I sat down gently at my dining table to partake of communion. To have a love feast with my Lord. Tears ran down my face. By this day, I had been in unceasing pain for 9 days. My body was tired and I was weary from the battle. However, I knew where to run – I ran to the table of divine exchange that morning – to exchange the pain for His healing and wholeness.
As I began to eat the bread, three words rose up inside of me. “This changes nothing.”
My mind went back months ago when we began to pray about and declare healing and wholeness over the body of Christ. That was our prayer of agreement, and it was a powerful one. Short weeks later I was battling a pain I couldn’t even imagine back then – would I still believe I serve a God who gives healing and wholeness?
That’s when out of my mouth came my shout – “This changes nothing.”
Here are some of the scriptures we were standing on through that time of prayer.
Jesus Himself bore our sins in His own body on a tree and by His stripes we are healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
Jesus took our infirmities and bore our diseases. (Mt 8:17)
God brings health and healing to us, and He heals His people and causes them to enjoy abundant peace and security. (Jer 33:6)
God HAS restored health to us and healed us of all our wounds. (Jer 30:17)
A ransom was found for us, His name is Jesus, now our flesh shall be like that of a child, and we shall return to the days of our youth. (Job 33:24)
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. (Is 53:5)
So what was happening with me that day? The thief came to steal the word of God concerning healing and wholeness.
Psalms 119:89 tells us that God’s word stands firm forever.
That word, those scriptures we prayed months ago still stand. They will not fail. They will come to pass – if we refuse to let go.
Galatian 9 tells us we will most definitely reap a harvest if we refuse to give up. We sowed seeds of healing and wholeness when we prayed that prayer together for the month – I fully expect to reap a harvest from that season of prayer.
This morning as I sat at the table I began to pray differently. I prayed God would cause me to experience victory in my soul, in my emotions and in my heart, even before I see it manifest in my body. Why? Because when we are suffering or in pain, it affects our mind. It touches our emotions. It is vital we keep our mind stayed on God during times like this – the enemy wants us to focus on the pain, the battle. He wants us to think it won’t get better. He wants us to believe that God will fail to keep His promises – but He is wrong. God is faithful and if we can keep our mind on Him, we will remain in peace, and He will bring us through.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you. (Is 43:2)
God will bring us through to victory. My friend, I don’t know what battle you face today. Perhaps like mine, it’s not a pleasant one. Maybe you feel you are at the end of your rope, I totally understand. If that is you, take it to God. Get alone with God and make sure your eyes, mind and heart are stayed firmly on Him.
Remember this – whatever you are walking through, it changes nothing. It does not change the word of God. It doesn’t change the promises God has made you. Actually, it is probably a good indication your victory is at hand – why else would the enemy be fighting so hard to stop you? Keep trusting. Keep pressing. Continue to be thankful and meditate on His faithfulness. Rehearse all the things you are thankful for – that always helps me. Having done all. Stand. Because my friend, you are already standing in victory. The Victor Himself lives in you – He won’t fail you.
