The Lord still heals today. On many occasions, I have felt led to minister healing to individuals because the Lord has given a word of knowledge. Sometimes I receive a spiritual impression or image within me, of a part of a body. When I recognize the Lord’s direction in this way, I am greatly encouraged to pray in faith for healing. The Lord has also lead me via dreams, impressions, or simply because another person asks for prayer.
The Holy Spirit prepares Christ-followers for healing ministry, firstly, in salvation, and secondly, in continuing empowerment. Paul rhetorically questions the Galatian believers on the basis of the God who gives His Spirit and works miracles (Gal. 3:5).
“I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.” (Galatians 3:5 NLT)
Clearly, Paul affirms that God executes signs and wonders including healing. Paul glorifies Christ Jesus for the Spirit’s power which enables signs and wonders.
The Holy Spirit is regularly associated with power throughout Scripture. The prophets of the Old Testament are Spirit-filled messengers. Micah testifies the Spirit’s power (Micah 3:8) and goes on to powerfully declare the sins of God’s people in Judah. Outward visible power is evident to all that see and hear him. During His earthly ministry, Jesus acknowledges, “It is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons (Matthew 12:28).” Peter recognizes this outward manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life (Acts 10:38). Jesus promises power when the Spirit comes on His disciples (Acts 1:8). In Acts, the visible power of the Holy Spirit manifests after serious prayer (Acts 4:31, 33).
The New Testament teaches that healing may occur in connection with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Paul seems to emphasize the plural nature of healing in the twelfth chapter of 1 Corinthians by twice using the plural “charismata” when referring to gifts of healings (1 Cor. 12:9, 30). Perhaps this indicates that healing can function on many levels or in many ways to meet the needs of sick people.
While given for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7), gifts of healings function as the Spirit wills (1 Cor. 12:11). The apostles do not heal every need with which they come in contact, but they remain sensitive to the prompting of the Spirit. The Spirit-empowered believer must practice discernment. Possibly, this gives insight into why a Christian cannot administer healing to every sickness when visiting a hospital, yet can witness a tremendous healing during the same visit. Just as salvation and eternal life are a freely-given grace gift, gifts of healings are not earned or bought (consider Peter’s response to Simon in Acts 8:18-23).
I cannot buy Holy Spirit empowerment, but I can certainly surrender and yield. I welcome Holy Spirit to flood me afresh. Lord, use me as a channel to extend Your healing strength.
