2 Corinthians 1:9-11 "Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."
We see in this scripture that undoubtedly Paul had received word that he had symptoms of a fatal disease that he was not expected to recover from. He did, however; recover and here he is giving thanks to all those who prayed for him on his behalf. It is times like these, when we or those we love are ill or suffering that we are encouraged to come boldly before the throne seeking mercy and grace in our time of need.
A very close friend of ours recently faced a medical situation that was very critical and looked rather grim for a few days. It was a serious life threatening problem that forced many of us to face the reality that we are not promised tomorrow. There was absolutely nothing that any of us could do to help him except to pray for his healing and trust God to intervene. On one of those nights I literally could not sleep. God was prompting me to pray, pray, pray, and pray some more. I realized midstream that a typical request for healing prayer was not needed but that I was to pray regarding the spiritual realm. This family had faced other setbacks this last year and the forces of evil were coming against this man this time threatening to take his life. I had the strong impression that God had had enough.
Thankfully, he is now expected to make a full recovery and we are praising God for extending the life of this godly man who passionately loves the Lord. The power of God raised this man up so that he would be able to impact many more lives for the Kingdom. I'm sure that this near death experience has increased his faith exponentially and has strengthened his confidence in God. I know that it has mine.
The favors that God imparts to us are not only to make us cheerful, but they are useful to others as well. He uses situations like this to teach us not to trust in our own plans but to surrender our absolute trust in Him and not to confide in our own strength, but to completely rely on His sustaining power.
Are you or someone close to you in need of deliverance? Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace!
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Personalize this prayer.
Dear Lord,
You are Jehovah-Rapha, our Healer, and I praise and thank you for all that you do to provide healing and restoration in our lives. I place my complete trust in You alone because You are the author and finisher of our faith. You have our days numbered and no one can thwart Your plans. I praise You and thank You for being our comfort, our hope, and our help at all times. Help me to always turn to You first in total surrender and to not heed to my own understanding. I acknowledge You before everyone that You are my all in all. You are all that matters in the grand scheme of life.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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