Devotionals for the Heart: How to be healed according to God's Word

Healing Solutions and Healing Community
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

—James 5:14-15 (ESV)

Ever since I could remember, I’ve believed in the healing power of prayer in my faith community. As a child, if I scraped my knee or had a “boo-boo”, I remember running to my dad or mom and asking them to pray for my healing. Somehow I always believed that healing resided in community prayer and it made hurtful things better. I believed the truth of God’s Word and I acted in faith to receive His promise of healing.

Today I challenge you to do the same. I challenge you to fight through the doubt. I admonish you to not be moved by what you see, but to instead be moved by what you can’t see: faith. The faith of a child is so pure. Children can give and receive so readily because they haven’t yet experienced the hurt and disappointment of life’s trials that most adults have. As a result, most adults are guarded. We doubt the truth of God’s promise of healing, repair, restoration, and recovery. But God’s healing solutions within the faith community are certain.

In James 5:14-15, the author (James) provides several healing solutions to illness within the faith community. He recommends that people who are ill go to a church elder for a healing. It is important to engage in intergenerational fellowship. Some healing can only come with the help of a healthy relationship with a safe and respected elder. Elders carry wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and experience. All of these gifts provide safety and recovery.

James continues by saying that the elders will anoint the ill person with oil and pray over him or her. The oil represents a blessing or covering. Many elders provide oversight for those under their care. They have foresight and insight regarding life’s circumstances. The elder’s prayer represents agreement and intercession to God.

The Holy Bible says if we touch and agree on anything, it shall be done (Matthew 18:19). There is power in agreement that unlocks blessings that are certain. When there is intergenerational agreement, much can be accomplished within each person and within the community. The elders are to bless the younger generation. This act facilitates healing for the mind, body, and soul. As the elder and the ill person partner with God in obedience to His Word, healing is released. The prayer of faith saves the sick and the Lord raises him or her up. Additionally, if the sick person has sinned, they are forgiven.

Call to Action:

1. Acknowledge the healing solutions within your Bible-based faith community. There is safety, health, wealth, and wisdom in your faith community.

2. Access the power of intergenerational relationships. Scripture tells the older to teach the younger. God called the young because they are strong. He called the old because they are wise and they know the way. We need each other. (1 John 2:14)

3. Receive God’s healing solutions by activating your faith, believing God’s Word, obeying the Word of God.

4. Remember, healing belongs to God’s children. (Mark 7:27)

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the Lord our God who heals us. By the stripes of Jesus Christ we are healed. You sent your Word and healed the sick and delivered them from destruction. Heal us and we shall be healed! We praise Your Holy Name, Jesus! Increase our faith in Your Word. We believe, but help our unbelief. Help us to walk by faith, even when our circumstances seem hopeless. Help us access your healing solutions within our faith community. We thank You for it. In the mighty Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Broken But I'm Healed” by Byron Cage. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio: 

Essie Faye Taylor is a woman of faith. She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter. 

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path. 

Essie is a Chicago native where she lives with her husband Donald Taylor II.

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Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Essie%20Faye%20Taylor/author/B09XF3TC22
Listen to Essie’s music at https://on.soundcloud.com/X6DeoRXra7YoKcC2A.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/ on Instagram
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn