Where Do You Turn?

2013-08-22 10.50.40I have noticed a phenomenon that concerns me, not for religion’s sake but for the fact that I desire a higher quality of living in people’s lives. It is that  of seeking alternatives to God and His provision.

When I came into the kingdom of light, my health was not high. I had gone through times of severe depression which led to obesity and the related side effects. I took medicines like candy and thought the fix remained on the aisles of the local pharmacy. When I became a believer I had my eyes opened to the scripture found in the book of 1 Peter. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.My healing had been provided for. The day of my salvation, I found instant healing for much of what I endured. My “stronghold” was the one of being willing to give up medications. Our church gathering had a monthly Thursday “healing” meeting and I watched extraordinary things occur.

Yesterday a young friend of mine preached in our local fellowship and he addressed the topics of pride and humility. As I sat there I thought “are there areas I have not submitted to God?”

Our dependence on God can change the game. While watching the New England-Denver playoff game I told my young grandson that just because a team is “better” does not make them the winner. Often time the deciding factor is “how hungry” a team or an individual is.

In the kingdom I have witnessed amazing miracles and healings. I believe reading the scriptures, that is the desire and will of God for all. His stripes were the payment for all.

But as my young friend pointed out we can choose “alternatives” to His provisions. We can seek to try and “make it on our own.” And the problem with that is it changes our dependency to us and not to Him. Does that mean I believe and “alternative” can’t help? Or work? No-that is not what I am saying. But I am saying we have made “reasons” that keep us apart from His fullness.  (I am NOT saying do not take medicines or treatment, but I am suggesting He is more than able.))

And that concerns me. As I watch the spreading debacle of government run and subsidized health care, frankly I see it as a setup for the most sweeping wave of divine healing the world has ever seen.

Anyone who does research understands the system of government healthcare cannot be or remain sustainable. The number of new applicants, the burgeoning elderly population and the regulations and loss of choice are all major factors leading to the breaking down of the system. (Look at a recent article on the “escaping” Canadians who are leaving by the thousands because of the inability of the system to keep up with the problem.) The quality of healthcare can only go down under the system of increasing burdens.

I want to be clear this is not a political article but an observation.

Years ago a friend of mine was traveling to the Philippines as a missionary. He annually made arrangements for medicines to be shipped in a container to the country. One day I received an email. “We have run out of medicines. I do not know what to do.” A few weeks later this young missionary who denied the appearance of healings, emailed me to tell me that healing was happening.

The issue is not whether or not we need healthcare, hospitals or medicines. (I have a number of friends who are missionaries carrying medicine and providing healthcare throughout the world, including a restarted Philippines mission.)

The issue is can God still heal? Does He still heal?

My answers are of course, yes!

So where does our help come from? Is our first line of offense a run to the doctor’s office or a medicine cabinet?

God has healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2) and He is not withholding it. My friend’s medical mission was not wrong, but God had a better plan. Himself and His provision.

My overriding concern is the system cannot keep up with the increasing population of elderly, increasing lines of needs and decreasing lines of providers. That in fact, will put us in the position of reliance on Him.

I felt I heard a trumpet in the spirit, a call to reliance on Him. Maybe it is baby steps, but I do believe He is calling us to step out towards Him. It is not an unsure walk. This is the Father who loves you much!

I sense we are readying for a move of healing that is going to wow” people. I am finding I so hungry to see God changes lives, heal bodies. I have too many friends who need healing or have gone before their time.

I was checking a site of former students in my high school. The number of deaths was staggering. A friend I hunted with. (heart attack) Gone. A girl I had dated. (diabetes) Gone. A friend I contended with in sports. (cancer) Gone. The list went on.

A few years ago I nearly lost my youngest brother to viral myocarditis. The diagnosis was dim and his future did not require sunglasses. (It was not bright!) On a whim one morning he drove to our church fellowship. That morning he was prayed for. He received his healing. He got better. This past fall, less than two years after his hospitalization, my brother ran his first marathon. (God not only touched His heart, but later healed his knee.)

Sometimes you just go to the doctor’s office to get a diagnosis and a lollipop!

I am not anti-doctor but I certainly am pro-God! I am not looking for a good report, but I am seeking a life report.

Today is your day! Whatever you need has been provided for. Paid for. Go claim it!

 

 

 

 

Written by Lee Johndrow

Lee Johndrow

Lee is the Senior Leader of Abundant Grace Fellowship Church in Keene, NH

He is the father of five wonderful children. Married for over 26 years to his wife Tina. Loving life with family, friends, faith, fun and food!


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