Once a man told my wife he was sick and he knew God had made him that way. His reasoning was this: He said God had given him stomach problems so he wouldn’t eat too much and gain weight.
He reasoned if he gained weight, he would develop a heart problem and could die. So, in order to keep from dying of a heart problem, he reasoned, God had made him sick so he couldn’t eat and get fat.
This may sound strange, but unfortunately, many Christians believe that God makes them sick for a purpose.
It is true that God can and will cause all things to work together for good for those who love Him and who seek Him by the Spirit. The Bible tells us that in Romans 8:26-28.
However, God’s Word does not say that God causes bad things. It simply says He causes them to work together for good for those who love Him and those who are the called according to His purpose.
We must understand the root sources of healing and sickness. The One who heals us does not make us sick and the one who makes us sick does not make us well.
We must discern “right thinking” from “wrong thinking.” We must quit blaming God for the works of Satan.
Let’s examine the truth. What does the Bible say about God’s view of sickness?
In Psalm 103:3 it says that He is the One “who heals all our diseases.”
Matthew 4:2 says, “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.”
In Matthew 2:24 it says, “Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.”
Matthew 8:16 says, “When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick.”
Matthew 9:35 says, “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”
Matthew 10:1 says, “And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.”
Matthew 12:15 says, “But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.”
Matthew 19:2 says, “And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there.”
Everywhere Jesus went, He healed people.
Let’s look at what He said. In John chapter five, Jesus said that He didn’t do anything unless God His Father instructed Him to. So, what does that tell us about God? It tells us that He wants us well and He wants to heal us.
Jesus said He came to earth to destroy the works of the devil. He said in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Who is the thief that steals health, kills bodies and destroys life with sickness? The devil. Who gives life? Jesus.
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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 twelve 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.