When Jesus would encounter a sick person, sometimes he would heal them, sometimes he forgave their sins, and sometimes he would deliver them. Either way, the person was set free and their lives were completely changed. Sometimes what we think is physical is actually spiritual. When we are seeking direction for healing, it is helpful to ask the Holy Spirit if your need is spiritual or if it is physical. Sometimes the bonds of sin are great and we need healing and deliverance. The power to heal or deliver comes from the same source: Jesus. When Jesus sought freedom for those he encountered, the answer was bringing each person to encounter the power of God where Heaven and Earth collided bringing a heavenly reality on earth. Healing and deliverance were often interchangeable.
Jesus recognized the difference between healing and deliverance even though the result was no different. Because Jesus was in constant communion with his Father, he knew how to approach each situation. This is where we need the spirit of wisdom and discernment we asked the Holy Spirit for last week. As we venture into praying for those who need healing and deliverance, we may have a learning curve in discernment. The outcome is the same but the approach in prayer can be different.The important thing is we remember the Holy Spirit is in us and moving through us. Our faith coupled with the power of the Holy Spirit is already a winning combination.
Whether we encounter people who need to be healed or delivered, may our hearts grow in compassion and be filled with a desire to step in and minister either way. We have very little information on methodology when it comes to deliverance from scripture, but it keeps us focused on the Healer and the Deliverer rather than on the affliction. Let us keep our eyes firmly focused on Jesus so whatever he asks us to do, we are ready to be an extension of his love and participate in bringing freedom.
Listening Prayer:
Ask the Holy Spirit what prayer strategies he wants you to use as you intercede for those who need healing. Ask him if there are any areas in your life that are blocking your discernment. Pray as he directs.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, again, I submit my whole self to you. I give you my thoughts, my abilities to reason and sort things out. I ask that you teach me to discern when to pray for healing and when to pray for deliverance. Give me wisdom in each circumstance to know how to pray. Help me pray with power and authority to set people free. Grow me in compassion and boldness. Fill me again with your power and authority. Help me to keep my focus on you, the healer and deliverer, and help me to remember the victory you have already won. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Resource: Bible Verses on Healing and Deliverance
“And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.” (Luke 4:38-39)
“As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke.” (Matthew 9:32-33)
“And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, ‘Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.’ And Jesus answered, ‘O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.’ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly.” (Matthew 17:14-18)
“And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, ‘Woman, you are freed from your disability.’ And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God.” (Luke 13:11-13)
Worship Song:
“No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music and Jonathan David Helser