Healing and Faith

Healing and Faith

A short time ago I published the blog ‘The Miraculous Healings of Jesus: A Closer Look‘ and am following it up with a blog about healing and faith. Why? I am a Christian who acquired a spinal cord injury in 2009.

The Power of Faith

The holy scriptures of the Bible offer vivid illustrations of individuals who experienced miraculous healing due to their unwavering faith. In the New Testament, Jesus performed countless healings and miracles, often attributing them to the unshakeable faith of the person who was cured. In Matthew 9:22, Jesus consoles a woman who had been suffering from bleeding for over a decade, saying, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” Similarly, in Mark 10:52, Jesus bestows sight upon a blind man and proclaims, “Go, your faith has healed you.”

Faith is a potent force that possesses the ability to move mountains, as Jesus himself declares in Matthew 17:20. It is a deep-rooted conviction in something beyond ourselves and the firm belief that God has the power to rejuvenate and heal us. When we exhibit faith, we open ourselves up to the possibility of healing and invite God to work his miracles in our lives.

However, perhaps the most impressive example of the potency of faith can be found in the narrative of the centurion in Matthew 8:5-13. The centurion approaches Jesus, imploring him to heal his suffering and paralyzed servant. Despite feeling unworthy of having Jesus come under his roof, the centurion has unshakeable faith that if Jesus says the word, his servant will be cured. Jesus is astonished by the centurion’s faith and states, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” And just like that, the servant is healed.

These inspiring stories remind us that faith is a transformative force that can heal and restore us in ways that we never thought possible. With faith, we can place our trust in God, allowing him to work his wonders in our lives.

Faith possesses an innate ability to heal us from within. When we choose to place our faith in a higher power, we align ourselves with God’s will and unleash his boundless power and grace. Faith empowers us to shed our limitations and place our trust in God’s infinite wisdom and compassion. It emboldens us to take risks, to believe that the impossible is attainable, and to pursue healing with an open heart and mind.

It is important to understand that having faith doesn’t necessarily guarantee that we will always be healed in the manner we expect or desire. There are times when God’s plan for us differs from our own. Nevertheless, when we have faith, we can rest assured that God is with us, even during times of suffering and hardship. As the apostle Paul eloquently stated in Romans 8:28, “We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

The potency of faith lies in its ability to connect us with God and bring us closer to the healing and wholeness that he intends for us. With faith, we can experience a profound sense of inner peace and joy, even in the midst of life’s most challenging circumstances. And that, in and of itself, is an awe-inspiring and miraculous phenomenon.

 

The Role of Testimony in Healing

Testimony is a powerful and transformative tool that can aid in the healing process. When we recount our experiences of healing and transformation, we give glory to God and instil hope in others, inspiring them to believe in his might. Throughout the Bible, we witness numerous examples of individuals sharing their testimonies of healing, often leading to others experiencing healing as well.

Sharing our testimonies may be challenging, particularly when we feel vulnerable and truthful about our struggles. However, when we share our stories, we allow others to witness God’s power at work in our lives. We offer hope to those who may be experiencing similar issues and inspire them to have faith that God can heal them as well.

In addition, the sharing of testimony plays an essential role in our own journey towards healing. It serves as a reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness and goodness when we recount our experiences. We become encouraged to continue seeking him and entrusting ourselves with his power to heal and transform us.

Moreover, it is equally important to listen to the testimonies of others. When we hear about the ways in which God has intervened in the lives of others, we are reminded of his profound love and potency. We become inspired to seek him more deeply and to trust him more fully as we bear witness to the many ways in which he has healed and transformed the lives of those around us.

 

Overcoming Doubt and Disappointment

Healing and Faith - a man hugging his son before coming to Jesus for healing

The experience of illness or suffering can leave us feeling despondent and doubtful about our ability to heal. We may question whether God hears our prayers or even cares about our struggles. However, the Bible is replete with examples of individuals who faced comparable challenges and persevered in their faith, ultimately experiencing miraculous healing.

One such instance is depicted in Mark 9:14-29, where a man brings his son to Jesus for healing. The boy has been tormented by a demon since childhood and has endured immense suffering. The man pleads with Jesus, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus responds with the poignant words, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” The man cries out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Jesus heals the boy, and the man’s faith is strengthened.

This powerful story reminds us that it is natural to experience doubts and questions regarding our faith. We do not need to pretend that everything is perfect, nor do we need to have all the answers. Instead, we can be candid with God and with ourselves about our struggles. We can request help in overcoming our uncertainties and augmenting our faith.

Another example of overcoming doubt is found in the account of Job. Despite suffering the loss of his wealth, family, and health, Job never lost his faith. He questioned God and wondered why he was permitted to suffer so profoundly. Nevertheless, he persisted in his trust and declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15). Ultimately, God restored Job’s fortunes and blessed him with even more than he had previously possessed.

 

The Importance of Gratitude

Gratitude is an attitude that possesses transformative power, capable of enriching our lives and enhancing our physical and emotional well-being. When we cultivate gratitude, we open ourselves up to the blessings that surround us, inviting positive energy and abundance into our lives. Throughout the Bible, we encounter numerous examples of individuals who expressed gratitude, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

One such illustration is found in Psalm 103:2-5, which states, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” This psalm reminds us of the myriad blessings that God has bestowed upon us, including forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, and compassion.

The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 is another compelling example of gratitude. Jesus encounters ten lepers on his journey between Samaria and Galilee, and they implore him for healing. Jesus instructs them to go and show themselves to the priests, and as they depart, they are cured. One of the lepers, a Samaritan, returns to Jesus to express his gratitude. Jesus responds, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” This narrative highlights the significance of expressing gratitude, even for the smallest blessings in our lives.

When we cultivate gratitude, we heighten our awareness of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. We become less preoccupied with the negative aspects of our lives and more focused on the positive. This shift in perspective can profoundly impact our physical and emotional well-being, reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing sleep quality, and improving our overall sense of well-being.

 

The Healing to come

The Bible unveils the enigmatic future of healing when the Almighty Creator will renew and restore his creation to its pristine state of perfection. In the book of Revelation 21:4, we are told that “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” This assurance of a new heaven and earth reminds us of God’s ultimate plan for the healing and restoration of all things.

But what does this promise imply for us today, as we reside in a world still gripped by suffering and ailments? It implies that we can have hope, even in the midst of our trials. It implies that we can confide in the fact that God is with us, working tirelessly to bring healing and restoration to our lives, even when it seems like all is lost. It implies that we can work to build the Kingdom of God here on earth by tending to the sick, the suffering, and the downtrodden.

In the Gospel of John 14:12, Jesus speaks to his disciples, saying, “Truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.” This declaration reminds us that we have a part to play in God’s healing agenda. We are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, to bring healing and wholeness to those in our midst and to work for justice and compassion in our world.

One of the ways we can actualize this is by collaborating with God in prayer. As we pray for healing, we invite the Almighty to work in our lives and in the lives of those around us. We can pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, believing that God hears our supplications and is working to bring about his plan for our lives.

Furthermore, we can contribute to the process of healing by taking care of our bodies and minds. This means looking after our physical well-being by engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and taking time to rest. It also means nurturing our emotional health by practising self-care, seeking counselling when necessary, and fostering meaningful relationships.

 

Miraculous Healing Today

Healing and Faith - Joni

The world we live in is full of accounts of miraculous healing. These stories abound of people who have experienced healing from illnesses and injuries that were once deemed incurable by medical professionals. Such tales of hope and inspiration testify to the power and love of God and offer comfort to those grappling with illness or injury.

One such remarkable story is that of Joni Eareckson Tada, a devout Christian, author, speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities. Joni suffered paralysis from the neck down following a diving accident at age 17. However, despite the overwhelming odds against her, Joni went on to live a meaningful and vibrant life, serving God and inspiring others through her writing and speaking.

In 2010, Joni was diagnosed with breast cancer, a challenging and daunting prognosis. Although Joni underwent surgery and chemotherapy, cancer persisted, and her outlook was grim. However, Joni refused to lose hope and continued to pray fervently for healing and to trust in God’s plan for her life.

Then, in 2015, Joni had a routine CT scan that revealed no evidence of cancer in her lungs. Her medical team was amazed and couldn’t explain the miraculous healing. Joni attributes her healing to her unwavering faith in God and the power of prayer from her friends and supporters.

Another inspiring example of miraculous healing is Nick Vujicic, an Australian motivational speaker and author, born without arms or legs. Despite his physical challenges, Nick remained undaunted and determined to make a difference in the world. He learned to accomplish tasks with his feet and became a successful speaker and author, touching lives and inspiring others through his story of faith and perseverance.

In 2008, Nick’s father was diagnosed with cancer, and the family prayed fervently for his healing. However, his condition continued to deteriorate. Nick and his family decided to embark on a three-day fast and prayer, beseeching God to heal his father. Miraculously, Nick’s father was healed on the third day, and his cancer vanished. He went on to live for several more years before passing on from other causes.

These incredible stories, and many more like them, serve as reminders that God’s power to heal is still manifesting in our world today. Although we may not always comprehend why some are healed while others are not, we can take comfort in God’s love and goodness, knowing that he is always with us.

However, it is crucial to note that not all healing is miraculous, and medical treatment and care are fundamental to the healing process. We should approach healing with a spirit of gratitude and humility, acknowledging that all healing comes from God and we are called to use our experiences to serve and help others.

 

Healing and Faith conclusion

The sacred scriptures of the Bible recount many instances of miraculous healing, from the restoration of sight to the resurrection of the dead. These accounts remind us of God’s immeasurable power and boundless love and offer hope to those grappling with illness, injury, or other challenges.

It is crucial to remember that miraculous healing is not something of the past but still transpires today. People are still experiencing healing from illnesses and injuries that were once considered incurable. These stories of restoration remind us that God’s power to heal is still working in our world, and we can rely on his plan for our lives, even in the most challenging situations.

To receive healing, we must cultivate faith in God and trust in his plan for our lives. We must also persevere in our faith, even when beset by doubts, disappointments, and uncertainties. Moreover, we must join hands with God in prayer, seeking his wisdom and guidance as we navigate the difficulties of life.

If you need healing, I suggest you seek the support and care of others, including medical professionals, counsellors, and spiritual advisors. Remember that you’re not alone, and there are many resources available to help you on your path to recovery and completeness.

 

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More information about me is found at johnduthie.com

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