Thorns in the Flesh and Other Delicate Issues...
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October 1, 2009"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Cor. 12:7-10) The purpose of this blog is more about equipping believers to succeed in the marketplace than anything else. From my perspective, it is hard to succeed in the marketplace when we're broke or when we are sick, so I address these topics from time to time to give my understanding of a Biblical way to walk out our faith in the marketplace. Lately, we've been discussing the subject of healing and whether it's God's will to heal or not. I maintain that it is God's will to heal every time, but not all are healed. Why? For the same reason that it's God's will that none should perish, but some do. Christ came to destroy the works of the devil and give us eternal life. He said that whoever would believe on Him would have that eternal life. He offers salvation to us all. Many reject it and perish. It is not God's will (2 Peter 3:9) but many do perish. He also offers healing to us all and many will argue till their dying day that healing is not for everyone. I say, be it unto you, according to your faith. I have no issue with those who disagree. Walk in the revelation you have. You will be known by your fruit, as am I. One question that came up a fair bit was, What about Paul's thorn in the flesh? What does Scripture say? "there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me". Seems pretty clear... His thorn in the flesh was a messenger, not of God, but of Satan, sent to buffet him. The thorn in the flesh term was a common usage term in the Old Testament to describe ungodly people who afflict you. For example, Num 33:55 says in part, "But if you will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which you let remain of them, shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein you dwell." (See also Josh 23:13, Judges 2:3) So I believe the thorn in the flesh was sent by Satan to persecute Paul for preaching the gospel.Ê He asked the Lord to remove that persecution, but we aren't redeemed from persecution, so he was told that God's grace was sufficient. As Paul later said, "All that live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Tim 3:12) Paul goes on to explain that he would rather glory in his infirmities, which is a word that means weaknesses, but can and sometimes also mean sickness. (In Romans 8:26, Paul explained that the Spirit helps our infirmities which was referring to our weakness in not knowing how to pray and later he told Timothy to use a little wine for his frequent infirmities which was clearly sickness.) Paul took pleasure in his weaknesses because he discovered that when he was weak, he became strong by God's power. How was he made strong in weakness? It was by the grace which was sufficient for him. What is grace? It is God's enabling power working in and through us helping us do what we could never do in our own strength. Paul wanted to be delivered from persecution, but God gave him grace to go through it. The results were so astounding that he said he would rather glory in his weaknesses because that is when he experienced the power of Christ most profoundly! Some argue that Paul had an eye condition because some folks loved him enough to pluck out their eyes for him. Well, I'd give my right arm to do some things, but please don't take that literally. It's an expression meant to appropriate high value. If anything, the Galatians who made this comment about his eyes were the same folks who first saw Paul after he had been whipped, beaten, buried under a pile of stones and left for dead. When everyone went home, he was revived and walked 20 miles to a town in Galatia. I'm guessing he still looked pretty beat up! Betcha he had a black eye or two also, but I speculate. By the way, I am not suggesting Paul never got sick. In fact, in Galatians 4:13-15 he said, "You know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first... for I bear record that if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me." He may have been sick or this might have referred to his weakened condition after being beat up and stoned to death (or near death). Either way, it was only at the beginning... Paul recovered and went on to do many great things. Some maintain that there were folks healed in the Bible who did not have faith. That is true, especially those dead folks that Jesus raised up! (o-: But guess what? Jesus had the faith and He healed them. There were some folks born blind and God got glory from healing them. He did not get glory by sitting them down and explaining a lesson to them. He healed them. Some came to Jesus with faith and others didn't know who He was, but Jesus healed them. He never sat them down and explained to them that this sickness, disease or malady was God's way of teaching them a lesson. There were some born with imperfections. We live in a fallen world with weakened immune systems, damaged DNA, harsh environmental factors, etc. Some come out of the womb broken or incomplete. My first child was born with Down Syndrome so I am not unacquainted with this. What is God's response as demonstrated by Jesus? He healed every malady, from deformed hands and arms to blind eyes, to sickness, etc. He turned no one away. So God made every one of us, including the deaf, dumb, blind, etc. But before the fall, it was not so. People were not born defective. The fall wreaked havoc on creation and it groans to this day waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. Selah. But Christ came to destroy the works of the devil - not to use the devil's work as sermon material to teach some higher lesson. We can learn lots while sick, but we learn much more from learning to receive healing. I have been asked, what about this famous person with Parkinson's or that famous woman in a wheel chair who are solid Christian people? Why aren't they healed? Ask those people. They will tell you that they believe they are in God's will doing exactly what He planned for them. They are resigned to the fact, that this is God's will for them. Be it unto them as they have believed. Did they at one time believe in healing, but were disappointed when it didn't come? I don't know, but what I do know is that I will take God at His word over what someone else says their experience is. Am I living out perfect healing in my life? Not yet, but in the last few weeks, my wife has been healed of a multiple nodular goiter after being diagnosed twice with the condition. This occurred without drugs or surgery, but rather as a result of reconciling herself to the Scriptures concerning healing, of which there are many. Furthermore, her arm was badly damaged in a head on collision over 25 years ago and has been disfigured until about a month ago when she noticed it was almost back to normal. We still have a ways to go, but as I said recently, we have left the station and I am merely passing on to you what I see along this journey. Now listen, the thing I don't like about blogs is that you can't cover all the bases without turning it into a long drawn out thing which folks won't read, and even then it only triggers more questions. So I know that I am leaving many things unsaid, but I will leave it to you to do what Chrissie suggested in last week's comments, to seek the Father and the Holy Spirit to teach you. Seek Him for clarity. Believe me, I still have questions, but I am finding more answers than ever before. Most importantly, I am finding Him and that is the prize worth everything to me.
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Comments (81) - Post a Comment
I say, YES AND AMEN! This is 100% right on with the Word of God.
L. M. Way at 2:51pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Its not that we are demanding something from God, we are just using the authority that He gave us in the first place. We were healed at the cross, its already done. Your right our circumstances such as "well my aunt Betty loved God and wasn't healed" does not change the word. We all know people that lived for God and loved him and for whatever reason was not healed but that does not change the Word of God.
Marie Foster at 2:52pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I have had the privilege of reading Brother Yun's book, "Heavenly Man" and seen how GOD does do things when we don't rely on worldly things. I have also been studying the life of Hudson Taylor. These men, and more like them, have the type of faith I desire. We are paying out an extraordinary amount of money for our insurance (health). I have decided to have my husband take me off his during open enrollment. I have opted to have faith in HIM instead. I am blessed with a need for only ONE prescription for thyroid which is cheap, and will continue to take it. The bio-identical hormones I take are not produced by drug companies so they are not covered by the insurance anyway. I will rely on HIM to heal, just as HE did in times past when there were no health insurance programs, or governments trying to institute plans of OVER medicating a nation, leaving them without the ability to have the volition to choose. I am trusting in YHWH Faith Insurance plan. HE will not over medicate me and will walk me through ANYTHING I have to face. I have pain issues, but have been going back to the FATHER for HIS grace to get me through these issues. I had made this decision this week, BEFORE your blog. Blessings and peace to you Michael and staff.
Kara Harris at 2:58pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Those with faith that God "does" heal and "will" heal are not to condemn those who are not healed but join their faith together and carry them on their joined prayers of faith (as the 4 men who carried the sick man on a stretcher to Jesus) until the sick receive their healing. We are a body, if one hurts, all hurt! Teamwork, love and compassion bring victory to the body of Christ... c
Carole at 3:02pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I have always refer to this to give a better example of what Michael is trying to say. I did a lot of wrong things in my past, as many of us have. Now I know that when I got saved, the Lord forgave me of all of my past sins. But every now and then thoughts will creep back in about what I did or how I hurt someone... but that doesn't mean that God didn't forgive me and remove the sin from my record. With him I have a clean slate. It is the same with sickness. Just because the symptoms are still there doesn't mean God hasn't healed you. When Jesus cursed the Fig tree it died right there on the spot... however, you didn't see the results of its death until the next morning when He and the disciples were walking by. You have to believe that God has healed you and you are just waiting for it to manifest in your body.
John Jr. at 3:04pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Okay, so I'll ask the easy question that may have a difficult answer... how do we change that. I've prayed for years for God to help my unbelief in just the very things you've been discussing. I know He can. I want to know He has. Thank you for expressing what many of us have toiled over for some time and, in my case, most of my life.
Lynn at 3:05pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Michael, Beautifully said. Keep advancing with the discernment you've obviously been given. Heaven is on the move and the Great King is taking dominion one heart and one circumstance at a time!
Lonzo at 3:05pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Michael,thank you for enlightened commentary that should be a blessing to many who are ill and to those who pray for them. Keep on keeping on!!!!!
bill herring at 3:06pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Michael, I believe you are "on" regarding these matters. Rightly divding the Word of God as the Teacher (Christ - Matthew 23) reveals it to you. For two (2) years the Lord has been bringing me into understanding on this matter. Now all I can see (with the eyes of the Holy Spirit) is that it is ALL "done"! The Lord has been telling me that for 2,000 years He has been waiting on us collectively as the Body to "believe" what He has Said and Done on our behalf. The Father gave the Son "All Things" according to scripture. The Son lives in us. Through the process of Sanctification we are coming to the understanding that we are ONE with the Son and the Father (John 17) through the Spirit, He gave us His Glory (John 17), and that we are truly full "heirs" in Christ Jesus!! The Lord bless you continually as you faithfully and boldly proclaim the Truth as our Father reveals it to you. Complete in Christ (Col 2:10) Matthew Fleming Vice President, Relationship Manager +1.704.426.0219 Mobile Omega Performance Corporation Improving Business www.omega-performance.com Africa Asia Australasia Europe Middle East North America
Matthew Fleming at 3:09pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I appreciate the way you answered this. I can well understand what that brother meant and how he felt. There has been the teaching about prosperity which included healing that always sounded as if we had to arrogantly demand that God give us something that belonged to us, as if He was withholding it from us; and the stronger our demands the more the possibility that He would loose it to us. I'm sorry to say that the same teachings still permeate many churches and memories of believers, causing much confusion, hurt and discouragement. I am finding that there is no where in scripture giving us permission to have faith in anything other than toward Him. That, alone, gives us entrance into all that He has for us and desires to do on our behalf. There is a vast difference between healing and miracles...and while most of us would be quite content with an instant miracle a healing is a process that is worked out, minutes, days, weeks, months and yes, even years. I believe that some physical healing parallels other areas of our life needing healing...and one of them can include the changing of the way we think and see things. In my understanding of God's Sovereignty, His Sovereignty does not give Him permission to do anything that is outside of His Word...it does, however, reserve for Him the right to bring healing when He wants, how He wants, where He wants and even through whom He wants.
Joanne M. Bush at 3:09pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I have recently learned about 80% of all illness can not be explained by medical science and that most can be healed by being delivered from a spirit of bitterness. I am seeing this come true and watching God do this is awesome. People are coming and leaving healed here in Ft. Mill, SC.
Margaret Ludlow at 3:17pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Bro. Michael, Thanks for the article. Here are some thoughts to perhaps bring some more light. As it was with Israel in the bible so it is with us today. Ps 78:41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. Now look at what the writer of Hebrews says to the church. Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God Heb 3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. It is our unbelief that hinders us not how much faith we have. Mt 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. The measure of faith that the LORD has given us is sufficient, it is whether or not we really use it. Grace, Peace and Agape to you, Melvin Tisdale
Melvin Tisdale at 3:18pm EDT - September 21, 2009
What about Paul? What he believing the wrong thing that caused God not to heal is 'thorn in the flesh'?
Gary at 3:22pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Mmmmm.... I wonder what Joni Erickson-Tada would say?? Quadraplegic since her diving accident at age 16; serving GOD all her adult life with an incredible ministry....
Blanca at 3:26pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I have been studying in Job recently. Job's friends also said he had sinned, and had a lack of faith. Were they right? They (the ash heap trio of friends) said he must be wicked to be punished like he has. Job's response is "even the wicked prosper". All of us have sinned, and continue to sin. Yet, earlier in the book, God said to Satan "consider my servant Job". God allowed the suffering to take place. We can't understand God's ways with our finite minds, but He has promised that all we go through will be for our good!! God does heal and will heal. But not necessarily in our lifetime on earth.
Mark Kessel at 3:28pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Your quote: "First of all, you can have faith AND unbelief or doubt at the same time. " Did the Apostle Paul have faith and unbelief at the same time when he asked three times that the thorn in the flesh be removed? Do we always know there will be healing? Does "By His stripes we are healed..." imply physical or spiritual healing? Time will not allow me to expound and exegete some of the verses you quote to support your position. Your quote: "He has made healing available to all, but doubt, unbelief or wrong belief causes us to miss it." Brother, you are causing many to come away doubting their belief and faith in the Son of God by that statement. I guess the many parents that lost their children to cancer or some other childhood condition, had faith and unbelief. I suppose the many missionaries that have died on the field of disease had faith and unbelief. I suppose the couple at our church who recently miscarried for the umpteenth time had faith and unbelief at the same time. I believe your premise is a fallacy, therefore your conclusion is wrong. We will just have to agree to diagree on this one. Have a great day! Ron<
Ron at 3:35pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Thank you, Michael, for so beautifully explaining the fine line between God Can and God Will. He's not a man that He should lie. I so enjoy and are being changed by your rich, daily teachings. I can't thank you enough.
Judith Jordan at 3:38pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I so agree with you -- keep the heart of your words flowing! Faith, the substance of things unseen!
John Ford at 3:42pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Very well put. Thank you .
Margaret Mills at 3:42pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Michael Please keep talking about this. Everything you've written seems to be right on. For myself, I know I have no lack of faith, but have been sick for 16 years. It becomes discouraging to continue to 'put your hand on your TV', or to travel for miles to a healing conference, or to walk around and declare God's word, fasting, praising, praying, etc. - and still see nothing. I can see that I DO believe, but that I also have come to expect that it 'probably won't happen today'. And the days turn into years.... So please write about how to get rid of unbelief! Thanks so much for all of your blogs.
deborah at 3:51pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Michael, I want to commend you on your comments about belief, unbelief and doubts today. So many of us do not truly understand what "unbelief" is and honestly we hate to admit our doubts. Human nature maybe, not sure, but I have walked through God's healing and I have walked through His not healing something. I recently walked through this entire summer with my mother who found out she had cancer all throughout her body. She was a godly woman that served the Lord faithfully for years. Yet, the Lord chose her healing to be the "ulitmate" healing and taking her home. There is appointed a time for every man to die. Nothing will change that moment. We read a book together this summer through this called "Dying Grace" by R.B. Thieme, Jr. and boy did it shed some light on this subject. My favorite scripture is in the Psalms and simply put..."God sits in heaven and does as He pleases". What a concept. God can do whatever he wants. Why allow Paul to have a thorn in his flesh so he walked with a limp most of his life? I love to pray, "Father, I believe, help my unbelief" yet when we are dealing with someone we love we hate to admit to doubts and unbelief...it is hard. Walking through it is hard. Being in the middle of it is hard, but God is always faithful, even when we are not. We cannot change who God is and what He does. It is just asked of us to do our best on this earth through our earthly experiences. Some of us have walked through more and our faith is different from those who have not. Sorry to be so drawn out, but I love reading your blogs every day in my email and seeing someone else's insight into this world we are walking through. Keep up the good work and keep 'em coming! Tammy
Tammy Palmer at 3:54pm EDT - September 21, 2009
"Let God be true though every man be a liar". Romans 3:4 To me this word means that God and His word are true even if my circumstances and feelings don't match up with it. As I spend time in His word it changes me, my faith, and my circumstances. As for those who do not recieve healing, it seems it would be a great comfort to know that God was not the one who failed; for He is our only hope. Thanks Micheal, I am refreshed by your honest revealing of God's truth. Tami
Tamara at 3:58pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I am reminded of the idea of the broad and narrow ways when I look at topics like this. Many people try and follow the broad way when it comes to faith and healing. You see it is so easy to have a broad understanding. However when we face issues in our lives we wonder why this broad understanding is not producing the change in those issues that we expected it to bring. When this happens we often take one of two options. Firstly to say there is no real path here we made a mistake this will not happen let’s go back and stop trying. Secondly let’s see if we can find a way that does work often a narrower more difficult way. Many have got hurt and taken the first option and denounced the idea of healing or other blessings of God because they have not found the right pathway to them. They think the best way of protecting others from the harm that they think going that will will bring them is to denounce those who would guide people that way. Problem is the second route is narrow and difficult. I struggled to hear what Michael was saying on the first reading but I have developed enough trust in what he has written previously to go back and reread it until it does make some sense to me. This really is an area where only those who have travelled this route can understand it. For 20 years I kept going in a difficult marriage because I had the faith to believe God could change things. I endured hell on earth at times because I thought one day God would sort it all out for me. The thing that I most wanted was to see him healed of obsessive compulsive disorder that made my life so difficult. Problem was that I made so many mistakes that our marriage got worse not better. Was it my lack of faith? Was it my poor character? What a mixture of these plus other things I don't know? What I do know is that the escape plan was so well designed that God had to be behind it. It started when I got so frustrated that just screamed at God saying get me unstuck so that I can serve you better. He got me unstuck all right. He helped an indecisive man do what he had thought of doing for over 15 years i.e. divorce me. Yes I know God hates divorce and that no man should pull apart what God has put together but where does it say in scripture that God does not sometimes arrange a divorce because the marriage endured by one of his children is so bad. I wanted to escape via one route thinking that this would be God's best for me. I could not play my part in making this happen. God then enabled me to escape in another way but only when I let him. If I had not have got so angry with the situation that I just wanted to see my life change somehow I am not sure if it would have done. I did not find the narrow way that would have enabled me to take my now ex-husband with me. He used his free will choice to do what he wanted i.e. stay the same and not change. By the time I left him he was even denying that he had a problem despite it being obvious to me when I called to see him that he was still affected by it. We are now travelling very different roads that reflect the choices that we both have made in our relationship with God. In fact I only gave up on him when a year after the divorce was finalised I asked the Lord where I stood and he took me to Zechariah. Here it says that God will stop listening to some people even if they cry out to him for help. The reason being that when He tried to reach out and help them they denied him and continued to hurt other people. I tried to help God do this but made many mistakes. When I realised that even God was saying that nothing would change I understood why we were separated and now have such different lives. It is a tough walk we have here on earth. So much of what we learn comes from the trials that we face. It is only those who have weathered these storms that can guide us into safe harbours. So I will go back and try and fully digest what Michael was trying to say to us from his own experience. Susan
Susan at 3:59pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I think we all have a tendency toward double mindedness. After all we have God inside and live in the world at the same time. I have no idea what or why. All I know and will continue to hold fast to is that God is good and He means to prosper me, not to harm me. How much of His will for me do I subvert? Only He knows. I can be sitting in a service and see a miracle take place, have a miracle take place in my own life and an hour later, a day later find something within me that wonders what happened. There are those who are healed and those who are not. There are things inside me that He has healed and things He has not or maybe I have not received. OK. As you said, so what. God is good, all the time.
Cherime MacFarlane at 3:59pm EDT - September 21, 2009
This has been a topic of great intrique to me. I also find that faith has to have a companion , works. Abraham had faith, but he had to literally put his son on the altar, thus the works. As I ponder this subject, faith, I think it also have to come by works which could be in the form of obedience. We believe God, faith, and then what do we do about it? Do we tell everyone we have "cancer" (confession of mouth) and claim it (possess it) or do we say that we have been afflicted but through our confession of mouth, by his stripes we are healed. We can say we have faith, but where is the confession? Whatsoever you believe in your heart, confess it with your mouth, and you will be saved. When doubt and unbelief are in the heart, it comes out through confession of the mouth. The same holds true for believing God WILL heal, and thus we confess that out of our mouth. We call into being what is not through what we believe (faith)in our heart and what we confess with our mouth (works).
Debby at 4:09pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Thank you, Michael. We so often try to justify the lack of evidence of miracles in our lives by twisting Scripture to say something it doesn't in a way to fit our situation. We also fail to recognize the influence that the enemy of our souls can have in our lives and that our unbelief bolsters his attacks. So, keep writing what God is teaching you. We need to read this.
Susan at 4:15pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I believe that God WILL heal me! He told me I was walking in the wrong kind of faith because I believed He could. He gave me the example of the woman with the issue of blood. First she had exhausted ALL the Dr.'s and secondly she believe if she touched the hem of His garment He WILL heal me. Also there are no gradual healings. They are ALL instant. Even though you may have to be payed over more than once. But it is always immediate. I was healed over a year ago from hypothyroidism but I just received a word form God to come off the meds a week ago. I was healed all the time but I didn't have the faith to come off meds until now.
Teresa at 4:19pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Micheal.... That is a good word and it is true.... I've always thought it was so honest when the man in the scripture said..." I believe...help my unbelief".... we know that many times we have felt that way.... I am a new entrepreneur and I am working very hard daily... I had been a corporate executive most of my career in Fortune 100 companies.... I married later in life and am hoping that the Lord will bless me and my husband with a child..... knowing that the doctors say that I am too old and should get a surrogate egg donor.... on and on the doctors speak..... they had almost convinced me until I heard a profound sermon accidentally on the radio one day..... 2 days before I had asked the Lord in prayer to show me clearly His way because I had no more faith to believe in having a baby the old fashion way...but even in asking....didnt believe he would clearly answer....... the sermon was so clear about Sarah and Abraham... it was shockingly beautiful.... of course I knew the story ..... but I never realized that Issac's name was based on the fact that Abraham laughed at the Lord's suggestion of a promised seed.... he laughed a disbelieving "this could never be true" laugh. Previously.... I thought that Issac's name traslated laughter was due to the fact that Sarah had laughed a pleasant slightly disbelieving laugh.....but it was Abraham's initial "you've got to be kidding..... can even You do this?.......incredulous laughter almost sarcastic laughter that named his son.... a permanent reminder that He GOD is able to do ANYTHING!" Everyday Abraham called his son he was reminder that God can do anything! (thus he could easily sacrifice him when the time came....) I stay humbly and tenderly faithful but still every day.... understanding the desperate plea to "help my unbelief......" When I read your blog last week.... I almost cried.... and today was hit again at the raw truth of what you are saying..... I can only say that I pray with all my might that you stay on this topic because I desperately want to understand how we are "already healed" and yet we cannot appropiate this healing because we just can't believe it
staci cain at 4:21pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Interesting thought: When Jesus walked the earth he "healed all who came to him." No one questioned his motive or his ability. It was when he started forgiving sin that really riled the religious! Fast forward to current theology, few, if any "Christians" would question Jesus' ability/desire to forgive sinners their sin, but start asserting that "he heals me of all my diseases" and the pot startes to boil.
Cathy McPherson at 4:59pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Thank you for your recent posts on faith. While we do not condemn or beat up someone because they haven't yet received the full work of healing throughout their body, God's Word is nontheless true. For us in the new covenant age, healing is past the point of a promise for "as many as are the promises of God, they are 'yes' in Christ" to which also we give our "amen" (2 Cor. 1:20). Those in the Bible who received by "their faith" and were commended for it, were very audacious in just pushing in and grabbing hold of what they needed or wanted from the Master. And here we sit, in our day, trying to calm one another down about being too demanding with God as if we might offend Him. I never heard of anybody being chastised by God for expecting too much. While I still have things I'm believing for, I can honestly say that every healing I've received in my body over the years was the result of just confidently appropriating by faith what I know to be a sure thing - the completed work of Jesus. Be encouraged and keep those posts coming!
Delaine Allen at 5:33pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Your messages on this topic answer questions I've had for years and confirms some things I have suspected, and the responses you've received raise a lot of the questions I had for years as well. I hope you will address the things that come up from your readers, particularly the one about God providing "the ultimate healing" of taking a believer home to be with Him. This, I think is what many use as the answer to "Why wasn't my loved one healed???"
Bonnie at 5:40pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Very well said, Mr. Pink. Our thoughts do not change what God said, who He is or what He wants for us. We live in a fallen world and therefore not everything God said translates immediatly for all of us (which is why we still experience death). The 'kingdom of God is inside you,' the Gospel and ALL its promises are an individual experience and responsibility. Some would rather choose an impotent God than to simply believe. 2 Tim 3:5.
Tim at 5:58pm EDT - September 21, 2009
To my dear brother Ron who asked, "Did the Apostle Paul have faith and unbelief at the same time when he asked three times that the thorn in the flesh be removed?" I do not know whether Paul had faith and unbelief at the same time, but what we do know is that the thorn in Paul's flesh wasn't disease. Paul himself said, "there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me..." God told Paul, His grace was sufficient for Him. And what is God's grace? It is the divine influence upon the heart, enabling you to do what you could not otherwise do. Should it come as any surprise that we as Christians are walking well below what Christ came to give us? I have buried two children so I am not unacquainted with the grief of losing children my brother. My experience does not negate the word. I am growing in this my brother. Appreciate you.
Michael Pink at 6:08pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Good expression of sanctified thought regarding the "complex" matter of how God manifests His Mercy in healing, etc. Nowhere is the attitude of childlikeness so important as in the manner in which we relate to our Heavenly Father and His provisions. The simpler, the better. This is where our adult "unbelief" is exposed and some unlearning needs to occur. If only we would always elevate the "truth" above our experience, we would have less argument and more love and life. Blessings, Bro. Dan
Daniel at 6:15pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Right on Bro. I used to battle the flu while still believing I was healed, so I finally asked the Lord "why?". He showed me James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Jas 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. Jas 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. I was believing I was healed and sick at the same time. Since then I believe one and doubt the other. I have had colds since then but it has been many years since I had anything I would call flu. God Bless, Barry
Barry Watkins at 6:24pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Michael, I love the Lord. I see God as my heavenly FATHER. My interaction with God is that of a son interacting with the perfect FATHER. Unfortunately, many of my brother believers don't share my perspective. They seem to see their reaction to God as being cogs in a huge machine governed by the laws of their theology. Wed to their theology they react to anything that their theology says cannot happen. I'm glad that I know God and don't just understand a systematic theology describing a remote God who is somewhat unknowable. Perhaps we could help our theological brothers to replace their system with a living dynamic relationship. That would be exciting. Your book, Selling Among the Wolves, talks much about your dynamic relationship expressed in the world of sales.
Norman Dowe at 6:28pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Am I allowed more than one comment? It's striking how many are hungry for this faith/healing message. One thing I've noted in church circles is that we don't "practice" our faith. I began some time ago to resist colds and flu. So often in the church we hold prayer vigils for someone with stage 4 cancer and they are not healed while we cancel Wednesday night service due to a flu outbreak. From personal experience I know how difficult a cancer diagnosis is to stand up to in faith - it comes with a boatload of fear, and from all around, not just within. How can we "believe" for such "big" things when we don't practice on headaches and hangnails? Even though I know I AM healed, and had resisted colds as well as more serious issues in my family before, the cancer diagnosis was a battle. (I am healed, though :-)
Margaret Mills at 6:42pm EDT - September 21, 2009
The Lord has also shown me throughout the years that you can't take ownership of your sickness... Stop saying I have the Flu or I have Cancer or I have a problem with Migraine Headaches... You can't claim healing and ownership in the same breath. Now I say my body is feeling week in Jesus name I know I am strong. Or, I don't feel well but I am healed by His stripes.
John Jr. at 6:50pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Michael, thank you for the added explanation of your understanding of this truth of God. It is such a stretch for my finite mind to comprehend that God has already provided for my healing, but it is also as much of a stretch to comprehend that much of my illness is caused by my own lack of reliance on God providing for all my needs and allowing Him to be in control of my life? I know that when I get a cold it is always because I have tried to shoulder the load of life all on my own. When my chest clenches in pain it is because I don't allow myself the rest that God has assured me He provides. When I have intestinal distress it is because I want to find pleasure in gluttony rather than follow God's best for moderation and nutrition. I bring it all upon myself through my lack of belief in His enormous love for me and wanting to somehow make provision for myself or control my life's situation.
Jenny Stevens at 7:20pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I am so blessed to be reading this new blog topic. I attend Bethel Church in Redding Ca. Bill Johnson is the Senior Pastor and we are on track with you. Keep pusueing this vein of thought....the body needs to have the ability to press into and receive God's truth about how to receive what He HAS done...as well as to what he IS doing. Stewarding our heart attitudes during the present reality of the gap between what He promised and what we are able to receive is what He is summoning us all into. Being ok with being temporarily uncomfortable in the process of receiving the manifestation of His promises in every area of our life, and hungry for more of His presence is the only way to see this gap closing. Otherwise we will never truely know intimacy with Him and display the kingdom the way that we were, and are, intended to. Most of the World is more than ready to listen to and follow Jesus. It is Christians that don't display the gospel in love, word, character and power that they stumble over. Keep up the good work brother....God Bless you, your wife and ministry!
Glen Callender at 7:43pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I agree. I do not understand it all but I do agree. God has been speaking to me recently about a "pure heart". I take this to be in direct contrast to an "evil unbelieving" heart. I want my heart and my believing to be pure... as in the idea of being 100%, PURE, nothing else mixed in. My confession is right and when I pray, I pray earnestly in what I believe is faith and confidence. I am sure though that there are doubts lingering due to times when I did not see my prayers answered or in the way I was praying for them to be answered. Jesus said that God is good. I firmly believe that Jesus is the only one that ever lived on this earth that truly knew what He was talking about. He never spoke an idle or meaningless word. As best as I can, and hopefully in daily increasing measure, I am going to trust and believe and ask God to continue to give me a pure heart. Also, I have a request. And what is coming to me is the paralytic who had firends to help him get in front of Jesus so he could be healed. I need a job and now on top of this a place for our family of 6 to live. I know many are in dire straits... we are in a horrific situation which has been going on for almost 9 years now. I would like to ask some of you who truely believe to stand with me in prayer and pray that this week my family and I will have a God ordered breakthrough. We have the "great news" of the salvation of Jesus in each of our lives! I am BELIEVING for some good news to come through on the job front and in our financial situation. Thank you!!
Dave White at 8:23pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I most wholeheartedly agree with your blog. We are healed by the stripes of Jesus and it was done 2000 years ago. I had the unfortunate experience of teaching this to a group who believed that if they didn't receive their healing, then I was wrong. Well, the Word of God is right whether anyone receives their healing, including me.
Yvonne C. Hyde at 11:40pm EDT - September 21, 2009
I have been learning a great deal of this the past two years. I understand what you are trying to say and I have come to the same conclusions. Patricia
Patricia at 11:42pm EDT - September 21, 2009
Concerning the idea of anything that Jesus has provided for us is by the will of the Father. Jesus was sent to pay the price for us to be restored back to the conditions that existed before the fall. This is what Paul was telling us in Romans, chapers 1-8. We need to believe that the work that Jesus done for us was complet with nothing left out of it. If we believe that we are not totally restored to that which Adam lost, then Jesus scarifice is incomplet and that we do not have the right or ability to fellowship with the Father of heaven that Adam and He had in the beginning. Jesus tells us that the Father loves us as much as He loves Himself and that if we cannot love Jesus for the price that He paid for us to have life, then we deject the love of the Father toward His Son WHOM paid the price for our redemption!!!!! We know that there is no question that the price has been paid. However, we do not make it real in our lives, "we just think it"!!!! I have come to see that we miss the point of the reality of Romans 6:5-6- "that we have been united to gether in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this that our old man was crufificed with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin." Slaves of sin? or sickness? or what ever else the devil throughs at us!!!!! I see myself nailed to the cross with Him, I see myself in the grave with Him, I see myself in hell with Him throughing my sin in the devil's face, and then I see myself resurrected with Him. Therefore, my redemption is complet, it is done and it is just as real to me as the resurrection that must take place one day to lift us up out of this earth and into the heaves. If I can not believe for that, then I am lost and I what is the use of following after a dead man??
Henry Newberry at 2:01am EDT - September 22, 2009
Good word Bro. Looking forward to future blogs on this subject.
Kurt Deegan at 2:14am EDT - September 22, 2009
Excellent blog and wonderful points made by everyone. I used to think it was automatic that if you got sick and believed God has already healed you that you would get healed. I'm seen time and time again spirit filled Christians that would confess their healing, believe they were taking authority over the infirmity and die. Does it mean that God is not a Healer? No, because His word says He is. Does it mean He can't heal? No because He has healed before. I still can't ignore the fact that these people died (from what I can see) believing to be healed and were not healed. I know Michael says that if you are reconciling with your eyes that you are reconciling with the wrong thing. I'm not sure if that is logical or not when the only thing I have to determine if something is true or not are the results or evidence. The disciples were willing to die for the Gospel because they were eyewitnesses to what Jesus had done. I don't see how anyone can know for certain if they had cancer or leukemia or some deadly disease that in that situation they would know for sure they would be healed. That without a shadow of a doubt, God will heal you. And because of that shadow of doubt or unbelief that it would cost you your life so that if you didn't have that doubt you would be healed. So yeah, God is the Healer and He can heal. Will he heal? I don't know. Does He heal all the time? Well, no. If he doesn't heal all the time then how can you be certain that without a shadow of a doubt that He will heal you? Michael, I love you and love your posts. They are very thought provoking and you hold nothing back. Keep up the good work.
Ricky Monteilh at 3:05am EDT - September 22, 2009
....all I know is the day before you published God can heal I had just spend some time praying for healing and seen no results...could God be using you for a timeous word in season for specific people? Do I believe God can heal me, yes , do I believe he will .......and the only way to believe is to dwell in the word ....literally. Thanks for letting God use you
Martha at 9:23am EDT - September 22, 2009
After spending years in the ministry and experiencing everything from demons to healings I can summarize this. The healing is ALWAYS up to God regardless of our faith belief or our Name it and Claim it attitude (Which I do not believe in) I have seen people that were not healed lose faith and feel as though they are a shallow or poor Christian because other well intentioned people told them that THEY are the problem, even quoting some of the scriptures mentioned in this blog. The man at the pool of Bethesda was healed and not only didn't he have any faith in Jesus at all, he didn't even know who He was. The fathers faith with the son was increased and he believed AFTER his son was healed. As a matter of fact the majority of people in the bible didn't even know Jesus was the Messiah at the time of their healing! There are many more instances where healing had nothing to do with the afflicted persons belief or faith and placing that burden solely on a person does more damage than the affliction itself. People die because they are so certain God will heal them that they refuse treatment (talk about faith) Rather than worrying about what it takes to convince God to heal you, look at why people were sick to begin with biblically. 1. They were in sin. Make sure you are walking with God 2. They were destroying their temple. Make sure you eat right, exercise and stay away from damaging substances otherwise even if God did heal you, it would come right back. Why pray for God to remove your diabetes when you will just go and eat another donut if He did? 3. You are sick for Gods glory. (Blind man) In this case Jesus healed him instantly. 4. God is using the affliction for a reason. If you have examined the above then pray and ask God to show you what good is coming out of your affliction. The bottom line is this God isn't nearly as worried about our earthly bodies as He is about our soul and the condition of our spirit. Many of the disciples were afflicted and put through many horrible events because of their faith, whipped beaten in prison and God used it all for His glory. Praise him in-spite of the storms.
Bob at 12:00pm EDT - September 22, 2009
Great post Bob. And all God's people said ... Amen. Ron<
Ron at 12:40pm EDT - September 22, 2009
How then, Bob, do you explain the Word that says that all of the promises of God are Yes, and Amen?
Yvonne C. Hyde at 12:44pm EDT - September 22, 2009
Yvonne, Great question. First, remember that not every promise in the bible is for all of mankind. Many of them were made between God and the individual in that instance. People take chunks of scriptures out of the content it was given in and apply it to every situation they are going through. Look at the promise, who it was given to, read it for what it is, not for what you would like it to be. This is when so many get off track. People say that all sickness is from the devil but what about Exodus 4:11 "Who made man's mouth? or Who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" Here it is perfectly clear that God Himself has and does cause blindness and deafness! Why would He do such things, I have no idea, but He know why and He does have a purpose for doing it. We cannot even begin to understand God and His wisdom. His ways are not our ways. He can heal whom he wishes and yes even cause them to be sick, blind or deaf if He chooses. The issue is really between God and the one afflicted and whatever the reason, the one that is sick should pray for healing and understanding or strength to use the affliction for His Glory if God chooses to leave them in their ailment. However back you your question Yvonne, Yes If God tells YOU that YOU will be healed, bank on it. You will then have that peace that surpasses all understanding and I believe you WILL be healed.
Bob at 1:26pm EDT - September 22, 2009
Yvonne, I'll let Bob answer since you directed your comments to him but I do want to make a few observations. There are many promises in the Word of God. Some were/are directed to a particular individual, some directed to a paticular nation and some to the body of Christ, viz., Christians, etc. We must discern as to who or whom these promises were directed rather than a "name it and claim it" attitude. As the old saying goes, "you can take a verse out of its context, build a text around it and make it a pretext." Our Lord commands us to "study" the Word and not just read it.
Ron at 1:29pm EDT - September 22, 2009
Yvonne, One last piece of information. The scripture you refer to is from 2 Cor. 1:20 "For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him A-men, unto the glory of God by us. (KJV) This is a perfect example of people taking one scripture and applying it out of the content in which it was written. Read verse 19 first and you will see that the him that is mentioned in vs 20 is Jesus. So if one were to read it by itself it would be more better to say; "For all the promises of God in Jesus are yes and in Jesus Amen to the glory of God through us. Hope is brings clarification; Great discussion Make it a Godtastic day! Bob
Bob at 1:43pm EDT - September 22, 2009
So if I understand you correctly Bob, God may cause you to be sick for whatever reason He deems necessary even though His Word says He died for our sickness and by His stripes we were healed. That promise may not be for everyone, just some people? But we should pray for healing anyway even though you may not be healed because God is in control and it is up to him and your current affliction may be glorifying God and since God doesn't want to give up His glory.... you get to stay sick. Which also means you have no authority over this sickness. I think it's a whole lot easier to come to grips with (at least for me) like salvation, healing is available to all. Will all get healed, no. Why? I don't know. Every situation is different. Thanks for your post and sharing your thoughts.
Ricky Monteilh at 1:51pm EDT - September 22, 2009
Bob and Ron, I like to thank you for your thorough explanation and shedding some light on the subject. My pastors son died in a car accident 4 weeks ago. He was 19 years old. They had him on life support for a while and I know for sure people all around the world were praying for him. Do I believe some of them doubted? Of course. Do I believe some of them thought they knew in their " Spirit" he WILL be healed? Of course. Was he healed? No. BUT, with his organs he saved 77 lives. To me that brings the Word of God to my mind where it says, "My ways are higher than your ways...." I have been struggling with questions like this as well, especially having sisters & brothers who are standing on this " name it and claim it" thing. I always thought there was something missing or misunderstood in these circles. Well, I will keep asking God for the Truth. His Truth, not anyones opinions. He is faithful and will show each and everyone of us individually. For all of you who are reading this, please pray for the souls of my family in former east Germany, Thank you and Amen, Nadja
Nadja Riess at 2:22pm EDT - September 22, 2009
Your premise Michael is mostly true. The only thing that remains is God's will in any matter. ie: Paul prayed three times to be healed of his eye afflection and each time God said no. Why, because it was for the greater good of the gospel. While healing is always a given in God's world does not mean it will happen in this life. After all is not the perfect healing what happens when Christians leave this life. Thank you for thought provoking insight.
Bill Surgeon at 2:24pm EDT - September 22, 2009
It is amazing to me how many different view we can all have as Christians... What we need to remember here is being a Christian means we are supposed to be like Christ. Yes most of the people in the bible who were healed didn't know Jesus was the Christ. But many of them did after they were healed. That's where God's grace and mercy comes into play. He didn't heal them because they were great Christians and had unshakable faith he did it because he loved them and wanted them to have a chance to know Him for who He really was. Our ultimate purpose as Christian is to share God's good news with the world and to share with people how much He loves them. No matter what the situation God put's you in... it is because God is going to put people in your path that need to hear from you that God loves them. If your sick, then maybe it is a doctor or nurse you always see that is lost and seeking salvation. Maybe it is so you can pray for people in the hospital bed next to you so they can receive the Lord before they pass into eternity. Over the years I have known good Strong Christians who get sick and die but they touched so many lives during their struggle to live. I have seen doctors give their life to Christ because someone who battled cancer for years never stopped believing that God truly loved them and in spite of their circumstances always had such peace and joy and he just had to have it in his life. I know a woman who had her stomach removed by a doctor because of a complication to a surgery and live for 10 years with out it only to have God miraculously put a stomach back inside her so that she could go back to that same doctor and have xrays taken, show him her new stomach and share the gospel with him. No matter what, God has you where you are for a reason and that reason is to touch the lives around you for His Glory. Remember God answers all prayers... Sometimes his answer is no or not yet. It won't be till we get to heaven and have that moment with him that he will explain everything to each of us personally and why it all happened the way that it did.
John Jr. at 2:31pm EDT - September 22, 2009
Oh, and Michael, God has been using your blogs in my life numerous times. They speak to me in so many ways, especially the way you put things, perspective and writing. Straight to the point and open for discussion. I like that. I am from Germany and to be frank, many people over here in the States like to talk " around" issues rather than address them. Unfortunately, I have come to experience this especially in churches. But, there is hope and He is called Jesus Christ, in the meantime, lets keep our eyes and ears open to Him and enjoy the journey... Peace, Nadja
Nadja Riess at 2:32pm EDT - September 22, 2009
John Jr. Your comment absolutely rings with truth!
Lorisa at 2:43pm EDT - September 22, 2009
Excellent reply, Michael. Indeed, often our experience tells one thing and the Word something else. Which do we choose to believe. It is hard to hear that we lack something in the faith department, but that's the only thing Jesus ever said to His disciples when they came up lacking in results for the supernatural. (I know He mentioned that "these come about only by prayer and fasting, but it appears that this referred to the lack of faith rather than the lack of results - ouch, that hurts again.) As God redeems all things to their intended state, "Your kingdom come, your will be done...," we will find more and more that the healing will come more quickly and completely. Indeed we do see through a glass darkly, but in the process of time the glass begins to become just a bit clearer. What a wonderful time to be alive and in the fight for the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.
Daniel Symonds at 2:52pm EDT - September 22, 2009
We as Americans live in an easy "believeism" (sp?) "name it and claim" society. Just pray this prayer and you're in... . While this link below should be posted under another title or blog, there are some similarities in the discussion. While it is directed at the youth in our nation, we as adults have much to learn from this young (not youth) pastor. It is an hour in length. Perhaps you should save the link until you have time to see it. My son posted it on my Facebook last week. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuabITeO4l8 As a father of five children, it was a blessing to me and I pray and hope to you also. Ron
Ron at 2:54pm EDT - September 22, 2009
Wow what a great discussion! Ricky, What I am saying is that God is the one who heals and who decides who He heals and who doesn't. If people use ALL the scripture rather than just one, they will realize that God will, yes even do some things that we would never fathom a loving Father could ever do. Yet He did, does and will continue to do things we don't understand and to simply place a persons inability to receive healing squarely on their shoulders is biblically inaccurate and in my personal opinion dangerous ministry. You even stated yourself that God does not heal everyone even though He can; thus there are reasons we do not know of. I also never stated that God didn't want to give up His glory like you stated, (see how man can twist things?) All I did was quote Exodus and if you don't believe that scripture than there is another area of concern. I also said that If you are not in sin, have the faith and God for whatever reasons does not bring healing, use the affliction and bring God glory anyway. Also your scripture reference of 1 Peter 2:24 where he quotes Is. 53:5 the proper translation of the word healed in this scripture is "to be made whole" which when taking the entire chapter into consideration you can see that the author was referring to salvation. Now, this is not to at all to say that God does not heal and that our faith and belief doesn't not have an impact on it. I have done a very in depth study on biblical healings because I like you didn't understand why we don't see Gods word working to the same extent as the disciples did. I have also seen my share of miracles from cancers gone, lame walk blind and deaf healed and many others. However I am convinced that when using the entire word as a guide one will experience more healings and more understanding when ministering to those who are sick than holding on to one scripture and then when you don't see fruit, taking the easy way out and blame the person. But, hey, If it is working and you are seeing more fruit with one scripture, Glory to God. But, if you think there are too many people living in sickness unnecessarily, go a little deeper and I am sure your results will increase. I know mine did.
Bob at 10:39pm EDT - September 22, 2009
As I have read these posts, I was reminded of the old movie "Miracle on 34th Street" where the little girl is trying to conjure up her faith about getting a particular home by saying, " I believe, I believe, I believe..., etc., when it struck me that one of the problems we have here it that of soteriolgy, that is, how God saves. We did not choose God (Jesus), he chose us, his elect, and gave us the faith to believe. Faith did not precede conversion as dead people (total depraved) cannot make spiritual decisions. I encourage everyone to be like the Bereans and search the scriptures to see if what have been posted by everyone is true.
Ron at 11:09pm EDT - September 22, 2009
After reading all of these comments the fact still remains that we all have a question as to "why" all types of situations turn out or take directions which are not in accordance with our prayers. This is not only in relation to healing, but pertains to all issues in life in our relationship with God. For me it comes down to trust. Do I still trust and love God when I do not understand. Not using sovereignty as a cop out, but the bottom line is that God is sovereign. Keeping a right heart and thanking God every day because He is worthy is in my opinion an important focus. "I have told you O man what is good and what the Lord requires of you... to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."Micah 6:8 Also, by the way, I want to thank any of you who have responded to my request for prayer. Prayer makes all the difference! I am trusting and believing with faith filled expectation for a breakthrough in our situation this week for a job and a place to live and the means to take care of the family God has blessed me with. God Bless. Also
Dave White at 12:24am EDT - September 23, 2009
Hi Michael, I am finding many of the recent comments to your post very depressing. I am also understanding why so many people don't bother to pray and ask for healing. I am so looking forward to your next post.
Yvonne C. Hyde at 1:06am EDT - September 23, 2009
you state that you cannot demand healing from God. if I had money in bank and walked in, i can demand to have it because it belongs to me. now, there are procedures in doing so just as there are 'procedure' in 'demanding' healing. it is ours and it belongs to us. now, this is not being disrespectful, not by a long shot, but, is it your or is it not yours? again, we demand based upon what belongs. but, bottom line, we demand according to the word and since His will and His word are the same...
joe smith at 1:27am EDT - September 23, 2009
Joe's Quote: "I can demand to have it because it belongs to me." Joe, even the money you have in the bank belongs to God. (Deut. 8:18) God owes us nothing. We owe him everything. It is only because of His mercy and grace that he doesn't give us what we really deserve... eternal damnation. My son received a miraculous healing with double vision that the doctors couldn't explain. (They didn't need to.) We had called for the elders of the church, had him anointed with oil and prayed over by the laying on of hands. Did I demand healing from God? No. Did I ask if it be they will, to heal him? Yes. Did I know unequivocally that God would heal him? No. Did I know God could heal him? Yes. Did God heal him? Yes. Did God get the glory? Yes. Did I experience faith and unbelief at the same time. Don't think so. The statement still seems like an oxymoron to me.
Ron at 1:54am EDT - September 23, 2009
I'm a regular reader, not a frequent commentator. But this discussion is really relevant for all who profess to be believers and followers of Christ. I would like to quote Dutch Sheets from his book "Intercessory Prayer" which I have been re-reading. Chapter Four, page 55. Speaking of what really happened on Calvary, he likens it to someone getting between a She-Bear and her cubs -- in this case, it was Satan himself. "At the moment of what Satan thought was his greatest triumph, he and all his forces heard the most terrifying sound they had ever heard, God's laugh of derision! (see Ps.2:4) The laughter was followed by the voice of the Son of man, crying with a loud voice, 'Tetelestai'. This Greek word is translated 'It is finished' in John 19:30. Please don't think Jesus was talking about death when He spoke that word. No way! Tetelestai means to fully accomplish something or bring it to its completed state as the word finished would imply, but it was also the word stamped on invoices in that day meaning 'Paid in full.' Jesus was shouting, "The debt is paid in full!' Hallelujah! He goes on to say that the seven sayings Christ uttered on the cross come from Ps. 22 (esp. vs. 31). "The Hebrew word He quoted from this verse is 'asah'.....(spoken probably in Hebrew but recorded in Greek). The word means .....'to create'. It is used in Genesis, for example, when God created the earth. I believe that not only was Christ saying, "The debt is paid in full,' but also, 'Come forth, new creation!' No wonder the earth shook....." If in one cosmic moment, with the cry of the Son "the debt was paid in full", followed by "Come forth, new creation" --a centurion standing by became terrified, dead saints came forth out of the grave -- we are definitely in the realm of the spiritual and supernatural. Once in that realm, the realm of faith, why is it so hard for us to believe that healing is the "childrens' bread", and go ahead.....partake.
Wilton Ledkins at 8:25pm EDT - September 23, 2009
Michael - I have been dealing with physical afflications since I was 16 years old. I have RI, FMS & CFS. I have always been a go getter, setting goals, working hard, setting personal challenges, and doing many things in life, aside from my afflictions. About 8 years ago, it got so bad that I thought I couldn't work anymore in our business, and I cried out to God, "Why.....I don't understand, I have so much energy, enthusiasm, and gumption for life, why, Lord, why?" Yet over these past 8 years, I've grown in my relationship with Christ, that I know I would never have had if I was healthy. I have always been one to try and be in control of everything, and do everything, but this has caused me to "Be Still and KNOW HE IS GOD", "to wait upon the Lord" and trust and obey His word. Because of my slowing down in life, I had learned to marinate in His Word, be in a personal relationship with Him, desiring His will for my life each day.....and realizing.....that it's not about this world, it's about eternity.......I've not only been thru many trying times physically, but also, mentally, emotionally and financially, and sometimes by a string spiritually, but by His grace, wisdom, guidance, and seeking His will daily in my life.....changing my prayer from "come with me Lord and bless my efforts", to "Lord I'm yours today, use me as you want so that others may see Jesus in the flesh, and desire the peace, joy and contentment that only you can give"......Although there are times I'd love to have a physical body with no problems, have no financial struggles, or emotional roller coaster rides I have had......because of what I've been through, I have a heart to love and care for others, and desire to bring as many to heaven for eternity that I possibly can.....because eternity is the ultimate final....that's what it's truly all about.....I thank God daily for His love, peace and joy that only He can provide in this world that He made to be heaven on earth, but because of our selfish, sinful ways has turned into hurt, sadness, fear, anxiety and pain.....but for us who are His.....it's only for a season....and I praise God that one day, I will no longer have hurts, pains, heartaches, sadness, sorrow, or suffering.....He is such an AWESOME God who has provided an awesome end to this life....and my desire is to help as many as I can along this life's journey know about this God who can provide such peace, joy and contenment in this world, and an absolute Heavenly Party in eternity. May God bless you and your wife!
Jackie at 10:10pm EDT - September 23, 2009
Thank you so much, Micheal!! Powerfully and beautifully said, and I hope you caught that HIGH FIVE God gave you!!! I'm grateful HE shares you with us.
Vilma at 9:31pm EDT - September 25, 2009
There is only one thing to say. Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is a difference between believing God will heal, and believing that God will heal you.
Shirley at 8:58pm EDT - September 26, 2009
Dear Mike, I have been born again five years now but I have come to realise that the most misunderstood and often neglected truth is the CROSS of JESUS. True, simple and unwavering faith for anything will not surface until the old belief (oldman) in any area has been crucified!! Faith is built by death. Our cross is in the CROSS but unless we die we cant live by faith. We continue to see things through two belief systems. The new one in our heart and the old one in our mind. The heart and the mind have to agree to walk in true faith. Its like the heart is the Kingdom man and the mind is the earth man. I believe that the cross has to be the centre of our lives if we are going ot grow Kingdom faith like the man of old. Cheers and lets get moving!!!!
Wilbrord at 12:23pm EDT - September 27, 2009
ONE BIG, HUGE, GOD SIZED AMEN AND AMEN!!! Today Sept 28th God's Holiest Day - The Day of Atonement! I am grafted in and I am the righteousness of God In Christ Jesus! Amen! Thank you my Lord, for loving ME SO MUCH! I so love YOU!
Vilma at 6:18pm EDT - September 27, 2009
so, we've been talking about this faith thing. Then, I get this prophetic word sent to my email. So. I will share it with you all. Do You Know What Faith Is? A Prophetic Exhortation By Patricia Bankhead Do you not know what faith is? Faith has nothing to do with your eyes or what you can see in the natural. Faith is standing on My promises in spite of your circumstances. Faith is waiting patiently on Me, no matter how long, until I perform My word. Faith is running to Me when your heart has been broken instead of running to the alcohol bottle. Faith is receiving your healing when there is nothing but pain in your body. Faith is knowing I will provide when there is no food on the table. Faith is not worrying when you hear bad news. Faith is when you stand up face-to-face with your problems and say, "I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus." Faith is walking in My victory; it is believing in an manner that ushers forth the mighty move of My hand that this generation so longs to see. Abba Patricia Bankhead
Debby at 7:03pm EDT - September 27, 2009
Michael, I've re-read this a dozen times and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this wisdom. This has been true in my own life. When I believed without a doubt that God would act in my life, He ALWAYS did. And I’ve experience healing on several occasions. But when I pray for healing for others, the results are mixed. And I have so many questions about this. For example, how do you reconcile this with someone like Billy Graham (Parkinson’s) or Joni Erickson Tada's paralysis? We know that both of them are huge warriors with strong faiths; I can’t believe that they haven’t prayed for healing believing that it would come. Even Paul begged God to remove the thorn in his flesh but it was not granted. My father is in the final stages of Parkinson's disease and he is a shell of the man he once was. I cry every day and ask God to heal him. I ask God continuously for that level of faith and belief. Questions I have and have not been able to find answers to - do I need to be present physically with my dad in praying for healing (like Peter did in Acts?) Or does my dad have to claim the healing as well? And if someone is with us that does not believe, will this negate the power of God’s healing in this situation? Also, my husband has been struck with a neurological condition that causes painful twisting of his neck. I’ve prayed over him so many times – many nights while he was sleeping. What if my husband doesn’t believe – does that negate the power of God’s healing over him? So many times I have prayed for by Dad & my husband, asking God to get rid of any doubts in my mind and asking God to work on my heart so that ALL glory would be given to Him. I’ve thought about this a lot but really don’t have anyone that I can talk to about this. If you have a chance to answer these questions I would sincerely appreciate it. Held in the grip of His Hands, Tracy
Tracy at 9:33pm EDT - September 27, 2009
Tracy, These are great questions you ask. When Jesus gave the initial instructions on healing He never even mentioned the faith of the one receiving healing, only the one ministering. Read the account of Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda. John 5 He did not have faith, in fact, he was focused on why he couldn't get healed; others got in his way. On top of that he had no clue that Jesus had the power to heal. He didn't even know who had healed him. Yet he was healed. Others negativity does NOT negate the power to heal. Look at the account of Jesus healing Jairus's daughter. Matt. 5 When he arrived at the place where the daughter had died they were all in mourning. Nobody believed she could be raised from the dead, except Jesus. In fact, they laughed at him. Talk about a bunch of negative people. Perhaps we need to look at at such occasions as an opportunity to display God's power and see the hearts and minds of doubters changed. I would highly recommend you visit Neck ministries on the web. Dan Mohler does a fantastic job of handling these questions and others. We must keep pressing in until we see the answers, and I for one don't have all of those. I do know that with every success we rejoice and give God glory, and with every failure we praise God we are one step closer to discovering what we need to move in consistent healing. One last thing. If Jesus were to lay hands on your Father would he be healed? Could it be the answer is as simple as we need to be more like Jesus? Not just morally, which is true, but in the belief and exercise of our faith? Remember, Jesus ministered not as God but 100% as a human, just like you an me. Nothing special was in Him to heal or perform any of His miracles other than what we have, all the power of the kingdom of God. Daniel
Daniel Symonds at 2:48am EDT - September 28, 2009
Jesus spoke to the woman with the issue of blood and said,"your faith has made you well." My understanding is, it was her faith in what she had been hearing about Jesus, that made her push through the crowds to touch the hem of HIS garment. Pastor J.Prince (josephprince.org) a great source for a deeper revelation of the Gospel of Grace...Amen!
Vilma at 4:38am EDT - September 28, 2009
Daniel & Vilma - Thank you both so much for your responses. I am checking out both resources you mentioned. God bless you both. Tracy
Tracy at 4:47am EDT - September 28, 2009
Tracy, I feel I should mention that partaking of the Holy Communion at home is hardly mentioned in the body of Christ. Yes once a month at Church is good, and Thank God some have stepped it up to weekly, but when darkness, worry, and illness are present, DAILY is best! I just prayed a mighty prayer of healing and HIS Shalom peace that surpasses all understanding to overtake you and all you love and hold dear. There is no distance in prayer, so may you all experience a sweet rest in HIM, TODAY! God's Grace and Blessings to you and ALL you read this, In Jesus' Mighty Name, AMEN!
Vilma at 1:47pm EDT - September 28, 2009
Well, I just finished reading all 79 responses above. I am so grateful for the respectful tone we show each other as we grow together in our understanding. I have been strengthened and encouraged by every one of you. Some of your comments shed new light for me that I found very helpful. I would have liked to responded indvidually to so many of your comments but that would be a little over the top I think (o-: So I waited for this blog post to slow down some and then comment one last time on this one. It is not my heart to get into argument with any of my dear brothers and sisters on this blog. I love you all. I will answer to the best of my ability the questions raised, but those answers are mere reflections of the light I see and they are at best, partial because none of us have it all. Be watching in upcoming posts for more of what I see and I will continue to welcome your input.
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