“Show me your friends, and I will show you who you are.” This was a popular quote often said by Anthony Graham, a former school principal at Bates Middle School, which my daughters attended.

Mr. Graham’s quote was a powerful message that he sought to instill in the kids he served while he was principal. In fact, this quote still resonates as a powerful message today, rooted in scripture.

1 Corinthians 15:33 reads, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals’” (AMP). The New Living Translation says, “Bad company corrupts good character.”
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This point leads me to the topic I want to discuss today: Is deliverance needed in every situation where a Christian may be struggling? Take, for example, sexual sins like homosexuality or adultery. I will primarily focus on adultery due to a specific situation that has arisen in the Body of Christ, but the principle here is equally applicable to homosexuality or any other sinful or immoral acts.
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Let’s begin this section with an actual testimony. But before we get to that, let’s discuss a confrontation that took place between Marcus Rogers, a pastor of Firehouse Church in Chicago, and Preston Perry, an apologist and Bible teacher in Atlanta.

Recently, Marcus and Preston had a confrontation during a live recording concerning Preston’s wife, Jackie Hill-Perry. I won’t delve into the details of their discussion here, but I do want to address a statement Marcus made to Preston after Preston courageously defended his wife against some assumptions Marcus made about her.

In his defense of his wife, Preston bravely admitted that he sometimes struggles with the desire to have sex with women other than his wife. To this, Marcus responded, “You need deliverance.”

Now, what Marcus said to Preston may be true in some cases, but deliverance from sexual sin (or any sin) is not always necessary. Determining whether a person needs deliverance or some other course of action requires a minister to properly discern the root cause of the person’s struggle. We cannot, in every case, automatically assume that anyone struggling with sexual sin (or any form of sin) needs to be delivered from a demon.

As ministers, we must learn to go deeper by looking into the spirit realm and waiting for the Spirit of the LORD to open our spiritual eyes to discern the root cause of an individual’s problem and determine what is needed to help them overcome their challenges. Sometimes this may require prayer and deliverance, but in many cases, no demon or demonic influence is involved.

When ministers automatically recommend deliverance prayers without discerning the Spirit of the Living God, it becomes clear why deliverance ministers often fail to help people truly break free from sinful tendencies. Believers too often assume moral failure requires deliverance, but this is not always the case. To explore this further, let’s discuss an actual testimony shared by Demontae Edmonds, a renowned minister and leader in the Body of Christ, in his book Discerning of Spirits.
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One day, a young man named Kenny called Demontae, asking to meet with him immediately. A few days later, they met. Kenny explained to Demontae that he needed him to pray for him and deliver him from a "demon of adultery." He said that no matter what he did, he could not stop cheating on his wife. He wanted to stop and felt guilty after each situation, but for some reason, he simply couldn’t.

Like most believers, Demontae initially thought Kenny needed deliverance. As Demontae prepared to pray over Kenny, the wind shifted, and the Spirit of the LORD entered the place, transforming the atmosphere. This resulted in the gift of discernment of spirits and the prophetic anointing activating. It was then that Demontae realized Kenny didn’t need deliverance from an adultery spirit. So, Demontae asked Kenny, "Who are these men I see around you?"

That’s when the LORD revealed the true root of Kenny’s inability to stop cheating. Kenny’s struggle was directly linked to his associations, not to a demonic spirit.

Kenny confessed to Demontae that he had developed a friendship with a group of bikers, who he regularly met and hung out with. Whenever they got together, the men would boast about their many sexual exploits. Kenny was intrigued by their stories and the womanizing behavior of these men. Eventually, his association with them planted a seed in his heart, and he started to become like them. Remember the saying, "Show me your friends, and I will show you who you are."

Holy Spirit revealed to Demontae that Kenny’s problem wasn’t a need for deliverance but an issue of association. To be set free from his adulterous behavior, Kenny needed to disassociate from the group of men he was hanging around. His friends were the ones influencing his bad habits. Kenny needed to change his environment because his problem was soulish, not spiritual.
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​We have to be mindful that man is composed of three parts: the body, the soul, and the spirit. These parts are distinct from one another and serve different roles within us.
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1. The body is the physical aspect (the outer part) of us, which involves our five senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.
2. Then there is the spirit, which is the core of who we are. It is the third layer of our being. But for now, we want to focus on the second layer – the soul.
3. The soul encompasses our mind, emotions, and will. It is the part that influences us to do what we do, to act the way we act, and to live the way we live. Our soul influences our thoughts, which plant a seed in our heart, giving us the desire to do something, whether good or bad, until our emotions motivate our will to act upon those desires.

This process is separate from our physical body or spirit; it is tied to our moral or immoral thinking – our mindset, belief systems, and even erroneous viewpoints. Therefore, in Kenny’s case, he needed to change his mindset by changing the company he kept so he could develop new behaviors and habits. As long as he continued to associate with the men the Spirit of the LORD revealed to Demontae, Kenny would continue to struggle with committing adultery.
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Upon receiving this revelation about Kenny’s situation, Demontae chose not to engage in a deliverance prayer where he would cast out an adultery demon from Kenny, declaring, "Come out in the name of Jesus!" That was not necessary in this case. Kenny’s situation was much simpler. He simply needed the strength and conviction to walk away from his biker friends, whose stories were encouraging him to cheat on his wife.

DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The contained in this blog are for information purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. 

As many of you may know by now, I have been on FMLA, combating some major health issues for the past month. As a result, I’ve mostly been resting and doing very little ministry work. Thank GOD I have built a deep wealth of spiritual gems within me from my study of the scriptures over the years, which has prepared and strengthened me for this testing season in my life. There are many days when I am not able to worship or study, but I can meditate on the treasures from GOD’s word that He has planted in me.

One of the things I am learning during this season is that I cannot be completely dependent on the routine schedule I once followed. To continue ministry and other work activities that are required of me, I have to do them when I have the energy. For example, it is currently 1:28 in the morning, a time when I am usually asleep, but I felt energetic, so I decided to get some ministry work done by catching up on Bible reading in the Book of Matthew, where we last left off, and posting what the LORD has laid on my heart.

As we all know, belief plays a vital role in our healing process. Sadly, far too many in the Body of Christ do not believe GOD heals today. Or they believe He will heal others but think that as far as they are concerned, they will receive their healing only once they get to heaven. But is this scriptural? Let’s take a look at Jesus’ words to the two blind men in Matthew chapter 9, verses 27 through 31, to see what conclusion we can reach.
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In verse 28, Jesus said to the blind men, “… Do you believe that I am able to do this?” (NKJV). The Amplified Version reads this way: “… Do you believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that I am able to do this?” This is a profound question that all of us must answer at some point in our lives, if we are not already wrestling with this question today.

If we are battling a major health problem, how do we truly feel about Jesus’ ability to heal us today? Do we believe He can? It is important that we seriously look within ourselves, reflect on this question, and engage in deep soul-searching about our heart and mind’s stance toward healing.

When we honestly think about it, we often place deep, abiding trust in our doctors, pharmaceutical companies, therapists, and various medical professionals. But the question here is: Do we believe Jesus heals today?

Take, for instance, when COVID-19 hit our society worldwide. Many Christians rushed to take the government’s vaccine without consulting the LORD. In fact, we even urged others to take it without considering the risks or whether this was something the LORD approved. Far too many of us placed a deep, abiding faith in a man-made product to protect us from the virus, rather than in the power of Christ or His healing ability if we were affected by the infection (compare with Deuteronomy 7:15).

For many of us, our doctors, their medical methods, and pharmaceutical partners have become our gods. We have been programmed to believe that our doctor’s treatment plans are the best and only solution to health challenges. We believe that their methods can heal us, even though there is no scientific evidence proving their methodology can cure anything. In fact, it doesn’t. Typically, their medical treatments only manage symptoms or may prolong our lives a little longer, but they rarely cure anything.
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Only one man is able to heal us of anything and everything, and His name is Jesus. There is no disability, disease, or short-term sickness that is impossible for Him to heal if we believe. I know some may get offended by those last three words—“if we believe.” But isn’t this what Jesus said to the two blind men? “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” (Matthew 9:28). How did they respond to Jesus’ question? Verse 29 says, “They said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then Jesus touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’”

Who you believe in and how you believe plays a major role in your healing—not my words, but Jesus'. The beautiful thing about Jesus’ healing ability is that He doesn’t guess. He doesn’t need to try multiple treatment plans, alternative medical options, or run tests to diagnose you to determine how best to treat your problem. With a snap of His fingers, He can diagnose the issue, identify the root cause, and heal you in seconds. And this is a permanent fix. He doesn’t just treat your symptoms—He has the ability to eliminate your health crisis entirely, according to your faith.

Jesus asked the two blind men if they believed He had the power to restore their sight. This was not a trick question. But for many of us today, it’s a complex question because we have been programmed to believe that GOD no longer heals. As a result, we wrestle with the idea that Jesus can heal us from whatever battles we face. Many of us might say with our lips, “Yes, He can,” but in our hearts, we struggle with disbelief. Our actions support this disbelief, too. The moment we get a cough, headache, or any other major health issue, many of us immediately run to our doctors or take pills or vaccines prescribed by the government. I know this firsthand because that was once me. But I am learning to seek Jesus first for direction and to follow whatever instructions He gives me. I am learning to have deep, abiding trust in His healing power today.

As I go through my current medical challenges, I am honestly searching my heart and mindset toward healing, confronting myself where I discover doubts or disbelief exist. I am seeing results because the LORD is moving on my behalf. It’s a process, but He is dealing with my erroneous mindset and lack of faith first. He must correct and build those up before my heart can fully align with this new understanding I have of GOD’s power to heal today.
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As a result, today, I can say like those two blind men, “Yes, LORD, I believe You can heal me!”

Let me begin by sharing a post I made on my Facebook page (@newbydede) on April 30th, where I briefly explain why I am starting this blog.

​with changes in my own body. Issues like sinus trouble and headaches began to clear up, which had previously been challenging for me. Consequently, my approach to praying for healing gained a newfound confidence. I sensed that God was gradually transforming not only my physical condition but also my faith in His healing power and His choice to work through me as His vessel in this area.
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Let me clarify something. It's not that I doubted God’s ability or power to heal. Quite the opposite. However, my approach to receiving healing was somewhat skewed. I had unintentionally accepted that God would heal others but lacked the same confidence for myself. I had this subconscious notion that my healing would only come in heaven. Yet, this isn't aligned with God’s intentions or plans for humanity. The book of Matthew is correcting my perspective, unraveling the mistaken beliefs I've held. Through Matthew's teachings, God is reshaping my understanding and belief system, correcting the views I've unknowingly adopted over time. This process is granting me a more accurate comprehension, revelation, insight, wisdom, and knowledge of God’s healing power and ability.

Now, this brings me to you, my readers. By the third week of writing my notes, I'm starting to notice that they're taking on the form of a book. It's making me wonder if this is what God intends for me to do with my notes in the future. On May 13, in a Facebook post, I shared, that I have accumulated numerous notes from my personal study, all centered around the topic of healing. I'm beginning to believe that these could become a compelling book. I then reiterated my promise to share these notes once I had the chance to type them out.
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This brings me to the late hours of Tuesday night, May 14. While watching television and feeling somewhat bored, I sensed a prompting from the Spirit of the Lord to update my blog website. I created a new page dedicated to exploring healing encounters from the Bible and sharing my own personal experiences with healing.

Initially, I wanted to confirm whether this prompting to make changes was from God or just my own thoughts. Because I had a strong sense that God was leading me to transform my notes into a book. Therefore, I made a request, saying, "If You provide me with a good title for the new webpage, then I will understand that You are directing me."titled "Insights To Healing: God’s Perspective Unveiled,"

That’s when I heard, the title, “What The LORD Wants You To Know About Healing.” It was a good title but too long. So, after meditating on this title, we finally settled on the title, “Insights To Healing: God’s Perspective Unveiled.”

I'm thrilled about it! This resonates perfectly with how I felt about what the Lord was showing me through the scriptures in the book of Matthew. I'm gaining profound insights into God's healing power, and He is revealing things to me that were previously unseen or misunderstood about healing. He is truly opening my eyes, granting me vision like He has done for many who were once blind but can now see clearly. 

GOD wants humanity to be whole in his or her mind, body, and soul. Note the words of Jesus to a lame man at John chapter 5, verse 6. "... Do you want to get well?"
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That's a question each one of us must ask ourselves. Do we want to be made whole? 

This blog site aims to explore that question so that we can examine our hearts on the subject. This is a journey the Lord had to take me on as I explore and expose my own heart and mindset on this matter. Do I want to be made whole? 

Come on a journey with me as we together examine our own belief system concerning Jesus' ability to heal today.

Matthew 9:27-30 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, screaming loudly, “Have mercy and compassion on us, Son of David (Messiah)!” When He went into the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”  Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith [your trust and confidence in My power and My ability to heal] it will be done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them: “See that no one knows this!” (AMP).

In Matthew 9:27, the two blind men understood something about Jesus that many people did not: they believed He could restore their sight. They followed Him, crying out, "… have mercy on us!" The Greek word for 'mercy' is eleeō (G1653), which means to help someone afflicted or seeking aid. These men recognized that the only source capable of resolving their affliction was Jesus, the Messiah. They sought His acknowledgment of their suffering and affliction, hoping He would be moved to heal them. Having heard of the miracles Jesus had performed for others, they desperately desired the same healing for themselves.

When Jesus finally acknowledged them, He asked an interesting question: "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" (Matthew 9:28). This question highlights a recurring theme in the book of Matthew, where Jesus often asks if people believe in His ability to heal them before performing miracles. This question is significant for us today as we face our own health challenges. Like many characters in the Bible, we must consider if we truly believe that Jesus can heal us today.

If we’re honest, most of us struggle with truly believing that Jesus can heal us today. I know I do. Let me explain before anyone misinterprets my words. In my heart, I believe every encounter with Jesus described in the Holy Scriptures. If it’s in the Bible, I know it’s possible. Therefore, I know Jesus can do anything—nothing is impossible with Him. But when I fall ill or face a health issue, what do I do? I become anxious and immediately plan to see my doctor or take medication to ease my discomfort. Turning to Jesus in prayer becomes an afterthought. I’m just being honest.

So, my faith – my idol has become my doctor, the medical industry, or a pill. Instead of looking first to Jesus as my main Source, the only One who can solve my problem and provide the right direction or instruction to cure my affliction, I turn to either man or myself for the solution. That is wrong and backward.

I have been doing this for so long that now, realizing my error, it is incredibly hard to reprogram my bad habit and create a new one where I naturally turn to Jesus FIRST before doing anything else. This is part of becoming a new creature in Christ—learning to make Christ my priority, my confidant, and my primary and only Source. Matthew 6:33 says it this way: "But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also."

The Greek word for righteousness is *dikaiosynē*, which means the way in which man may attain a state approved by God. God requires us to seek HIM first. HE wants to be our first option, especially when it comes to healing our bodies. This is what it means by ‘first and most importantly seek.’ Turning to Jesus for all our health problems should always be our first step. When we do this, then ‘all these things will be given to you….’ He can’t heal you if we are choosing to go to man first. Why? We have to ask ourselves: Do our actions show whether we really believe Jesus can heal us? We may say with our lips that we believe, but our actions may show otherwise. This is a problem I must confront and correct.

To overcome this lack of faith in Jesus’ healing ability and to place complete confidence in the counsel of God’s Word, we must honestly examine our hearts and confront our belief system. Do our words align with God’s Word, while our hearts and actions do not? If they don’t, we are unstable in our ways concerning God’s Word and Jesus’ authority and power. Apostle James explains it this way: “If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything [at all] from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable and restless in all his ways [in everything he thinks, feels, or decides]” (James 1:5-8).

Powerful words of correction from our brother James. We cannot expect to receive anything from Jesus if we are double-minded, unstable, and restless about His ability to heal us. We cannot afford to second guess Him, nor place Him as the last option we turn to for help. According to these verses, Jesus wants us to ask so that He can be the One who heals us—not because He is on a power trip, but because He can and is willing if we believe without doubting His ability to do it.

Despite God's desire to heal us, many of us struggle to believe that Jesus can truly do it. We question whether He can cure us of cancer, kidney disease, or any other affliction we face. This doubt leads us to turn first to our doctors, treatment plans, or medication. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that these things are not helpful or that we should not take advantage of them. What I am saying is that they should not be our first and main source of hope.

This brings me to my final point: I've often heard, and have even been guilty of saying in the past, “I will receive my healing once I get to heaven.” What a slap in the face this must be to Jesus when He hears us declare this. Jesus did not endure immense suffering and died a brutal death on the cross for generations of His people to continue suffering from sickness, disease, and untimely death. Such a belief implies that His sacrifice accomplished nothing, making His suffering and death seem in vain.

We must remember that sickness, disease, and untimely deaths were never part of God’s plan for humanity (Exodus 15:26; John 3:16; compare to Genesis 3:22). He desires for all of us to be free from such afflictions. However, His hands are tied if we doubt and do not believe that He can heal us just as He healed the two blind men. Restoring sight to the blind is impossible for any doctor, medical treatment, or pill today. But nothing is impossible for Jesus. The question we must ask ourselves is, do we believe?
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​Ways to Obtain Healing:

1. Worship (Matthew 8:2)
2. The faith of other servants (Matthew 8:7-13)
3. Administrators feel genuinely merciful and compassionate toward the sick (Matthew 8:14-17).
4. A simple sincere gesture (Matthew 8:15).
5. All that is required is a Word from Jesus (Matthew 8:16).
6. Know who you are in Christ – as He is so are we (Matthew 8:28-31; 1 John 4:17)
7. The forgiveness of one’s sins (Matthew 9:2, 6).
8. Administrators must expect to be inconvenient when their gift to heal is needed (Matthew 9:18-25).
9. Supernatural faith is needed (Mattew 9:18-25).
10. At times, we must humble ourselves and kneel or bow before those who possess the gift we need, showing them the proper honor for what they carry. (Matthew 9:18; 9:20).
11. Fight for your healing (Matthew 9:22).
12. We must make Jesus our first option and not an afterthought (Matthew 9:37-30).

Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Take courage, daughter; your [personal trust and confident] faith [in Me] has made you well.” And at once the woman was [completely] healed (AMP).

In our last blog, we discussed a woman facing a complicated health situation. For 12 long years, she suffered from a bleeding disorder that made her an outcast in her community. This condition caused her immense emotional distress, leaving her feeling isolated and misunderstood. Without an emotional support system, she struggled alone. Despite visiting numerous doctors, none could properly diagnose or treat her condition. Her relentless pursuit of a cure led to financial ruin. Imagine the strain, stress, frustration, and depression she endured. Her situation must have felt hopeless, and surely she was exhausted and ready to give up.
But then, she heard about a man who was different from all the medical professionals she had encountered. She learned that this man had a perfect track record in diagnosing and healing everyone who sought his help. Surely, he could heal her too.
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As her last hope, she set out to find this man. Not knowing whether or not he would be willing to help her, she was willing to take the risk and fight for her healing. So, let’s explore more closely this woman’s encounter with Jesus, the miracle worker. 

​That statement, “… Be of good cheer…” (NKJV). Some transitions say, “Take courage,” is such a powerful statement. Here is a woman who was hopeless and felt defeated by her untimely health problem. Therefore, I can only imagine, that her mindset was slightly off concerning the possibility of her obtaining the healing she so desired. She had heard about Jesus and the great miracles he had done for others. She knew his track record was perfect. But could he really do it for her? Is it even possible that she can be whole again?

Well aware of the many challenges and obstacles in her path to reach Jesus, she did not allow this to discourage her. She was determined to find out if healing was possible for her. And Jesus did not disappoint.

As she made her way through the crowd, she got close enough to touch the hem of his garment. She believed that if she could just touch him, she would be healed. And when she did, power flowed out of Jesus, causing him to stop in his tracks. Turning his attention to the crowd, he noticed the woman, who was sitting still, mentally examining her body. Did it happen? Had she obtained the healing she came for?

After she touched Jesus, likely, her blood didn’t dry up immediately, based on what Jesus said to her next. It may have taken a moment before she noticed the difference. When Jesus turned and saw her, he immediately said, “Be of good cheer” or “Be of good comfort” (KJV). The Greek word for this phrase is tharseō (G2293).
Jesus understood that he couldn’t just address her physical condition; he also needed to heal her emotionally. She had endured so much hurt, disappointment, and frustration from past failed attempts to cure her health issue. By saying, “Daughter, be of good comfort,” Jesus spoke directly to her brokenhearted spirit, filling it with new hope and joy. Every anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and disappointment she carried likely vanished in that moment.

She was now not only physically healed but also emotionally sound. Jesus knew it was crucial to speak with tenderness to her emotional state, much like a father would. By bringing her comfort, he was also restoring her spiritually. Can you imagine the level of peace she felt at that moment? Not only had she obtained her healing, but Jesus had also comforted her, restored her faith, and accepted her as his daughter. Jesus did something unique and honorable for this woman: he made her whole by restoring both her health and her dignity.
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None of this would have been possible if the woman had lacked faith, accepted her condition as unchangeable, and given up. After 12 years of battling her disease, she held onto enough faith, even if it was as small as a mustard seed, to believe that if anyone could heal her, it was Jesus.

When she heard about Jesus, she didn’t assume he was just another person who would take her money without solving her problem. Instead, she believed in what she had heard about him. Imagine the inner conflict she faced, putting that kind of faith in Jesus’ healing ability after all her past disappointments with other so-called healers. She could have taken the stance that none of the previous prayers, treatment plans, medicines, or medical attempts had worked, so why would this be any different? She could have decided she was tired and resigned herself to her fate, waiting to obtain healing in heaven.

BUT THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A HUGE CONTRADICTION, CONSIDERING WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS AND WHAT JESUS CAN ACTUALLY DO. Therefore, our plight depends on two crucial things: 
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In every healing situation we've examined in the book of Matthew, we've noticed a consistent pattern: each individual had faith in Jesus' ability to heal. Often, Jesus was their last hope—they had tried other remedies that failed. Yet, they believed Jesus could heal them.

The remarkable thing is that Jesus never denied healing to anyone who displayed faith in him. He met these individuals with compassion, love, and mercy. In the case of the woman with the bleeding issue, Jesus didn’t just address her immediate need but gave her so much more. Her faith was the key to receiving this complete healing.

Now, don’t get it twisted—Jesus can heal anyone, regardless of their faith. However, when it comes to healing as Jesus taught, our faith plays a crucial role. Jesus is always capable of doing His part; He is flawless, sovereign, and has a perfect healing record. Nothing is impossible for Him, even today.

So, if Jesus is capable, what is the required piece? Our faith. We need to elevate our faith to a level where we do not doubt Jesus' ability to heal. Every individual we've read about in Matthew had this unwavering faith in Jesus’ healing power. They had no doubt He could do it.

So, how do we get there? It's a fight. We must battle against the disappointment and frustration that arise when prayers or medical attempts don’t yield the desired results. We cannot let these setbacks determine our belief in Jesus' healing power. We need to fight against such a mindset and place our faith in the only one who can truly heal—Jesus.

Also, understanding the mystery behind healing is crucial. There are many reasons why someone may not receive the healing they desire immediately. When faced with hindrances, we must be prepared to fight to understand why there is a delay. What’s preventing us from being healed and experiencing wholeness?

It's also important to recognize that healing can occur in different ways. For some, it may happen immediately, but for most, healing happens in stages, much like the woman with the bleeding issue.

Although her healing took place within seconds or minutes, the emphasis should not be on the time it took but on the stages, she went through to become whole again. Focusing on these stages can change our perspective on healing and better position us to receive the wholeness we deeply desire.

​Ways to Obtain Healing: 

Matthew 9:18, 20-22, 24-25 While He was saying these things to them, a ruler (synagogue official) entered [the house] and kneeled down and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just now died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” Then a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the [tassel] fringe of His outer robe; for she had been saying to herself, “If I only touch His outer robe, I will be healed.” But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Take courage, daughter; your [personal trust and confident] faith [in Me] has made you well.” And at once the woman was [completely] healed. He said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead, but is sleeping.” And they laughed and jeered at Him. But when the crowd had been sent outside, Jesus went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up (AMP).
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A lot is happening in these few verses. Jairus’ daughter had fallen ill and died, having heard of Jesus’ miracles, Jairus sought out Jesus to heal his daughter. While hearing about Jairus’ plight, a woman also was searching for Jesus whom she had heard about to obtain her healing. Eventually, these two people’s worlds collided. Their encounters with Christ teach us as Christians a profound lesson about our gifts and ministry.
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We cannot take our gifts or ministry for granted. It is not something we just do; it is a lifestyle where we must represent a sacred God in a holy manner. This means we must always be available when He calls us to respond to any situation. Remember the words of Jesus: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38).

Our ministry and our gifts are not about us but about Him. We are here to live and act not according to our own desires, but to fulfill His will. This perspective directly influences how and when we use our gifts. This brings us back to the situation of Jairus and the woman.

Jesus, our King, carried an extraordinary gift. There was nothing that anyone could bring to Him that He could not address with a solution, cure, or answer. Although we are limited in the gifts we can operate in, there is something about how Jesus used His gift that we must notice in these encounters with Jairus and the woman.

Jesus was being pulled in two different directions simultaneously. The masses knew who Jesus was and what He could do, so He was practically on call 24/7. He had to be ready whenever the Father needed Him to solve a problem or situation. It was never about Jesus’ will, timing, or preference, but always about responding to the Father’s promptings. On this particular day, Jesus needed to address two different situations in two different locations, demonstrating the profound responsibility that comes with ministry.

Jesus did not complain, feel overwhelmed, or place any limits on the people seeking what they needed from Him. He understood the purpose of the power and authority He carried and used them accordingly. We too must come to understand the purpose of our gifts and callings. Yes, they are primarily to edify the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:1, 7, 14-17, 21-25; Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16). However, we must also pay attention to how Jesus handled the situation described in Matthew 9:18, 20-22, and 24-25.
 
When we carry something as profound as Jesus did, many will seek to benefit from our gifts. Therefore, we must make ourselves available whenever and wherever our gifts are needed. This is why Scripture encourages us to count the cost. Luke 14:28 says, “For which one of you, when he wants to build a watchtower [for his guards], does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to finish it?” Additionally, Luke 12:48 states, “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” We need to count the cost of what we will have to sacrifice and what will be required of us before committing to do the will of the Father.
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Our goal should be to effectively administer the gifts God has given us. To do this, it must be about His will and not our convenience. Our gifts will often inconvenience us and pull us in many different directions.
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We cannot emphasize this enough: one’s faith and beliefs play a crucial role in whether a person will be healed. This level of faith in Jesus’ healing ability is truly supernatural. While we can say we have faith in Jesus’ healing power because we have read about it in the scriptures, it is our heart and mindset that reveal the truth every time. People may not be able to discern what you truly believe based solely on your words, but Jesus can read our hearts. He knows what we are genuinely thinking and feeling. If our hearts do not align with our words, Jesus must first correct our heart posture before granting us our true desires.

This is how Jesus works. It is essential that we genuinely believe in His power to receive what we desire. Without true appreciation for His gifts, we won't be motivated to proclaim what the LORD has done for us. We won't be inspired to desire these gifts to aid in healing others, and this mentality does not benefit the Kingdom's work.

Our mission is to bring Kingdom realities from heaven to earth. We are to be problem solvers like Jesus. We are either the ones carrying a gift to solve someone’s problem or we know someone who has a gift that can help. However, this must first be a conviction in our hearts.

Imagine what Jesus did for Jairus and the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. Once they received what they needed from Jesus, they could not keep it to themselves. They likely told many people about what the LORD had done for them. But before this could happen, they both had something that made it easy for Jesus to fulfill their desires: they had supernatural faith in Jesus' ability to heal.

Did we notice their responses when they stood before Jesus? When Jairus finally reached Him, he "bowed down before Him and said, 'My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will become alive again.’" (Matthew 9:18, NASB). The phrase 'bowed down before' comes from the Greek word proskyneō (G435), which means to honor someone by kissing their hand as a token of reverence. It also means to fall to one’s knees and touch the ground with one's forehead to display profound reverence. Despite being a leader of a synagogue, Jairus humbled himself to acknowledge Jesus' power and authority. This reminds us of the importance of honoring those who hold specific authority. When we acknowledge people for the power they carry, we can fully benefit from their gifts.
 
Jairus had faith that Jesus could bring his daughter back from the dead. He put a demand on Jesus' gift by saying, "Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live" (Mark 5:23). Jairus first honored Jesus by bowing down to Him. His search for Jesus to do the impossible demonstrated his faith in Jesus’ healing ability. Jairus understood the power of laying on hands, believing that if Jesus laid His hands on his daughter, she would live. The phrase 'she will live' in Greek is zaō (G2198), meaning to breathe. Jairus knew his daughter would breathe again with Jesus' touch.
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The woman’s faith was as strong as Jairus'. Upon hearing about Jesus, she believed that merely touching the hem of His garment would heal her. Both individuals had supernatural faith in Jesus’ healing power. Their hearts were rightly positioned toward healing. All Jesus needed to do was respond to their faith and confidence in Him, resulting in their instantaneous healing. They benefited from Jesus' gift because they truly believed in His ability to heal.
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Ways to Obtain Healing:

1. Worship (Matthew 8:2).
2. The faith of other servants (Matthew 8:7-13).
3. Administrators feel genuinely merciful and compassionate toward the sick (Matthew 8:14-17).
4. A simple sincere gesture (Matthew 8:15).
5. All that is required is a Word from Jesus (Matthew 8:16).
6. Know who you are in Christ – as He is so are we (Matthew 8:28-31; 1 John 4:17)
7. The forgiveness of one’s sins (Matthew 9:2, 6).
8. Administrators must expect to be inconvenient when their gift to heal is needed (Matthew 9:18-25).
9. Supernatural faith is needed (Mattew 9:18-25).
10. At times, we must humble ourselves and kneel or bow before those who possess the gift we need, showing them the proper honor for what they carry. (Matthew 9:18; 9:20). 

Mercy. This single word is crucial in the healing process, especially for those who administer healing and deliverance ministries. They must embody and demonstrate mercy towards the sick and those in need of deliverance. Jesus once said to the Pharisees,

Mercy extends beyond mere compassion, which is feeling sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune. It involves feeling deep pity for the sick, and truly sympathizing with their plight. When you feel sympathy for someone, their experiences impact you directly: if they hurt, you hurt; if they are in pain, you are in pain; if they are suffering, you suffer alongside them.

Scripture consistently shows that whenever Jesus encountered people who were suffering, grieving, or battling severe illness, He felt their pain and suffering deeply, even shedding tears with and for them, despite knowing He had the power to change their circumstances. His empathy and mercy were evident, underscoring His profound connection to their experiences.
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Jesus' critique of the Pharisees for their lack of compassion highlights a critical lesson for those involved in healing and deliverance ministries today. We must not view others' suffering as an opportunity to showcase our gifts, authority, or power, nor as a chance to enhance our popularity, reputation, or numbers. We cannot afford to adopt a nonchalant or casual attitude towards their pain. Instead, we must genuinely grieve in our hearts, feeling their hurt and suffering as if it were our own. Our first response must always be to show them mercy.

​Ways to Obtain Healing:

1. Worship (Matthew 8:2).
2. The faith of other servants (Matthew 8:7-13).
3. Administrators feel genuinely merciful and compassionate toward the sick (Matthew 8:14-17).
4. A simple sincere gesture (Matthew 8:15).
5. All that is required is a Word from Jesus (Matthew 8:16).
6. Know who you are in Christ – as He is so are we (Matthew 8:28-31; 1 John 4:17)
7. The forgiveness of one’s sins (Matthew 9:2, 6).
8. We must have mercy toward the sufferer (Matthew 9:13). 

To obtain our healing, the forgiveness of our sins or offenses is essential to be set free from sickness, illness, or disease. It's crucial to understand why the forgiveness of sins is such a vital part of the healing process. The Amplified Bible clarifies this for us: “They brought to Him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a stretcher. Seeing their (active) faith (springing from confidence in Him), Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Do not be afraid, son; your sins are forgiven. [The penalty is paid, the guilt removed, and you are declared to be in right standing with God.]’”

Although Jesus admired the paralyzed man’s faith and confidence in His ability to heal, He recognized that something greater was needed for the man to obtain his healing. The man needed to be set free first from his sinful nature and the guilt he felt about his past lifestyle. Thus, Jesus addressed his sinful condition before dealing directly with his paralysis.

From our Bible reading, we realize that it does not specify the cause of the man's paralysis or the exact sin that prompted Jesus to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ However, we can safely assume there was a sin issue since Jesus mentioned his ‘sins’. Therefore, before Jesus could heal the man, He had to address the man’s sinful nature first. His sin played a role in holding him captive, contributing to his health problem. Jesus needed to deal with the man’s sin before addressing his health condition because:

1. Sin is the root from which all evil stems.
2. This establishes the importance and precedence of forgiveness in connection to our bodies being healed.
3. It shows Jesus’ number one priority was to deal directly with our sinful nature. Once He deals with our sinful nature, everything else will naturally fall into alignment.

​Resolving our sinful nature is more important than our faith in Jesus’ ability to heal. Our faith does not affect Jesus’ ability to heal, but our sinful nature and lifestyle choices can. Therefore, correcting one’s sinful nature is the primary key to obtaining healing – we must be in the right standing with God. 
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Ways to Obtain Healing:

1. Worship (Matthew 8:2).
2. The faith of other servants (Matthew 8:7-13).
3. Administrators feel genuinely merciful and compassionate toward the sick (Matthew 8:14-17).
4. A simple sincere gesture (Matthew 8:15).
5. All that is required is a Word from Jesus (Matthew 8:16).
6. Know who you are in Christ – as He is so are we (Matthew 8:28-31; 1 John 4:17)
7. The forgiveness of one’s sins (Matthew 9:2, 6).

Matthew 8:28-31 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” (AMP).
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​Wow! These next few verses are incredibly powerful, uplifting, and encouraging. They vividly illustrate Jesus’ power and authority over demonic forces. It’s striking how these forces immediately recognize who Jesus is and the immense authority He possesses. Understanding this is crucial because, as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17 AMP; Genesis 1:26). When we delve into verses 28 through 30 of Matthew chapter 8, it becomes clear that these scriptures reflect our own identity and authority.

Let’s explore this more deeply to grasp the full meaning. In verse 28, Jesus and His disciples arrived in the region of Gergesenes, where they encountered two demon-possessed men emerging from the graveyard. These men were described as fiercely violent and untamed, to the point where no one could pass by them (v28).

Then comes Jesus. Verse 29 states, "Suddenly they cried out, saying, ‘What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God?’" (NKJV). This verse reveals several key points: the demons immediately recognized Jesus as the Son of God and acknowledged His authority by questioning why He was interfering in their domain. They further asked, "Have You come to torment us before the appointed time of judgment?" (AMP).

The demons were fully aware of Jesus’ authority over them. They knew who He was and what He could do. They realized they had no power over Jesus and had to submit to His commands. They understood that Jesus could easily destroy them on the spot.

This is crucial for us to understand in relation to our own authority over principalities, demonic powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). This authority extends especially over sickness, illnesses, and diseases. Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). Since we are as He is, we too can exhibit similar power and authority over demonic beings, sicknesses, and diseases. Hence, Jesus instructs His disciples in Matthew 28:19, "Go therefore…." The term "therefore" means for that reason, because of that, on that ground, which implies because of this authority, we are to act on it.

Continuing with verse 19, “Go… and make disciples…” We are sent out with the same authority and power as Christ – just as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).
 
In the eyes of the spirit world, Jesus is the real deal. They understand and respect His authority and power. Thus, we should strive to walk in this understanding and knowledge about ourselves. As He is, so are we in this world.

Reading verse 31 of Matthew chapter 8, it becomes evident that the demon-possessed men understood they could only go where Jesus allowed. They begged Jesus, "If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine."
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It’s vital to consider this when performing healing or deliverance. Is the person before you afflicted by a demonic spirit causing their issue? If so, where will you direct that spirit once cast out? This understanding is essential for effective healing and deliverance ministry.
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​Ways to Obtain Healing:

1. Worship (Matthew 8:2).
2. The faith of other servants (Matthew 8:7-13).
3. Administrators feel genuinely merciful and compassionate toward the sick (Matthew 8:14-17).
4. A simple sincere gesture (Matthew 8:15).
5. All that is required is a Word from Jesus (Matthew 8:16).
6. Know who you are in Christ – as He is so are we (Matthew 8:28-31; 1 John 4:17)