Praying for Healing
Although Christians should claim healing based on God’s covenant (Deuteronomy 28; Exodus 15:26) and His promises (James 5:14; Psalms 103:2-5; Jeremiah 30:17), it is obvious that many good Christians in this world don’t receive healing. And we see this in the Scriptures for “Paul “left Trophimus sick in Miletus” (2 Timothy 4:20). And he prescribed medicine for Timothy because of stomach of his “frequent illnesses” (1 Timothy 5:23). And the apostle himself had a physical ailment that the Lord didn’t heal (2 Corinthians 12:7–9).
Some wonder why did Jesus do so many miracles of healings during His earthly ministry, yet they can’t see the same manifestations today? The answer to this question is: Jesus’ healings were heavenly signs of His authority as the Messiah performed so that people could be sure that He is the Savior of the world (John 7:31).
Reasons for Sickness
There are different reasons for sickness and physical ailments: Inherited ailments, direct violations to God’s health laws, sin, accidents, lack of faith…etc. In any case, the sick person should seek the Lord for help (Jeremiah 17:14).
If the sick person is living in sin, he needs to repent. “There is no health in my bones because of my sin” (Psalm 38:3). Therefore, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16).
If the sick person is breaking God’s health laws, he needs to live in harmony with the divine principles. Some of God’s dietary laws are listed in Genesis 2:16, Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14, Leviticus 7:22-27… etc.
If the sick person lacks faith, he needs to strengthen it by reading God’s Word. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Then use that faith. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14).
If the sickness is inherited or a result of an accident, the sick person needs to understand that all humans are simply reaping the consequences of sin in this world. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12; 6:23). We live in the enemy’s land.
All Things Work for the Good
Because of sin, every human being is afflicted in some way or another (sickness, poverty, lack of opportunities, bondage, relationship problems, career difficulties…etc.). Suffering is the lot of all humans. Therefore, we should not be “surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come” on us to test us “as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).
But we need to be of good cheer, for God works all of the hardships and suffering of this life for the good of His children (Romans 8:28). For this reason, we need to trust Him and accept His will. “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer” (Romans 12:11-12). “So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:9,10).
Hope for the Sick
After repenting and observing God’s laws, the sick person should hope in God’s mercy. The Scriptures teach, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5;14,15). But requests are to be made according to God’s will, for no man knows what is best for another.
The Creator did everything in His power to restore His children to His original state of perfection. He took it upon Himself to redeem humanity. And He died to pay the penalty of their sin so all people can have eternal life (John 3:16). “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
In the New Earth, all the sick will be given perfect bodies. Then, they will forget the pains of this life. And God Himself “shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
