SPIRITUAL WELLNESS

Why are so many Christians suffering with illnesses of all sorts? We know that God heals, for, “by His stripes we are healed”, and Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” (John 14:12 AV) So, why are many Christians troubled with unending health problems? Either because they do not know the promises of God, they do not believe them, or are not applying them.

Not knowing the promises comes from not knowing what God’s Word tells us; not believing God’s Word comes from false teaching or from lack of faith. Not knowing the Word is easily remedied; all one needs to do is study the Word and mark those applicable promises for Christians, believing that they are true and belong to those who are God’s children. Not applying God’s promises is simply spiritual neglect or apathy, bringing unnecessary suffering and fears.

Not believing the promises, however, is a different matter. If the promises are known but are taught that they are not for today, or not for this denomination, then one should relocate to a fellowship that does believe, as God directs. If the unbelief comes from lack of faith, it is clear that they have not received the Holy Spirit of God. There are many gifts that are given through the Holy Spirit, one of which is faith. “To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (1 Corinthians 12:9 AV)

Lack of faith is a serious problem in churches today. Jesus questioned, “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8b AV) Without faith we have no power over the enemy; without faith the “Whole Armor of God” means nothing. Without faith we live in constant fear of tomorrow. Yet the Word of God tells us that we should not fear, that ‘perfect love casts out fear‘. The reason we have not the faith to overcome fear and sickness is because we do not know the Word of God. See here; He tells us, the Holy Spirit can be ours by asking. “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:11-13 AV) The Holy Spirit is ours for the asking if we ask with the right motive. The motive being that we need the Holy Spirit to serve God and live victoriously for Him. The wrong, selfish motive avails us nothing: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (James 4:3 AV)

So, what are the problems? The lack of knowledge of God’s Word, and the desire for personal gain and glory. One of these problems stems from apathy, the other from selfishness. Both of these stem from an evil spirit of laziness or greed. How many today are willing to go the extra mile to have a better home, or to move ahead in their workplace? Most everyone. But how many are willing to go the extra mile to advance in the Kingdom of God for His glory? Not many. Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14 AV) “Few there be that find it“! We need to know we are not one of those headed for destruction, rather that we are one of the few who will be saved. God’s Word holds the key to our future spiritual and physical health and joy of life. Choose life!

WTL Ministry http://www.wtlministry.org 5/8/02