Christian Healing - 5 Abiding

Abiding is absolutely key. This is where our Christian walk starts and continues to be maintained. When we make our home with Jesus the Bible comes alive and we begin to be in tune with God.

In our need for healing, it is in this heart to heart relationship that God hears our cry. This is where we hear His Word and especially those living personal Words just for us. Words that bring hope and life into our situation. But this is where the battle really commences. Satan just does not like this.

We may become aware of Satan’s lies, as fear and doubt try to get a hold. Taunts like “Who do you think you are?” or “Come on get real, you don’t really believe this do you?!” But as we continue to abide in Him surrounded by His love, we are safe from all the flaming arrows and missiles that come our way. They just cannot touch us. As we shelter wrapped in Father’s cloak we are assured of His comfort and His victory.

Pain and discomfort can cause us to sink and make it difficult to keep our focus on Him. Pain is very wearing and at worst it feels like trying to see through a fog. At such times I feel the only thing to do - and the best - is to surrender in complete trust. Throw ourselves into Father’s arms knowing He will fight the battle for us and bring us through.

Our focus of course, is not on the promised healing, but on the Promiser and Healer, so the bottom line is absolute surrender. This gives the Holy Spirit absolute freedom to move in our lives, whenever and however. The opposite to this is complaining - which I am well familiar with - and only serves to prolong the process. Unconditional yielding to God is tantamount to saying, ‘I yield to you Father whether you heal me or not.’ This may seem paradoxical, but it’s no different to saying we have to ‘lose our life to gain it.’ Knowing God will do what he said he will do, means we can do this. We trust Him. This is such a simple childlike heart action, but I for one have found it not easy and has often taken some crisis to bring it about.

I’ve said nothing so far about the medical profession and healing. I have no doubt that God works through doctors and treatments. Where would we be without them? But I’m not sure I would describe it as divine healing. Doctors do not have all the answers and some prescribed drugs are toxic with side effects that can have a drastic effect upon our quality of life. Enough said.

God does a proper job.

“Whoever goes to the LORD for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to him, "You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust." He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases.” Psalm 91:1-3 Good News Bible

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it.” John 15:7 Good News Bible

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If My People - 3

I had intended to draw a line under this post title, but on going to bed last night I asked the Lord how Christians should pray for the ‘State of the Nation.’

I didn’t necessarily expect an instant reply, but immediately I felt he said ‘pray that Christians should wake up!’

This was as I was slipping under the duvet, so it goes without saying that I was awake for quite a while.

I took this reply to mean that we - and I include myself in this - need to:

• Wake up to what is happening in our nation and the world.
• Wake up and take notice of the spiritual battle that is raging
• Wake up and listen to how God sees this from His perspective
• Wake up and 'stir the gift within' us
• Wake up and wait upon God for our individual response
• Wake up and pray as a priority

This is not to ‘tell,’ but to share what I believe I heard. This may well not be for everyone, but if I am acting in obedience, then surely this must be for at least one person.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2Chronicles 7:14

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The Battle Without

Although I didn’t realise it at the time, the retreat we attended in October was God-arranged, to prepare me for what was to come in the following weeks. This was especially so with the morning walk (here) which became a living picture that helped carry me through a very difficult time. It reminded me that whatever battle I was to experience, provided I put my whole trust in Jesus and abided in Him, then I would come through to a strong place and know His victory.

Within two weeks of the retreat I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, with the immediate commencement of treatment and exploratory scans. Side effects from the drugs began to kick in, leaving me drained of strength, dizzy and experiencing vertigo. On top of this I picked up an infection from the biopsy examination, which took six weeks of anti-biotic drugs to overcome.

Things were happening at such pace, that for a time I was in shock and vulnerable to all sorts of anxious thoughts. Like burning arrows they came flying my way, such as: “I’m growing old before my time.” and “You are finished - there’s no hope.” or “You’ll end your days in hospital.” and so on! I just rested in my ‘shelter’ the best way I could, wrapped in the folds of Father’s robe, so that these taunts, lies etc just bounced off. I had His Word that He would fight the battle and take me through. I was expectant, of miracles even. On some evenings, if fatigue kicked in, I just sat surrendering to Father, even though I felt and sensed nothing, but refusing to doubt.

The worst part was the waiting between the many appointments. I found some of the doctors definitely lacking in communication skills and I was left in personal doubt about the additional treatment scheduled for the new year. All I could do was leave it to God until, at the last consultation I saw another specialist who reversed the decision. I received this as God’s answer, leaving Him the freedom to act in His way and in His time.

The worst of the storm is now over. There is still a battle, but that has moved on to another phase. So far as the cancer is concerned, I believe God has my healing on course. But fundamentally I don’t really think it’s about that. Yes, the enemy was in this, but God allowed it and is using it. He wanted me to have a closer walk with him - He knew my heart - and that meant strengthening me in my weak areas, such as anxiety. The journey continues. I don’t know how things are going to plan out. I have never ever been so unsure about such things, but I am even more sure that He knows, so I put my trust in Him.

There were certain scriptures that I kept returning to such as Psalms 91 and 17 and John 15 speaking of all the benefits of abiding.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High - will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." - You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. - “Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalm 91 New International Version

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Prepared for Battle

Friends of ours recently spent their honeymoon in Rome and also visited Pompeii. Their visit coincided with a television programme, depicting life in that city. It was explained, that even in the first century, Pompeii was surprisingly civilised. They had every comfort and enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle. In the lead up to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, no one was prepared for the catastrophe. They were too busy in their indulgences and were taken by surprise. The majority perished.

I believe there are similarities today. The Devil holds sway in the world today. There is a tremendous battle gathering impetus, between light and dark, good and bad. The Devil's scheme is to spread fear and strife. His deception is to keep people in the dark about the reality of the saving love of Jesus Christ, so that their eternal hope and security will be placed in materialism, money, people or any other falsehood that will divert them from the truth. The majority are unaware of this spiritual battle.

The battle is intense for Christians. As they belong to Christ, they are on the front line and he has to try and divert them from following God and destroy that relationship at all costs. He will attempt to deceive, pervert and rob, often in most surprising ways; even from within the Church itself. Unfortunately, even some Christians are not aware of the reality and seriousness of this.

Several years ago when we were praying in a group, one member described how they believed God saw the Church. The first was a picture of soldiers wearing shining bright armour, standing erect with arms linked. The second - which probably related to how it was for us - was one where everyone was lolling around, totally disconnected from each other. Some had discarded their armour and were playing games and others were lying on the floor nursing their wounds.

What can our response be to this? May I make the following suggestions:

1. Stay close to God and nurture that intimate relationship, with all means possible.

2. The areas where we are weak can provide 'windows' for the enemy to enter. We need to identify these and ensure that they are dealt with and closed.

3. Many of us cover up emotional pain, often originating from past hurts. We need to allow God to cleanse and heal these wounds, so that we are strong in Him.

4. Be aware and alert and pray at all times.

5. Ensure we are not harbouring bitterness and do all we can to keep unity.

6. Wear the armour of God at all times and use the weapons He gives us.

"Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?" 1Corinthians 14:8 New International Version

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:10-12 New International Version Version

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