Good questions about the
FRUIT of healing Prayers

There are no perfect healing prayers or ministers but God answers prayer. Be FAITHFUL, pray and keep FOCUS on Him.

1. Can God use a person who is sick or has constantly sick family members or who has character weaknesses etc… to teach on healing and pray for the sick?

Answer: Rom 11:29 “The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable.” Scripture doesn't base Holy Spirit grace manifestations (1 Cor 12 "gifts") on character nor life nor family or ministry "successes." One of the greatest healing ministers and men of faith was Smith Wigglesworth who sometimes battled his own infirmities (like Paul Doherty and all of us who pray for others). Smith on a number of occasions would heal many sick each day in meetings but go home to pass kidney stones. OUCH!

2. How do we keep faith to pray for healing when we don’t see people being healed (or saved, or finances change etc…)?

Answer: Healing sometimes involves unknowns because there are many factors (unrepented sin or a person not ready to take responsibility if they receive healing). Sickness is present because of the fall; we live between two kingdoms-heaven and darkness, and our thinking has been influenced by naturalism (what is seen or touched is real). So, we are uncomfortable with mystery and things unseen like faith and obedience. Richard McAfee used to say that he knew God could heal but not what he would do. My posture generally is to take authority over sickness unless I sense He has another specific will in this case.

3. How do we know to pray if someone may be dying?

Answer: I learned from Richard to always ask first, "Is this a sickness unto death." If I sense "LIFE" then I declare LIFE. If I feel "Release" I try to help people be in faith and agreement that nothing is lacking if God comes to receive this person. As Christians we know death is a change not an end. From our natural or earthly mindset we may feel prayer has failed if one dies but we don’t see the whole picture. Historically Christians have rejoiced for those who went into Christ's presence while at the same time sharing and supporting one another in grief. How else can martyrs and saints so freely offer their lives, and take risks. Let’s RISK. -PD