Now at the setting of the sun [indicating the end of the Sabbath], all those who had any [who were] sick with various diseases brought them to Him, and He laid His hands upon every one of them and cured them. —Luke 4:40 (AMP)
I have been experiencing the challenges of sickness especially that of a loved one. As I go through the process of nursing back to health, I have developed a hatred for sickness. Though that may sound harsh it’s a good hatred. Also, during this challenge I have been digging into the scriptures and praying the Word as it relates to healing. Indeed God wants us to be in good health just as much as He wants us to have a strong relationship with us. He too does not like sickness just like He doesn’t like sin but loves the sinner.
I heard someone said that we like to own our sickness. Oftentimes in the body of Christ, we are very accepting of sickness. We like to attach ourselves to the sickness, “I have diabetes.”, “My back is killing me.”, “I have this or I have that.” We tend to take ownership of sickness rather than hate it and banish it from our bodies by the authority we have in Jesus’ name.
Sometimes we even bring sickness upon ourselves. We may have bad eating habits. We may not exercise regularly or fail to practice good self-care. At times we even call sickness upon ourselves because we believe will have the same sickness another relative had and died from. Others willingly accept sickness as a part of life and always expect it. Yet some have the extreme thought that they will always be sick and therefore baby their sickness. But Jesus didn’t accept it. He fought against it. He healed many while He was on this earth. Many were and still are healed through the power of Christ’s resurrection.
Then why should we like or even entertain sickness. Sickness is not of God and carries many ill-effects in our lives. It in no way honours or glorifies God. Sickness:
- Makes our bodies weak and tired
- Reduces or brings our productivity to a halt. We are limited in how much we can do for ourselves or others
- Causes us to depend on others. Although the help is appreciated, any sick person longs to be able to help themselves
- Brings down the human spirit. Sick people feel weary in spirit and at times unwilling to keep going
- Has a negative impact on our finances in two ways – the inability to earn income and the increase expense due to medical care
- Disrupts or kills your dreams and goals. It is a potential destiny killer
- Limits our ability to serve God in whatever capacity we normally do
However there is much to be gained by having good health and this is what God desires for us. The prize of good health:
- Is strength in body, soul and spirit
- Frees us to do what we need to and want to. There is high productivity
- Gives us the opportunity to do good works for others
- Allows us to enjoy life to the full
- Impacts our finances positively because it is not decayed by reduced income or medical expenses
- Liberated to fulfill our God-given goals and destiny
- Brings glory to God because we are able to do good works that cause you and others to praise Him
Friends, which do you think is better? I vote for good health and with that long life. Just like Jesus does. So whether or not you or a loved one is sick, pray daily for good health. Meditate on scriptures that remind you what God’s heart is concerning your health:
- Jesus has already borne or sicknesses, weaknesses and distresses and carried our sorrows and pains, so why should be now. —Is. 53:4-5 (AMP) & 1 Pet. 2:24 (AMP)
- God can restore health and life to your body. —Rom. 8:11 (AMP)
- God willingly and freely give us all things including good health. —Rom. 8:32 (AMP)
- God sends His word to heal and deliver us. —Ps. 107:19 (NKJV)
- Speak the Word: “No disease, no sickness shall come near my dwelling.” Therefore, if not near your home then certainly not in your body. —Ps. 91:9-13 (GW)
- God’s desire is for us to prosper and be in good health and be in right standing with Him. —3 John 1:2 (AMP)
- If we are sick, Jesus wants to make us well. —Matt. 4:23-24; Matt. 8:5-7; Mk. 10:49-52; Jn 5:5-9; Acts 10:38 (NKJV)
- God wants to satisfy you with long life. —Ps. 91:16 (GW)
- He is the Lord our Healer. —Ex. 15:26 (NKJV)
- There is no limit to what God can do. He can heal any sickness. —Ps. 103:2-3 (NKJV)
- Since God is able to raise man from death (Luke 7:12-15, NKJV), He is well able to renew your youthful strength and perform a creative miracle in your body.—Ps. 103:5 (AMP)
May we all experience the kingdom of God in our lives and may good health and long life be ours. God bless you.