Several years ago, a woman in our church received news that no pregnant mother wants to hear: “Your baby has Down syndrome.” The diagnosis was unnerving and the prognosis was bleak. The family called the elders to pray for healing. We had the privilege to anoint the mother and pray that God would supernaturally intervene. Several months later the mother delivered, and although the baby was born with Down’s, many of the conditions the doctors predicted did not come to pass.
James 5:14-16 is clear in its teaching about anointing and praying for the sick. James gave some choice principles to guide the believers’ thoughts, discussion, and practice of praying for the sick.
• They could and should pray for healing. James encouraged those who were sick to be anointed and prayed for. People should pray with confidence for complete healing until it is obvious that God has chosen to do otherwise.
• Elders, in a limited way, were given authority to act on behalf of Jesus. This does not mean that elders in the church have special healing powers or righteousness. It means they have a privilege and responsibility to pray for the sick in Jesus’ name.
• The oil had no special power. It is simply a sign to aid faith, or a symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit—the One who provides healing, comfort, and assurance.
• God is sovereign. James wanted his audience to realize that God is not obligated to heal anyone. God still heals supernaturally (and through natural means—using medicine and physicians). Our responsibility is to be obedient to Scripture and to pray for healing in faith and humility.
More:
O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You restored my health (Psalm 30:2).
Next:
What did you believe about healing prior to reading this passage? How does the fact that God is sovereign affect the way you will pray for people who are sick?
pjack4 on January 15, 2010 at 8:37 am
I want to thank you for this article. It really hit home with me today and I needed it. My sister in law is very ill and I pray that God will heal her body. But I sometimes don’t pray with the belief that she can be healed. I know God will do what is right in his will for her. But still I should pray and believe she can be healed. I know he can do it, as I have prayed before for my healing in sickness and others prayed for me and God has healed me in those sicknesses. So I will continue to pray for her to be healed and believe she can be, If it is God’s will.
Thank You
Gary4orphans on January 15, 2010 at 9:31 am
Thank you brother Marvin for your Biblically accurate description of the ministry of healing. Too many are out of balance and try to order God around making DEMANDS concerning healing and the acquisition of material blessing. As you point out God is sovereign and CAN bless because our God is ABLE but He also knows what is best for us. We don’t appreciate it when our kids or grandkids DEMAND something of us but we are pleased to give them what we know is good for them. So much more our loving and all knowing God knows what and when (and if) to give us what we humbly ask Him for. My grandkids ASK with expectation but they don’t demand rudely. May we all approach our heavenly Father with at least the same respect we require of our kids and grandkids. (Well, MORE so!)
riri on January 15, 2010 at 10:40 am
You always seem to have the right words and the right analogy. This was awesome and uplifting. I think we can apply this to the prayers of healing for Haiti! Pray for healing “until it’s obvious that God has chosen to do otherwise”–your words. Sometimes we forget that God can even work through disasters and tribulations. I think about my own trials right now…I know that God is able and He will stand by me. Thanks again, “Soul Man” (yes, I have been to your website).
jakestheman on January 15, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Please pray for my 7 yr old grandson Jake that he be healed of a cancerous tumor in his body. Please pray that God touches him and the doctors and nurses surrounding Jake. He is at Georgetown Univ Hospital in DC. God Bless everyone. Proud Grandpa.
betts on January 15, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Proud Grandpa, I am believing with you that God will not only heal Jake, but that this healing will be a testimony to all those around him . May God be with the doctors, nurses, specialists, and especially with you, the family. May He give you strength and comfort in your time of need. God bless you all. Abundant prayers from WV.
ladyweeze on January 17, 2010 at 12:59 am
THANKS MARVIN FOR THE DEVOTION.AS I GO THORUGH SITUATIONS IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW WHERE I STAND ON GOD’S WORD AND TRUST HIM FOR MY HEALING.IT CAN ONLY BE DONE BY HIM ALONE.