James 5, Prayer for Healing

 

James 5, Prayer for Healing

The anointing by the elders is a show of support for a sick person. The oil has no magic, nor does the touch of the elders. James is not saying that Christians should avoid doctors or medicines, for God works through those as well. Instead, this ceremony focuses on placing complete faith in God. When a sick person knows that others are praying for them, that person feels supported and loved.

If healing is to occur, the Lord will do it. Sometimes He performs a miracle that can’t be explained naturally; sometimes He works through doctors and medicines; sometimes it’s just the body’s natural, God-given process at work. Then there are cases where God performs the ultimate healing by taking the person to be with Him. The true “prayer of faith” acknowledges God’s sovereignty over each person’s life. The prayer offered in faith reveals trust in God to do His will. Healing prayer should be sought by all those who hurt.

Everyone needs healing, because everyone is born into sin. In this fallen world, people face hurts, pain, sickness, difficulties and traumas. People are broken by the sins of others, as well as by their own. Broken and wounded people need healing that comes from a renewed relationship with God and others. When people accept the fact that Christ suffered for our sins and His body was broken for us, our hearts are opened to recover a personal relationship with Christ. God is our great physician and sometimes He must perform major surgery for us to get to the bottom of our sins and begin to heal. Only then can people be healed and begin the process of recovery. No one will experience complete healing until they go to Heaven. We will always struggle with the sin nature. Submission to God is the formula for healing. He may not choose to heal to use the illness to help other people. As in the case of Paul, he gave Paul a thorn in the flesh which was used for God’s glory. In answer to Paul’s request for healing, He said, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Paul boasted of his affliction by saying, “when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor. 12:10.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible