Healing, Deliverance, or Obedience?

Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved, for You are my praise. Jeremiah 17:14 (New American Standard Bible)

The Bible is filled with examples of healing and deliverance. As I have looked over the passages I am seeing something I had often missed. Most references to healing had to do with physical healing such as from birth defects, sickness, handicaps, and diseases. A few verses spoke of healing the soul….possibly from sorrow, distress, and heartache. Deliverance referred to being rescued from enemies or circumstances. It also was used when giving one over to an enemy.

Why the explanations? Because there have been times when I wrongly thought I needed God’s healing or deliverance from something and that wasn’t what I actually needed. I am referring to addictions, habits, sinfulness, idols of the heart, personality flaws, moods, temperament, and weaknesses. In those cases, it is not a matter of healing or deliverance, but rather confession, repentance, and obedience being needed. Although I would much rather have God just wave a magic wand over my life and free me of all the afore mentioned maladies, He is very clear on the way it should be. Simply put, confession is admitting the truth to God, repentance is turning from wrong behavior, and obedience is aligning myself with God’s Word in my thoughts, words, and actions.

The enemy of my soul would like to convince me to just accept my flaws or make excuses for having them. God wants to set me free and that will only happen as I see the truth about my own heart and allow Him to help me change. He is willing to give me the grace and strength to do whatever it takes to live differently, but I must cooperate with Him on a continual basis.

Let me give a personal illustration. I have admitted to being prone to looking to people to give me what only God can give me. While past wounds and experiences may have played a part in this, the bottom line is that it is idolatry. No different from when the children of Israel bowed down to their golden calf! Freedom will only be experienced as I confess it to God, do an about face in my searching, and love God with all my heart, soul, and mind. In myself it would be impossible, but as His child I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.

If there is an area in your life that you need freedom in, ask God to show you if it is healing, deliverance, or obedience that you need.

Father, there are times I need Your healing and deliverance, but also times when my greatest need is confession, repentance, and obedience. Thank you for the forgiveness and grace you so freely give! Amen.

He's Been Faithful to Me - Damaris Carbaugh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNoLUVTtr98&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.