We receive many letters regarding the Cutting Edge, and we answer them all individually. But recently I received a letter without a return address on the letter or the envelope. So, I’ll answer it now.
Dear Larry,
I’ve heard your program on KCVO a few times and have wondered where you stand on the subject of prayer. One time you made it sound like a lack of healing was a lack of faith. Do you really believe that or did something come across wrong?Also, do you believe we have to know God’s will before we pray? Is it not possible to pray for God to reveal His will to you?
I have experienced and know that God will give you what you ask for sometimes, even though He knows you don’t need it. He taught me a lot by giving me material possessions that I never needed. He showed me that material things never bring true joy.
The writer goes on but ends by saying, “Please let me know where you stand.” And once again, there is no return address, so I’m responding here.
Dear Friend,
First of all, concerning the question, “Is faith required for healing?” The best answer I can give is out of the Word of God.
In the book of Acts chapter 15, it talks about a man who was listening to Paul teach. Verse 9 says, “This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, ‘Stand up straight on your feet!’ And he leaped and walked.”
In Mark chapter 5, when the woman touched the hem of Jesus’ robe, Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” Then in James 5:15 the Bible talks about praying for a person who is sick and it says, “The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”
All I can say is that to me it seems like faith plays an important part in healing, and if I was sick I would want all the faith I could get. Romans 10:17 says, “So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
We must also remember this. In John 3:17 the Bible tells us that Jesus did not come into this world to condemn it but to save it. As Christians we must be like Jesus. If someone has prayed for healing and it looks like they are not healed, the last thing we should do is make them feel guilty or inadequate.
When little could be done by Jesus in Nazareth, the Bible says that He continued to teach. He didn’t condemn the people. He taught them.
The next question was, “Do we have to know God’s will before we pray?” We don’t have to know His will if we pray in the spirit. Romans 8:26 says that the Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t know how to pray. And, of course, the Holy Spirit knows the will of God, so, when we pray in the spirit we are automatically praying His will.
First John 5:14 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” It seems to me that we would get the best results from our prayers if we pray His will. And His will can be found in His Word.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of eight books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.