Answered Prayer

God does the miraculous through simple faith in Him. While not mentioned specifically, the issue of faith is so central it underscores and touches many of the church’s doctrines. The most obvious application of faith is seen in the doctrine of divine healing. Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided in the Atonement and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James 5:4-16).

People who are ill or in need require healing or some form of provision in their life and in an act of faith, they petition God through prayer to answer their needs. Bible verses can be used to support their prayers. Sometimes when prayers aren't answered as one requests, other zealous believers comment, "You didn’t have enough faith," or "You need to increase your faith." But to make such statements is as futile as to say "Stop being sick." We trust and believe while also experiencing a spirit of acceptance in God’s sovereign purposes. In other words, we pray in faith but are content to leave the results with God.

The danger of missing the essential faith balance in one’s prayer petitions are twofold:

1) That we shrink back from believing God for the supernatural–that full expectation that He is going to act; and

2) That we cross over the line and become god-players–the imposing of our agenda on God. All Christians must find a balance between aggressive faith and obedient compliance to His will. To this balance the Scriptures give strong testimony.