Joy in Health

God certainly can give us joy in the midst of sickness and suffering. We know he did that for several in the Bible including Paul and Silas at Philippi (Acts 16) and in Paul’s experience with the “thorn.” (2 Corinthians 12)

I do believe God may allow some to suffer for special circumstances, as in Paul’s experience. However, I believe it is not being fair to scripture to take away divine healing from most Christians because of one or two instances in the New Testament Church where someone was left sick.

Take these few instances and compare them to the multitudes upon multitudes who were healed and I believe you will find that the normal will of God is divine healing for his children. Jesus called it the “children’s bread.” (Matthew 15:26)

Without a special revelation from God, as Paul experienced, “fullness of joy” would require a healthy body.

As I was preaching under a heavy anointing one Sunday I suddenly said these words:

“There is coming a day when all the sick will be healed”

I almost stopped preaching. In my mind, I said, “Where did that come from?” I decided I better find some scripture to support that statement. When I looked, I found much support in scripture.

	During the wilderness journey the scripture records there were “none feeble* among his tribes.” (Ps. 105:37)*
	God’s word against the shepherds of Israel. Ezekiel 34:⁴The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them.
	Ps. 103:2-3: Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: ³Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
	Jesus healed all who came to him for healing. Luke 4:⁴⁰When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.
	Jesus’ commission to heal the sick, Mark 16:18: …they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
	At times, in the early church, all who came for healing were healed. (Acts 5:28)

As I looked into the subject of divine healing, I found two things that really strengthened my faith to believe the word God had spoken through me.

First, Jesus told us to pray for the Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. There is no sickness in heaven and if Jesus asked us to pray for it, then it must be a possibility.

Second, Psalm 16:11 says, “…in Your presence is fullness of joy…” In the scripture, many were healed when they came into the presence of Jesus. Just touching the hem of Jesus’ garment brought healing to many. (Mark 6:56) Jesus spoke to one lady who was healed this way and said, “Your faith has made you well.” (Matt. 9:20)

	Continue to Joy in Wealth
	Experience the Holy Spirit and Joy
	How does Joy in Health affect our Vision for Worship

(Fullness of Joy and Healing is one of the chapters in Pastor Manning’s book titled A Journey into Joy. You may order the book at http://www.hojc.org/JourneyIntoJoy/ )

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