control of the old carnal self nature in order to follow Jesus daily (Mk 8:34).

Reflection and Application:

Examine your heart and deal with any sin through confession, repentance and prayer
Consider which dimensions of healing you may need – spiritual, mental, emotional, relational, physical, demonic or financial
Evaluate your lifestyle, attitudes, habits and diet for changes that may promote healing or maintain health

Trust God's sovereignty and purposes even when healing doesn't come as expected