It’s crucial to understand that sickness was never part of God’s original plan. In fact, a core aspect of Jesus’ mission was to heal all types of illnesses. Sickness entered the world when humanity disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, leading to a loss of immortality and the introduction of various ailments designed to diminish us. As previously stated, Jesus came to grant us an abundant life, which includes living in a healthy body. Since our bodies are not immortal, the goal shifts to living a long and fulfilling life, much like Abraham, who the Bible describes as dying “full of years.” I believe it is God’s will for His children to live long and complete lives.
A common phrase among believers when someone passes away, regardless of age, is, “We loved him, but God loved him more.” However, the notion that God prematurely kills someone because of His love seems flawed. Consider Enoch from the Bible (Genesis). God loved him and was pleased with him. God did take Enoch, but He didn’t need to kill him to do so. God is capable of bringing His loved ones to be with Him without first afflicting them with illnesses or causing their death. This also applies to accidental deaths where no illness was present.
In a previous discussion, I highlighted the power of the tongue. The words we speak create our reality, a concept often mistaken as “new age” but directly from the Bible: “The power of life and death is in our tongues, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” We possess the ability to speak life and health into our own bodies. A spirit-dominated soul not only grasps this truth but actively practices it.
The Impact of Neuroticism and Sickness
Neuroticism, a personality trait characterized by a tendency to experience negative emotions like anxiety, anger, and depression, makes individuals respond poorly to stress. This trait has an interesting connection to illness. People with high neuroticism are at a greater risk of falling ill, and conversely, sickness can increase neuroticism due to changes in brain chemistry.
This implies two significant points: First, a poor attitude impacts both mental and physical health. Highly neurotic individuals tend to be pessimistic, often viewing situations with a “half-empty glass” perspective. Second, your health directly influences your attitude.
If poor health negatively affects your attitude, we must view it as an attack. God doesn’t desire for us to be in situations that prevent us from obeying His will. Sick individuals are more prone to negative speech, often cursing rather than blessing. Illnesses can directly damage the brain or disrupt its chemistry and function. As 1 Peter 5:8 states, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I contend that being physically or mentally ill makes vigilance significantly more challenging. Therefore, I believe it’s not God’s will for His children to be sick; He wants us healthy, strong, sober-minded, and on high alert, as His soldiers.
I believe illnesses are a weapon of the devil for two reasons: First, to weaken us, making us less effective. This allows him to increase our neurotic tendencies and use our tongues to advance his agenda on earth. Every time we utter unwholesome words, I believe we benefit the enemy’s kingdom, regardless of whether others hear us. Once spoken, words create something. I believe the only time we are permitted to express our anxious thoughts is in prayer to our Father, and even then we should focus on making requests and showing gratitude. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When we are sick, we become more susceptible to anxious thoughts. Our minds become a battlefield, with the enemy in full attack. He distorts our perception, making us see only things that lead to feelings of unfulfillment, dissatisfaction, and increased sickness. We become irritable, and even those who usually bring us joy can become sources of irritation. While this may not apply to everyone, it’s a common experience. The enemy does not cease his attacks when we are sick; there are no sick leaves in the Kingdom of God. We must remain on high alert, even in our sleep; our spirit must stay vigilant.
Fighting Back: Strategies for Healing
Prayer, reciting God’s word, singing praise songs (if possible), and making healing declarations are powerful ways to go on the offensive. We fight on our knees. Our praise songs, scriptural declarations, and meditation on God’s word become our attack strategy. When ill, our primary goals should be to get well as soon as possible and to emerge from the experience spiritually unscathed. Strive not to utter words or engage in actions that align with the enemy’s plan to kill, steal, and destroy you. Stand your ground! Choose to live! Deuteronomy 30:19 declares, “This day I call heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Our God desires for you to live.
The enemy seeks to strike when you are most vulnerable—when sick and weak. He wants you to think negative thoughts, feel weak and defeated, and ultimately act and speak from a place of defeat. So, what do we do when we feel weak? We go to God in prayer and acknowledge our weakness. Prayer is a safe space where we can openly and truthfully vent our pain, thoughts, emotions, and feelings. God desires this from us; He is our Heavenly Father, and He is “cool like that.” When we pray, He takes our heavy load and He gives us peace in return. He also encourages us and empowers us to fight another hour, day, or week.
I’ve outlined what to do when battling sickness: pray, sing, affirm, recite, and meditate on God’s word. If you can speak, speak with faith. When you feel weak or are running out of steam, get on your knees and tell the Father. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” This powerful scripture strengthens us in all forms of weakness, not just illness. When we are weak, we declare ourselves strong. We also do our best to act strong. Find a task you can do, even if it’s light, and do it. Take a walk, anything to keep moving. Remember, the enemy is watching. You don’t want him to think he’s winning; don’t give him that satisfaction.
Isaiah 53:5 states, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” When Jesus died, He was not only killed but brutally mistreated and wounded. His wounds bring us healing. He took away the enemy’s right to mistreat, steal from, kill, or destroy us. However, we sometimes perish due to a lack of knowledge, still giving the enemy permission to oppress us with illnesses. Illnesses can access us through various means, such as stress. Giving in to stress provides the enemy with an avenue to introduce disease into our lives. There are many avenues the enemy can use, and some, I admit, we may be unaware of or are even genetic. Nevertheless, I strongly believe that God has given us authority over illnesses regardless of their origin.
Walking in the Spirit can protect us from many illnesses. For example, since stress can cause illness, walking in the Spirit keeps us relatively peaceful, making us less susceptible to contracting diseases.
In the rare instance that a spirit-dominated soul contracts an illness, their approach becomes quite powerful. It’s crucial to remember that all illness was already defeated on the cross; “by his wounds, we are healed.” Therefore, we don’t fight for victory; we fight from victory. As we continue to do what’s necessary when sick, we need to know and believe that we have already won, and soon, the victory will be evident, and our bodies will be fully restored to health.
Whatever we ask for in prayer, we should believe that we have received it. When we ask for healing, we need to act and speak in ways that affirm our healed position.
A spirit-dominated soul is a warrior, even in sickness. Our Heavenly Father strengthens the soul during illness and helps it remain in its spiritual position as the body inevitably makes a full recovery. We are up against a defeated enemy; the war has been rigged in our favor. The least we can do is stand firm, keep our eyes focused on God, and call on Him when we need strengthening. We must not worsen things by speaking and acting defeated, because we are not defeated—we can only feel and act defeated.
Healing is a divine gift, often manifested through the Holy Spirit. While many associate this gift primarily with miraculous cures, I believe that the skillful application of scientific medicine by doctors also represents a gift from God to His children.
It’s true that some medical practitioners operate out of greed, prioritizing their own agendas over patient well-being. They may push unnecessary medications for profit, engage in unlawful organ harvesting, and commit other unethical acts that harm their patients. However, just as there are corrupt doctors,there are corrupt pastors. Thankfully there are dedicated doctors who are truly doing God’s work. They utilize their gifts to alleviate suffering by treating and healing illnesses.
Illness should be addressed comprehensively, utilizing all of God’s provisions. Before seeing a doctor, pray for divine guidance to find a practitioner who reflects His Kingdom, as He has many such agents prepared to assist. However, medical treatment should complement, not replace, the spiritual strategies outlined; both work in harmony towards a shared objective.
In conclusion, we possess all the necessary tools to conquer any illness and must not allow the enemy to use sickness as a means of oppression. Let us claim our rightful position. All the best!
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