We need to understand that faith develops through the complex process of hearing and assimilating God’s Word. As a person comes to believe that God is and does whatever He has revealed through His Word, faith forms within that person’s spirit. While his mind participates in that process, the actual development of faith is not a function solely of the mind. Faith is mainly formed in a person’s spirit. If divine healing is to prevail, a person needs to develop faith for healing then exercise that faith in order to draw upon the power of God in such a way that God’s power to heal is released into their body.

The process is not complicated but it is fragile to a certain extent in that it needs to be maintained persistently and consistently until healing is fully manifested. If a person wavers between a natural perspective and a spiritual one, as we discussed in our last study (see volume 31), the flow of faith is limited and the release of God’s power is likewise restricted. Remember, faith stimulates or activates the healing power of God. James 1:6-8 instructs us to operate in faith when seeking from God. It states, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Possibly one of the hardest things a person must do when sickness comes is to respond to it by faith in God for healing. It’s not that faith is so terribly difficult to develop nor that it is all that difficult to exercise, but the difficulty lies in being able to discipline one’s mind to limit the natural perspective and move in concert with the spiritual one. It’s not that it’s so hard to do that once in awhile; the difficulty for many people is in doing it consistently and persistently in the face of the terrible, relentless and sometimes very aggressive physical symptoms of sickness and disease.

Ephesians 6:10-20 addresses this issue. It reads, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” This means take the spiritual perspective of trusting God and His capabilities and remain strong in it. Verses 11 and 12 continue with, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” 

We could apply this scripture in reference to the ungodly forces that attack our minds, distract and draw us away from God’s perspective undercutting faith. We are further instructed in Ephesians 6:13 to “take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” These instructions are emphatic that when you have done all that you know to do according to God’s Word, take your stand of faith. Remain consistent and persistent in faith embracing the Word of God. Stand believing in God’s desire, ability and availability to heal you. Take your stand of faith and remain immovable until healing is fully manifested.

A very reassuring scripture verse along these lines is Hebrews 10:35-36 which reads, “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise…” It is God’s will that we trust Him for healing. Endurance in the face of physical and mental symptoms is absolutely necessary as we exercise a strong stand of faith pertaining to healing.