From the beginning, divine health was God’s will for His people. There was no sickness and no death; indeed, everything was very good (Gen. 1:31). But when sin got in the way and wrecked the plan, God put another plan in place to restore things back to the way they were in the beginning. And the plan was Jesus!
The Bible reveals that Jesus came to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). And those works include sin, shame and condemnation, separation from God, and yes, sickness. In fact, overcoming sickness was so paramount to Jesus’ earthly ministry that the Bible records He went around and healed every sickness and disease (Matt. 4:23). He never denied anyone!
Ultimately, healing was also a primary purpose of Jesus’ death on the cross. The Bible assures that by the wounds of Jesus we have been healed (Is. 53:5; 1 Pet. 2:24). Note that it doesn’t state that we will be healed. Or that we might be healed. Or even that it’s to be decided at a later date. No, healing is a result of the shed blood of Jesus. It happened some 2,000 years ago and it’s ours to receive today.
In my life, I’ve seen some incredible healings. I’ve been there when deaf ears were opened. I’ve seen the paralyzed miraculously walk. I was beside a friend’s mother when pain from metal rods in her neck instantly went away.
But in these occasions, you might be surprised to hear that none happened because of a cautious prayer like, “Dear O Most Gracious Heavenly Father, we come before You today to ask for Your hand of healing on our sister … if it be Thy will.” No, these miraculous healings were activated with a declaration based upon the confidence that God already decided to heal.
Maybe that sounds uncomfortable or even irreverent. But this is what Jesus did. In every instance, He didn’t ask for, but He declared healing upon someone. Perhaps you’d argue that Jesus could do this because He is God. But Jesus also instructed His disciples to do the same. “Heal the sick,” He said (Matt. 10:8). And they did. Peter’s first recorded act of healing happened with a declaration. “Stand up and walk,” he asserted (Acts 3:6)!
Like the disciples, you and I can activate the healing power of Jesus, too! In fact, you can do this right now. Declare this over whatever pain, symptom, or issue you (or someone else) face:
“On the cross, Jesus bore my sins and shed His blood for my complete healing. Sickness and disease have no place in me—they must go! I declare that I am healed in Jesus’ name.”
Remember, God isn’t considering about whether or not to heal you. He already did! Now trust that your healing is received and begin to thank God for it. {eoa}
Kyle Winkler equips people to live in victory. His mobile app, Shut Up, Devil!, is the #1 spiritual warfare app; and his recent book, Silence Satan, has helped thousands shut down the enemy’s attacks, threats, lies and accusations. Kyle holds a Master of Divinity in biblical studies from Regent University. Get daily encouragement from Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.
