In walking closely with the Lord all these years, I have discovered that, where healing needs are concerned, there is usually a spiritual side, as well as a practical side. Case in point: The last time I had serious knee problems, the Lord directed me to see my chiropractor more frequently, as well as to take some homeopathic remedies to reduce inflammation. That was the practical side. At the same time, He led me to specific healing promises in His Word that I was to diligently pray and stand on until my healing manifested. He also showed me which fellow followers of Christ I was to call upon to intercede for me in my time of need.

The Scripture above reveals a powerful principle with regard to the spiritual side of our healing. Through the Lord's mercy, goodness, and grace, faith-filled prayers spoken by God's people have the power to "restore the one who is sick." As a result of these petitions, it is the Lord Himself who will "raise [us] up" again. I have discovered that praying God's scriptural promises back to Him is one of the most powerful and effective ways for us to pray. This is just one more instance of why it is so important for us to have a working knowledge of God's Word.

The practical side of healing can be just as important as the spiritual side, because when we pray for the restoration of our health, the Lord will often direct us and expect us to cooperate with the healing process in a practical way. We see a good example of this principle in Scripture when the prophet Isaiah is sent by God to tell King Hezekiah that he should set his affairs in order because he is going to die. (2 Kings 20:1-7) When the good king turns his face to the wall and prays for mercy, the Lord graciously decides to extend his life, and He prescribes an ointment of figs to bring about the healing that Hezekiah so desperately needs. Could God have restored the king to health without the ointment? No question. But it was a combination of Hezekiah's prayer AND a fig ointment that brought about the king's healing.

I believe that the Lord has you reading this today because He has a perfect plan for your healing. If you will lay hold of this message by faith - and apply it to your situation - you will witness the Lord working mightily on your behalf. Right now, rejoice as good King Hezekiah did: "Think of it - the Lord is ready to heal me!" (Isaiah 38:20 NLT)

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You have promised to be my Healer. (Exodus 15:26) Whenever I need healing, please reveal to me the practical side, as well as the spiritual side of my healing. Make me sensitive and obedient to Your Spirit's leading in these matters, so that I can walk in divine health, and live the abundant life that You came to give me. Thank You that as I cooperate with You for my healing, others will see Your favor on my life, and You will be glorified!