I heard a story the other day about a young man diagnosed with cancer. Apparently, his prayer was not that God would heal him but that he would glorify God in the sickness. God honored his prayer. He was able to share the love of God with many people during his illness, including the hospice worker. At his funeral 15 people were saved.

I rejoice for all who were touched by this young man’s life, for all the seeds he sowed during his trial, and especially for the 15 who were saved. But I also know God is not an “or” God. He is an “and ” God. It is possible, dare I say preferable, to glorify God in the trial while believing Him for your healing.

Healing is part of our salvation package. Jesus paid the price for your healing. Have you ever gone to the store, purchased something, only to get home and realized you left it at the store? Would you turn around, go and retrieve your lost item? What if someone gave you a brand new car with all the bells and whistles. How would you honor that person most? By only using the car to drive from point A to point B and not utilizing its many perks? Or by enjoying the sound system, the heated seats, the gps, the AC that they paid for. I would make sure my benefactor got their money’s worth by enjoying every aspect of that car.

Jesus died so that you could be saved. So that you could spend eternity with Him. But with that salvation came healing on this side of heaven. His stripes purchased your healing as well. Honor Him by believing Him for your healing.

I’m sure this young man is in heaven, seeing Jesus face to face. I respect and honor his life. But I want to encourage you, that it is preferable to glorify God in the sickness AND trust Him for healing. Both acts will glorify God. When He heals you it will impart faith and demonstrate His love and His power.

Believe for the fullness this morning. By his stripes you are healed.

“When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”” Matthew‬ ‭8:16-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬