By Nancy Virden (c)2023

There were religious leaders in Jesus’ time on earth who insisted he perform for them. They threatened to not believe his claim of being God’s Son otherwise. You have probably encountered similar arguments today.

People all over the world experience emotional and ecstatic responses to their faith. In Deuteronomy 13:1-3, God was talking to Moses and spoke on this very issue.  

“Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles,  and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’—gods you have not known before— do not listen to them. The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul.”

Seems like God was warning Moses that religious experiences can occur outside of a faithful and sincere trust in God. My concern is that we enjoy instant gratification so much. Where will we turn for answers if we do not like God’s timing?

One recent example is a movement called Prophetic Heart Healings. People can attend a session and supposedly walk away with amazing gifts! An ad promises that as a participant you will, “hear God’s voice; experience healing and freedom in Jesus; step into the life God has planned for you; break free from all that is holding you back; and experience God like never before.”

As one who has experienced multiple miraculous instantaneous healings in direct answer to the prayers of spiritual elders and to my own prayers, and as one who believes in the utter sovereignty of God in all matters, I cannot say with full confidence that prophetic healings do not happen. I refuse to limit God based on my incomplete understanding.

However, this I know: God did not instantly heal me of severe depression though I begged him for months. Recovery was difficult and took years of changing how I think. There was much I needed to learn – and still do. An instant healing of such despair would have left me unconscious of lies I was believing about my worth, nursing a victim and blame mindset, and oblivious to how rich and unfailing is God’s love.

Prophetic heart healings leave the hard work up to other people so you don’t have to wait or sweat it out. I see the attraction! It’s easy. But how will you grow? Besides, the promises they make are ours already through personal Bible reading, prayer, wise counsel, and a teachable attitude.

Jesus’ response to those religious leaders was a solid no. He would not do tricks for them. God has not promised to reveal Himself purely through experiences. We need His Word, the Bible, to be the judge of our emotions and experiences because it never changes. Satan can deceive us – and that is why Paul said what he did to the Ephesian church at his last goodbye (Acts 20:32).

“And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up…”

Please do not settle for the second-best you or a lesser healing.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

John 8: 31-32

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,  and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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