Many Christians are suffering physically while praying and  hoping that God may prescribe healing.  Many sincere believers feel that they lack sufficient knowledge on this very important subject.  In what way does the Bible prescribe healing for Christians in our time? 

The Bible is not vague on this very important subject.  God's will on healing is seen in numerous ways.

• God heals by sustaining health - (Deut. 8:4)  This is a present reality for many of us.

• The Bible emphasizes eating habits that are nutritional (Exodus 15:26; Leviticus 11).  For most of us, our eating habit is what is killing us.

• The Bible encourages a healthful life-style... such as consistent exercise and avoiding circumstance that lead to un-natural stress levels (Lev. 12 - 14).  Sometimes, it is not what we eat that hurts... it is what is eating us.

• We find that God provides healing through medicinal means (James 5:14).

• God also heals by forgiving and cleansing of disease that is caused by sin (Numbers 12:13).

• God may instigate healing through the prayer of faith (James 5:15).

When we rightly divide the word of truth... we clearly learn that God does provide healing both miraculously (if He so chooses) and/or medicinally as noted by the references above.  So what should a Believer do who is in need of healing? It is a matter of biblical record and therefore should be understood that God does not always choose to heal.

When a believer becomes physically diseased or disabled they should first seek to know the cause of their illness.  It could be that a believer is sick do to sinful habits and therefore should seek the prospect of healing according to James 5:14,15.   Or possibly, one may be physically hindered according to the will and purpose of God (2 Samuel 4:4;  2 Corinthians 12:7,10). 

Very important:  The prayer of faith as noted by the apostle James is a prayer of faith that has been cultivated and nurtured by the teaching influence of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 16:13).  Remember, it is the lack of knowledge that destroys God's people (Hosea 4:6).  The prayer of faith in which James speaks of is an exercise of spiritual discernment that remains steadfast in God's purpose regardless of the outcome.   The prayer of faith does not presume upon God to heal.  It is a prayer that acknowledges that God will be faithful no matter what He chooses...  thus, the prayer of faith accepts the fact that God may choose to use one's illness to lead them through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4) or as a means of using a believer to expose man's weakness and God's strength. (2 Corinthians 12:7,10).

In conclusion:  the prayer of faith... Dear God... not my will, but thine be done. Amen.

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger

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