Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

"You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."¹

Without doubt, God still provides miraculous healings. I believe there is sufficient evidence to validate this. However, if the cause or causes of my illnesses are within myself, it is irresponsible of me to expect God to heal my sickness symptoms and allow me to avoid facing and dealing with the issues that are causing my ills. God simply will not do this. And when we ask him so to do, it is praying amiss. As Dr. Cecil Osborne said, "Only the immature, the childish expect instantaneous, miraculous answers to life's problems."

We now know that emotional stress is a major factor behind many of our sicknesses. We also now know that much of our emotional stress and anxiety is caused by unconfessed and unresolved, super-charged, repressed, negative emotions. In other words, as John Powell puts it, "When I repress my emotions, my stomach keeps score."

Considerable healing is available if we are prepared to follow God’s divine principles for physical and mental health. Cleanliness of body and mind, upright living, a tranquil mind, and confession of our sins and our negative emotions are the great therapeutic tools for health and divine healing. When we follow these laws or principles, God has guaranteed that if we pray correctly, healthier living will follow.

How do I know this is true? I've tried it. It works. For one thing, when I learned to get honest with my true feelings and resolved my buried feelings of hurt, grief and anger, I was healed of miserable hay fever and painful bursitis in my shoulders. Sure my body is growing older but in many ways I am healthier than when I was in my mid-thirties. We simply can't improve on God's plans. It's best to get in on them.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you again for your Word that gives us wonderful principles for living healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives. Help me to live accordingly. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. James 4:3 (NKJV).

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