Faith and Healing
As we come to look at the foundation of faith I acknowledge that faith seems to be a very complex subject. For this blog, I have on purpose tried to keep it simple or basic so that everyone can apply the truth of it in our everyday living with Jesus. The first important fact to understand is that God has given to every person a measure of faith (Romans 12:3b). Because of this measure of faith, everyone can believe that Jesus died for them and can be born again and so start living with Jesus. When someone is described as faithless it does mean that they have no faith but they have chosen not to use their measure of faith. Also, faith has nothing to do with having a positive attitude or a strong belief, because faith is part of our spiritual life and not what we achieve through our intellect. Hebrews 11:1 describes what faith is: “Now faith is the substance (Confident assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. There are a couple of facts about this verse that needs to be explained. Firstly, ‘now faith is’ our faith is always a present experience, not something that may happen, faith is always in the now of our life. Secondly, faith is a confident assurance in our spirit that we know that what we have asked for is going to happen even if there is no evidence to support that claim. Allowing faith to be active in our spirit is a calming experience. Hebrews 11:6 says “But without faith (in action) it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”. Also, our faith is increased through our relationship with Jesus Hebrews 12:2a says: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”. One final point about faith it is seen by what we do, James 2:26 says: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”. Healing is one of the most powerful foundations on which to build our faith. When people experience healing they generally are so thankful to the Lord. The most important fact about sickness we must believe is that sickness does not come from God but because we live in a fallen world with its bad habits so we sometimes experience sickness. I am so thankful that Jesus took all our sicknesses to the cross. Isaiah 53:5 says: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes, we are healed”. Exodus 15:26b says: “For I am the Lord who heals you”. Psalm 103:2-3 says: “Bless the Lord O, my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases”. James 5:14 declares: “That the prayer of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise him up”. There is so much more which could be said but this is enough for us to believe that God heals. About 20years ago I was healed of my prostate problems so that I did not need the expected surgery and have had no problems since. However, over the last few years, I have had a few skin cancers removed by surgery. The question comes does God heal through Doctors and I believe the answer is yes. James 1:17a says: “Every good and perfect gift is from above”. So I believe the skill of the doctor is given by God. The bible is full of examples of the various and many ways people have been healed.