“Lord if it’s your will, would you please heal…” How many times have we heard that statement from someone or uttered by our own lips when praying for someone to be healed? So when they are not healed, we chalk it up to God’s Sovereignty. In essence we put the blame back on God and remove ourselves from all responsibility. But all along healing is up to us. Let me explain before you call me a heretic. We have to understand the provision of healing that was given to us through Calvary, is the same provision provided for salvation. God has completely provided the provision for both. His job is completed. Why do you think the last thing Jesus said on the cross was “IT IS FINISHED” He was declaring I have completed my work here. Jesus told us to go and lay hands on the sick in His name and they will recover. He empowered us for the work. There is nothing more He can do to provide for healing. We need to believe for it and receive the gift healing with the same faith we receive the gift of salvation. Why are we surprised when someone is healed? When someone responds to a salvation message and gives their life to Christ why doesn’t that surprise us then? If the provision is the same, neither should surprise us, but both bring glory to the Father throught the work of the Son.
We also know that sin entered the world by one man and through that same man death came. Sometimes there may be sin in our life that has allowed sickness its legal right to our bodies. You need to understand that the devil is looking for an open door. Don’t allow sin to fester. If you sin, and believe me if you’re a child of God you know immediately when you do, repent quickly. If you don’t, that door is going to be left wide open and the devil is going to walk right in, and at that point he has every right to. The problem for most of us is taking the responsibility of admitting our faults and shortcomings. It takes humility. We love to point and play the blame game, but the fact is sometimes it’s our own fault. Other times, because we are children of God therefore we are just a target of the enemy. I know some of you are thinking about Job. The devil had a field day with this righteous man who seemingly did nothing wrong. You may say what about Job, but might I remind you again of the words of Jesus. “IT IS FINISHED.”
I share this because I too need to remind myself this message. We must understand sickness is not of God and only comes from the plans and schemes of the enemey. Why is it as the body of Christ we have bought into the belief that we have to leave the world on the devils terms? He is the one who has come to kill, steal, and destroy, but Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. So is lying in a hospital bed awaiting the doctor’s report living more abundantly? NO, that’s living according to the devils terms. Why can’t we go out like Smith Wigglesworth? This man of God knew His time was up and in his 80’s said, Ok that’s it, I’m checking out!
I encourage you to exercise your faith for healing. Jesus did the hard part; we just need to believe that He really did. Remind yourself this:
If I am a child of God, then “BY HIS STRIPES I AM HEALED.”
