GOD STILL HEALS TODAY
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
James 5:13-16 (NLT)
When reading the Scriptures, it’s easy to read them like a history book. The gospels, which depict the life of Jesus, are around 2,000 years old. And while, yes, a lot of time has passed since Jesus physically walked the earth, He hasn’t stopped moving on behalf of His people. While He sits at the Father’s right hand, the Holy Spirit of God has come, dwelling in all who have passed from death to life.
That means the same power we see on display in the gospels is still at work today. Healing is possible because Jesus remains the Great Physician. But how can we be healed? We can’t walk into the presence of Peter, Paul or James. What we can do is call on our elders to pray over us. That’s exactly what James, the brother of Jesus, recommends in the above passage. Brookwood Church has pastors, trustees, and staff who stand willing, eager and able to pray for healing. What might hold you back?
James further pushes in to encourage us into a Christ-centered community. When we can share our lives with others committed to following Christ, we are willing to delve into even the darker days. The sinful choices that we make. We can confess our sins to God first, but then our brothers and sisters in Christ, and they can pray for us. We don’t need Peter, Paul or James to pray for us. They were ordinary people just like us. It was never about them— it was about the God they served. The same power available to them then is available to us today.
God still heals today! Do you believe?
APPLICATION: What’s the state of your community? Are you involved in a Community Group? Do you have believers who you’re sharing the highs and lows of life with? Are they praying with you about your sins and struggles? Are they laying hands on you to ask God to heal when necessary? If yes— persevere and continue to invite others into what you have. If no—take a step. There’s no such thing as a lone-wolf Christian. We’re the body of Christ, and each part is vital.
PRAYER: God, You are still active in our world today. I believe, help me in my unbelief. Through the power of Your Spirit, work in our midst so that You might receive all the glory. Help me embrace a community that will push me toward You, praying for and encouraging me. Thank You for the body of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?