Jehovah-Rapha, The God Who [Still] Heals

Jehovah-Rapha, The God Who [Still] Heals Devotional Reading, July 24, 2023

From Miriam to Naaman to the paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethsaida and throughout the Bible, we read of the many times that Jesus healed those created in His image. Not only did Jesus use prophets in the Old Testament as human instruments who received God’s Divine power to heal others, but in Jesus’ life on earth, His ministry was one of spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical healing.

The Apostle John tells us, “This is the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.” —John 21:24-25

One of my favorite miracles is the one of Jesus raising the widow’s son from the dead in Nain found in Luke chapter 7, verses 11-17.

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still.

And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. 17 And this rumor of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

After the people witnessed Jesus speaking the words for the young man to arise, the people feared and glorified God and those same people spread the message of Jesus raising the widow’s son throughout Judaea and the region. According to historians, Judaea was approximately 185 miles in length.

Whether we study Jesus’ life and His ministry of healing and raising the dead, hear others’ testimonies of healing or receive healing ourselves, there is a vast difference in our response to Jesus’ healing power, we tell very few individuals. The same Jesus who walked this earth with love and compassion, healing and raising the dead is the same Jesus in heaven who is our Heavenly Intercessor and Healer.

Testimony: In March of 2021, I relocated to the Eastern Florida Coast. After living in states with snowy winters, I was overjoyed because of the scenic ocean and the tropical weather. But my joy was short-lived. Two months later, I was in the hospital emergency room experiencing a full-blown asthma attack.

For the remainder of 2021 and 2022, I had multiple visits to the emergency room. I was prescribed a steroid nasal spray, steroid daily inhalers, a rescue inhaler, and around-the-clock nebulizer treatments. My diagnosis, Uncontrolled Asthma. All medications have adverse side effects ranging from minimum to maximum impact on the patient.

I experienced maximum side effects. Not only did the sound of my voice change to a raspy tone, but the medication also produced tachycardia [fast heart rate] and arrhythmia [abnormal heart rhythm], resulting in my pulmonologist changing my medication. My condition did not improve which resulted in additional prescriptions for oral steroids and receiving intravenous steroid medication in the emergency room.

In June of 2022, I had an Echocardiogram which revealed four abnormal heart conditions [side effects from steroids and uncontrolled asthma]. One of the conditions involved the pulmonary artery and is considered incurable and progressive. My prior medical history included a normal heart, yet, without the proper exchange of oxygen in my lungs, my life would be nonexistent. During the consult with my pulmonologist, we agreed that I would continue my current polypharmacy medication regimen.

On December 29th, 2022, I had an emergency room visit for another vicious asthma attack. The patient treatment area behind the double doors was full of patients diagnosed with COVID, so the waiting area was converted into an overflow area for the triage and treatment of additional patients. As a nurse, I was aware that my Immune system was compromised from two years of unstable asthma.

Although I wore a mask for the ER visit in December, on January 5th, I was back in the emergency room with a subsequent asthma attack and was also diagnosed with COVID. I was treated with more Intravenous steroids and given prescriptions for anti-nausea and oral steroid medications.

The COVID variant that I contracted included severe nausea and vomiting which impacted my ability to eat and drink. For three weeks, I lived off of fruit cups and sips of water and ginger ale resulting in an unhealthy weight loss of 15 lbs. My physical strength was greatly impacted. And I also lost my senses of smell and taste for eight weeks which finally returned at the end of February 2023.

Every day, I prayed a prayer of repentance and was prepared to die. But one day, while I was watching a video short on Isaiah 60:22, “… At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.” I heard the words, “I will heal you.” And I believed!

“The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness, You restore him to full health.” —Psalm 41:3

Although my recovery was very slow, I did not die! Nor do I have any residual effects from COVID or the massive amounts of steroids that I received. My voice returned to its normal pitch and tone. I have regained my physical strength. But most importantly my faith in God has matured. I have come to totally rely on God’s will for my life. “Be still and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10).

Fast forward to June of 2023 for my second Echocardiogram which revealed that my heart is normal! The incurable, progressive condition involving my heart’s pulmonary artery no longer exists! And my asthma is controlled with the use of only one inhaler. I am no longer on nasal spray or oral steroids, nor do I have to use a nebulizer. And no more ER hospital visits since January 5th. I know who my Healer is and I praise the Worthy Name of Jesus every day!

When I felt that I would die, I did not pray a prayer of negotiation, “God, if You heal me, I will __,” [fill in the blank]. I focused on my relationship with Christ, praying for His will to be done with prayers of heartfelt surrender and repentance.

Although, Jesus spoke to me and said, I will heal you, there were times during my slow recovery period when I felt discouraged and forsaken by God. I had to learn to be faithful and totally depend on God. His timing is always the right timing! And it wasn’t until my faith strengthened and I committed my life to God that I received complete healing.

Does God say no to our prayers asking to be healed? Sometimes we do not receive physical healing.

“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.” —2 Corinthians 12:9

The Apostle Paul prayed three times for the thorn in his flesh to be removed, but three times Jesus answered no. There was no bitterness in Paul’s heart, he accepted the will of God for His life. Despite his poor eyesight, 13-14 books of the 27 books of the New Testament are attributed to the Apostle Paul.

And when Paul knew that the end of his earthly journey was near, he proclaimed, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” —2 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV

Sometimes we must drink from the bitter cup, yet, never lose your faith in God. If we are faithful in adversity, remember that God is always faithful. He will sustain us even if we do not receive physical healing. Pray and believe! Jesus always gives us spiritual healing of peace, joy, contentment, and mental and emotional strength.

Our primary focus on healing must be on the spiritual condition of our hearts. “Lord, please cleanse me from all unrighteousness and fill me with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.” Are we preparing ourselves for the Second Coming of Jesus and eternal life where our minds and bodies will be made perfect?

If we receive healing, what will we do with our restored minds and bodies? Will we possess a heart of gratitude like the one of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed and returned to say, Thank You? Will we dedicate our hearts, minds, and souls to serving God till our last breath? Will we tell everyone about Jesus’ love, grace, and mercies—sharing our testimony of healing?

Our response to the healing power of Jehovah-Rapha should reflect the same response as those who spread the message of Jesus raising the widow of Nain’s son to life. In a world filled with mental and physical illnesses, despair, and hopelessness, someone needs to share that we have a Savior, Jesus Christ who is a Healer. Will that someone be you?

Jehovah-Rapha is a Healer! “And Christ is the same compassionate physician now that He was during His earthly ministry. In Him, there is healing balm for every disease, restoring power for every infirmity.” EGW

Scripture: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes, we are healed.” —Isaiah 53:5

Prayer: Jesus, by your stripes, we are healed. We thank You for Your love, grace, mercies, and healing power. We love You. Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries