The Scripture above is often quoted when the topic of healing is discussed. I have prayed this precious promise from God, and stood on it in faith many times over the years when I have needed healing, and I have experienced its power for myself.

One day during my private devotional time with the Lord, He showed me that I wasn't receiving all of the benefits of this verse of Scripture. And He had me focus on the second part of this verse, which reads, "And you will go FREE, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture." (NLT) The NIV translation says, "And you will go out and leap like calves RELEASED from the stall." The Holy Spirit revealed to me that Malachi 4:2 doesn't just promise God's faithful ones healing - but it also promises that we will be released from whatever has us bound, and we will experience a freedom that can only come from the Lord Himself.

Sometimes, we are bound by our own bad habits. Other times, Satan and his demons are oppressing us. And then there are cases where we have allowed others to do us harm because we have failed to use godly wisdom in establishing boundaries for our relationships. The good news is that whatever, or whoever, has been holding us captive cannot keep a hold on us when the supernatural delivering power of Almighty God comes on the scene.

The very next verse in this passage says, "'Then you will tread upon the wicked as ashes underfoot,' says the Lord Almighty." (Malachi 4:3 TLB) Now, put these verses together as promises from God, and believe that He is willing and able to heal you, release you, and cause you to overcome everything and everyone that is coming against you. I can tell you from personal experience that it is just a matter of time before the Lord shows up and brings His Word to pass!

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that because I fear and reverence You, You have healing in store for me when I take You at Your Word. I ask that You release me and set me free from everything that is hindering me from fulfilling my God-given purpose and potential. Remind me that You have given me authority over all the power of the enemy, and teach me how to make the most of that authority. (Luke 10:19) Thank You that as I take my stand in faith, I will prove to be the overcomer You have destined me to be!