“The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:15, CSB)
Does miraculous healing happen? Yes. Does it always occur? No. This confusion tests our faith. Similar to the promise concerning our needs, we must lay some groundwork to solidify our faith.
All healing, whether natural, medical, or miraculous, is divine healing. God is the healer. That healing is through Jesus Christ, as prophesied by Isaiah and repeated by Peter. “But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds.” (Isaiah 53:5, CSB) Also, see 1 Peter 2:24-25.
We are invited to pray for our own and others’ healing. We do so in faith, but not faith in a prayer formula, faith in our faith (by believing that God must answer if we have enough faith), or faith in someone’s gift of healing. Faith should always look to Jesus and His sovereignty.
One day, a father brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples for healing. The disciples tried but were unable to free the child from bondage. When Jesus saw the commotion, he called for the boy to be brought to him. A demonic fit threw the boy to the ground. “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked. The father confirms it has been since childhood and pleads, “But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”(Mark 9:22, CSB) Jesus responds, “If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.”(Mark 9:23, CSB) To which the man cries out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24b, CSB) Jesus healed the son.
Our first point of faith is that God can heal. Our second point of faith is that God loves us and will not give us a rock when we ask for bread (see Matthew 7:9). Our third point of faith is that God is sovereign. Jesus never rebuffed someone from praying “if you are willing.” (See Matthew 8:2-3). Some have taught that praying “if it is your will” lacks faith. Not so; it rests our faith in God’s rule, reign, and will.
Whenever someone asks me for a prayer of healing, my first silent prayer to God is, “How do you want me to pray?” I want to know God’s will and then pray according to that will. The results, methods, and timing are in God’s hands. My trust and faith are in God and God alone. That faith is anchored in His ability, love, and sovereign will.
Pray for miraculous healing, for doctors’ wisdom, and for a speedy, natural recovery. Above all and in all, trust God for the answer.
Other verses for this promise (Compiled by David Wilkerson)
- James 5:15
- Mark 16:17-18
- James 5:16
- Isaiah 53:5
- Jeremiah 30:17
- Deuteronomy 7:15
- Psalm 41:3
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
- 2 Corinthians 4:17
- Isaiah 58:8
- Psalm 103:2-3
- Exodus 23:25
- Jeremiah 33:6
- Psalm 42:11
- Exodus 15:26
- Mark 9:23
- 1 Peter 2:24
- Promises: In Sickness - February 12, 2025
- Promises: Need Protection? - February 10, 2025
- Promises: Are You Unhappy? - February 5, 2025
