Four Truths About Faith and Healing

“Although there is much talk about faith in Christian circles,
most Christians are very confused as to its real nature.”

— Derek Prince

There are many changes in the world’s social climate that have caused even the most earnest Christian to question their faith. But since faith is the foundation of healing, what’s the best way to harness the many conceptions and misconceptions that surround it? By looking to God’s Word.

The following summary is taken from best-selling author and Bible teacher Derek Prince’s book entitled God’s Word Heals:

1. Faith is Individual:
You cannot rely on your spouse’s faith, your parent’s faith, or your pastor’s faith. You have to live by your faith. You have to face this responsibility yourself. God will not accept anybody else’s faith as a permanent substitute for yours. He may do so temporarily, but He expects you to acquire and live by your own, personal faith.

2. Living by Faith is All-Inclusive:
The only basis acceptable to God for any kind of activity is the faith basis. Romans 14:23 says, “Whatever is not from faith is sin.” It doesn’t matter if it is a religious activity or not. If it is not based on faith, it is sinful. There is only one basis on which God will accept any activity. “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Many people are trying hard to please God without faith, but it cannot be done.

3. The Life of Faith is Progressive:
Life is something that is always in movement; it never stands still. The apostle Paul said to the men of Athens, “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). One thing is sure: if you live, you move. When you cease to move altogether, you’re dead. But it’s during this movement that you should stop from time to time to check on your spiritual condition. You should stop and analyze where you’ve gotten off the pathway and where you may be missing God.

4. The Only Basis for Faith is God’s Word:
Faith is based solely on the Bible, the Word of God. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The great majority of Christians who seek healing seek it only in hope, and not in the faith of God’s Word.

Healing Comes From Faith, Not From Hope

Faith is in the heart, while hope is in the mind. Faith is also now, not in the future. Hope, on the other hand, is for the future—it is being confident that something will happen in the future. As Paul wrote, “Hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance” (Romans 8:24-25).

While both faith and hope are valid and necessary in the Christian experience, having faith in what God said in His Word is the only kind of acceptable response to Him.
Now’s the time to ask yourself, “How strong is my faith?” Also ask yourself, “Am I confusing hope with faith?” Depending on how you answered these questions, you may want to re-position yourself to receive God’s provision and power for healing.