God did not intend that His children be sickly. He provided for the healing of our bodies in the atonement, just as surely as He provided for the salvation of our souls. This is fully documented by the Scriptures.

God has always had a plan for His people. He cares for His own—those who believe and trust in Him. The Israelites had an ordinance or promise of healing, as they left Egypt and began their long journey into the wilderness. (Exodus 15:25, 26)

David exhorted us to remember the benefits of the Lord. Isaiah prophesied about the sin-bearer who also carried our sickness and pain. Many scriptures point out Jesus Christ as the Great Physician as well as the sacrificial Lamb.

The Great Commission, according to Mark, declared that one of the signs following the preaching of the gospel would be the healing of the sick. "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:18) "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick." (James 5:15)

The price was paid for the healing of our bodies by Jesus Christ, in the atonement. According to Isaiah, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) If we accept God's plan of salvation as our own and embrace it with all our hearts, then we should also accept His plan for healing of our bodies. It involves simple obedience and faith.

In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve in perfect health. Disobedience brought sickness and disease into the world. When Jesus died, He not only bore our iniquities but also our sicknesses. Divine healing is provided for everyone who will believe, trust in God, and follow Bible instructions.

Not once did Jesus turn away a case as hopeless! Remember that nothing is impossible with God. This God-man healed all manner of diseases, including leprosy, palsy, fever, paralysis, blindness, deafness, a withered hand, and the list could go on and on!

The ministry of healing continued, even after Jesus went back to heaven. It is the responsibility of the Church to see that this healing ministry continues, even now in the Church age, as it was practiced by the Apostles. The Scriptures declare Jesus Christ to be the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is fully able to heal, since His power has not changed since the days He walked the shores of Galilee, healing and mending bodies and broken hearts.

You have a part in the healing ministry. According to James, you must call for the elders of the church. They will anoint you with oil, and the prayer of faith shall save the sick. (James 5:14)

Simple obedience and faith is all that is required of you to get your healing. Trusting and believing are often overlooked aspects of faith. Many people find it difficult to trust Jesus with the healing of their bodies. But why? He knows what is wrong with us and what is right. Could it be that our Creator is insulted because so many do not trust Him?

It takes more than a "mental" faith for healings and miracles. Are you really convinced in your heart that God can do anything? Even heal frail human bodies? It is simply a matter of knowing He can, then trusting and believing when the prayer of faith is prayed. Miracles of every description are being performed in His name in this day, attesting to the mighty power of Jesus Christ. We should continue to ". . .earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 3)

Do not be contented to drag yourself through life, moaning and complaining, thinking it is God's will for you to be sick. God does not get glory from your sickness; the devil does! God receives glory when you obey His plan and are healed. You can then witness of the power of Jesus Christ over sickness and disease. How wonderful to know that Jesus bore the stripes for the healing of our bodies!