HEALING THE SICK

As we have studied James, Chapter 5, my overriding sense is that praying for the sick should be the normal work of the congregation. This is a noble ministry that should be recovered in our day. Perhaps believers in the USA and worldwide would see God’s power in a greater way if we dared to believe and obey his Word—literally!

Here are seven conclusions that summarize my current understanding of how James 5:13-16 should be applied in the local congregation and in our lives!

1. Since God is sovereign, we cannot know in advance what the outcome of our prayers will be. Therefore, we should pray with humility, not making promises we can’t keep. At the end of the day, God is God and we are not. We must keep this perspective before us while we pray for the sick.
2. Since God is omnipotent, we should expect that God will move from heaven in answer to our prayers, often in ways we cannot humanly explain.
3. Since everything God creates is good, we should view both prayer and medicine as gifts to help us when we are sick.
4. Since God knows what is best, we must believe that when healing does not come, it is for our good and His glory.
5. Since faith is a gift from God, we understand that God will give the faith to believe when He wants to move in unusual power.
6. Since sin may block God’s healing power, we are fully justified to inquire as to a person’s spiritual state before we pray for them.
7. Since God’s Word is true, we glorify Him when we obey His Word, regardless of the outcome.