You do not have because you do not ask.
Both John Smulo and Phil Wyman have posted on spiritual warfare. Phil has several other posts on spiritual warfare here, here, and here. I find this topic fascinating.
I was at a friends house yesterday. I picked up a little magazine and began to leaf through it. It was a magazine put out by Derek Prince Ministries. The article was about healing. I don’t need to go into it, but the bottom line was that we are sick because we do not believe and we do not ask for healing. I have always met these types of statements with skepticism. However, after dealing with a child with a chronic health problems this past year, I now believe these types of beliefs are not only deceptive, but hurtful and dangerous.
Generational curses, demonic harassment, strongholds, unforgiveness, and sin are a few of the “reasons” given for sickness by those who hold this belief. If we battle against these things, does that mean we don’t get sick? If so, why do we all die? What do you think of healing and spiritual warfare? Why did Jesus give us so many examples of healing during His ministry and what does this mean for us, as believers?
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Healing and miracles are indeed fascinating realities that hold much interest for all of us who are still subject to the last enemy–death. I agree that there is much damage done in teaching on these subjects. Many believers live with false expectation that God always wants to physically heal a person in this life. It is not hard to prove otherwise–both biblically and experientially. The fact is that much can be said and should be said about the “theology of suffering.” I believe in healing and I pray for it. I have seen it happen. I have heard the stories. Some folks even have giftings in healing. Some good reads on this subject are Power Evangelism and Power Healing by John Wimber. Oh, and try the gospels. Pray for healing? yes. Expect healing in faith? yes, why not. Despair and question my faith when God chooses not to heal? Absolutely not! In the long run much more can be gleaned when we embrace suffering–and this is exactly what God wants some people to do some of the time.
TA-
As always, your thoughts inspire….
J
I think healing can happen by prayer, and sometimes sicknesses are spiritual, but in general I would say it is not so.
Dangerous indeed. I was raised in a new-age church which taught that we did not need doctors. Eventually their position has softened - after a number of lawsuits.
Chase-I agree, I think that for the most part, physical illness is just part of living in a fallen world.
Phil- Wow. My encounters haven’t been quite that radical, but radical enough for me to say phooey on that. (is that how you spell phooey?)