Many pastors and theologians have wrestled with this text. No Christian would deny that God can heal the sick. However, it is wrong to conclude that perfect health is always a prayer away. There have been some believers who were healed of sickness after church leaders anointed them with oil and prayed. There have also been believers who were just as committed to Christ as those who were healed who died shortly after the leaders did the same. Outstanding Christian men and women die every year because of illness. It is the will of God for saints to go to heaven, and disease is often the vehicle He uses to transport us there. All physical healing that takes place on earth is temporary. Only in heaven will there be no more sickness. Nevertheless, God has extended to us an invitation to pray when we are sick. The most important thing to remember is to pray a prayer of faith. That means prayer is more than words. Real prayer comes from a heart that genuinely believes God. Jesus taught us to pray believing. When you ask, be sure to ask in faith. Prayer is never just religious verbiage; it is the verbal communion that stems from a relationship with God.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 13:52:14 +0000