My wife and I are privileged to run an email prayer chain for our church. Most of the requests we share have to do with physical illness and situations that involve medical professionals. But every now and then we get a request which is close to despair because the physicians have run out of treatments or remedies, and we have to exercise our faith that God’s will is perfect and He will accomplish healing in His own way and time.
Throughout history, physical healing has played a significant role in bringing people to faith in Christ, particularly in frontier mission fields where access to medical care is limited. Whether through miraculous intervention or professional healthcare, healing has consistently served as a tangible demonstration of God’s love and power.
Jesus Himself instructed His followers to “heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now’” (Luke 10:9, NLT). This command highlights the inseparable connection between the gospel and healing—both are expressions of God’s desire for wholeness in every aspect of life.
The Bible repeatedly shows that healing is a sign of the presence of God’s kingdom. When Jesus ministered on earth, He healed countless people, demonstrating that the good news was not only about spiritual salvation but also about restoration in body, mind, and soul. In Matthew 4:23, we read, “Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness” (NLT). His ministry was holistic, addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of the people.
One common misconception today is that when medical professionals cannot find a cure, healing is impossible. However, scripture reminds us that God’s power is not limited by human understanding. What is impossible for man is possible with God (Luke 18:27).
The limitations of medical science do not dictate the limits of God’s ability to heal. There are countless testimonies of individuals who have been miraculously healed after doctors declared their conditions untreatable. These miracles serve as evidence that God is still at work, bringing healing and wholeness in ways beyond human comprehension.
Moreover, the early church continued Jesus’ ministry of healing. In Acts 3, Peter and John encountered a lame man at the temple gate. Though they had no silver or gold, Peter declared, “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6, NLT). Instantly, the man was healed, leaping and praising God. This miracle led to many people believing in Christ, illustrating how healing often opens hearts to the gospel.
While God can and does use medical professionals as instruments of healing, there are times when physical remedies fail, and spiritual intervention becomes essential. James 5:14-15 encourages believers to seek prayer for healing: “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” (NLT). Ultimately, the gospel of the kingdom is about complete restoration—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Jesus came not only to save souls but to bring abundant life (John 10:10).
Whether through miraculous healing or medical treatment, God’s desire is wholeness for His people. Healing is a powerful testimony that the kingdom of God is near, inviting all to experience His love, power, and salvation.
Blessings on you and yours, Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study