Saturday Sermonette - Gifts of the Spirit: Healings

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, NKJV

The gifts of healings--maybe the gifts I wish most for above the others, but I don't always--correction, don't usually--see my prayers for healing come to pass. Sometimes, yes. Nevertheless, I keep praying.

I believe one of the prerequisites for healing is listening for God's direction. Jesus said He never did anything He didn't see the Father do first (John 5:19). The Bible tells of the times Jesus healed, but doesn't talk a lot about the times when He perhaps said, "Not this time." Obviously, Jesus listened and queried before He asked.

Sometimes when I pray, I feel this surge of what I can only describe as the go-ahead to ask for healing. There are literally dozens of requests for prayer for healing every day on Facebook and in the prayer groups I belong to. Most times that surge is absent or even negative, but I praise God for the times when it's there. All I am is a channel for His blessing, and that's enough.

However, there are people who seem to have that "surge" more than others, and often that's in a specific area--short legs, ears, eyes, and countless other things. The first healing I witnessed happened in my home in Montpelier, Idaho. The Assembly of God pastor and his wife from Pocatello had begun conducting Bible studies there, driving the 85 miles weekly. One of the ladies there complained of back pain. The pastor said that was often caused by one leg being shorter than the other. He told her to sit down, and he said, "Let's just believe God, shall we?" Both heels of her feet rested on the palms of his hands, one leg about an inch shy of the length of the other. While we watched in amazement, her short leg grew until both legs were even. Wow.

So--that's my take on this gift. What's yours?

Prayer:
Lord, we believe; please help our unbelief. We believe in You. Amen.