Christian Living
What To Do if Sickness Knocks
So far, we’ve said that God is interested in our spiritual and physical wellbeing (Isaiah 53;4-5, 3 John 1:2). We have also seen that Jesus carried our sicknesses, pains and sorrows on Himself (Isaiah 53:4-5). The reason Jesus did it all is so that we do not have to bear, carry or suffer any of these things. We are delivered from sin and its consequences. Unfortunately, despite this reality, some Christians can still experience sickness and disease and here are some reasons why this can happen; ignorance about the Word of God on healing, laziness in practicing the Word by faith, making unwise and unhealthy lifestyle choices or failure to discern the Lord’s Body at communion.
So what if we do all we are supposed to do and yet sickness comes, what do we do?
Resist it in faith
God wants us healthy and He has made adequate provision for this to be our experience. This truth should be our daily reality. We also know that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights whose nature and principles do not change(James 1:17). God is good and He only has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11).
Therefore, if we are ever challenged in health, we know it is not from God, we must resist it.
First Peter 5:9 says…
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.“
I Peter 5:8-9 NKJV
We are to resist by faith the enemy and indeed anything in our lives that does not reflect the goodness of God. And the primary way we exercise our faith is to say what the Word says. Yes, the sword of the spirit is the Word of God spoken in faith (Ephesians 6:17). So be sure to have a word-based healing confession; agree with God on His Word concerning your healing and health. And do not stop confessing the Word until you see the full manifestation of ‘By His Stripes you are healed’. Declare that the Spirit that gives life is at work in your body, quickening every fibre of your being. Declare that because you are of God, God dwells in your body; there cannot be 2 masters in one ship; Jesus is the Lord and master of your life. Confess the protective Word of Psalm 91. Declare that by the Spirit of Jesus you were healed.
Lay Hands on Your Body
The Bible says in James 5:14….
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.“
James 5:14 NKJV
So a Christian who is challenged health-wise, can call on the elders (pastors and other spiritual leaders) to pray over him/her and the prayer of faith will heal such a one.
If it is the prayer of faith that heals, then you too can pray that prayer and become healed (selah).
We read in Mark 16:17-18……
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Mark 16:17-18 NKJV
So we know that anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus can lay hands on the sick for healing to take place. Jesus practiced this (Luke 4:40, Mark 8:23 and so did Apostle Paul (Acts 28:8).
Question: Are you a believer? Have you ever laid hands on yourself when unwell?
Your confidence to administer healing to others is greatly enhanced when you have established it for yourself.
Lay hands and pray over your body in faith and in the authority in the name of Jesus.
And if you belong to a prayer group, they can also believe with you for restoration of your health.
Partake of the Communion Regularly
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” I Corinthians 11:26 NKJV
Our participation in the communion is an attestation and confirmation of faith that indeed Jesus came and won the victory for us just as the Word says.
So I personally believe that every time I partake of the communion a reminder us sent forth to the Heavens, to all powers everywhere that the blood of Christ bought me. That blood was poured for my healing and by His Stripes I am healed!
“In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” I Corinthians 11:25 NKJV
Ensure you partake with a heart full of love, devoid of offence and unforgiveness.
Unforgiveness will inhibit the full manifestation of your faith.
Consult with your Physician
Doctors are not enemies of your faith. Sometimes people address doctors as though doctors are against their health and wellbeing. Wrong! A doctor is not your Pastor, he/she is trained to make diagnosis/prognosis based on available facts. If you feel well, you don’t need a physician (Mark 2:17), if you visit a doctor because of an ill health, well, he/she will not be reading Psalms to you! …except inspired by the Holy Spirit. Doctors will share their findings. As a Christian, you should resist in faith any contrary report (from any quarters) on your life. Your fight shouldn’t be with a doctor, the doctor is not the enemy of your faith. Infact, most doctors I know are committed to saving lives and improving health. So except in cases of gross ethical misconduct, direct your fight to the right enemy.
So go see your doctor, and don’t leave your faith at home. Take prescribed medications and make necessary changes as advised. Schedule regular medical check-ups especially as you hit middle-age. Take advantage of whatever help science and medicine can offer.
Make necessary lifestyle changes
Eat right- both in quantity and quality. Exercise right- Discuss with your physician about the most suitable exercise for you. Observe Adequate Rest- Sleep helps the brain recover fast.
Shalom!
