Article by Teresa Chang
At our annual youth conference, “The Grace Retreat” we always have a seminar that teaches and activates the youth students in laying hands on the sick and seeing God heal. The kids are then sent to pray in the healing rooms, and every year they have incredible testimonies of what God did through their hands. What makes my heart happy is that over the years, these students have grown up and become church leaders in their own churches, yet they still come back to Grace Retreat and come serve in the healing rooms! They continue to pray for the sick to this day and see God heal.
God is a Father and a Shepherd, and it is His kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). David even wrote, “Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great” (Psalm 18:35).
How can you promote a vision for love and healing in your congregation, so people develop a passion for the healing and comfort of God?
1. Help people see their own hearts and their need for God’s comfort.
People need to be introduced to the Father’s heart. Comfort is a critical part of any vision for healing, and it is found in the heart of the Father. Help people find their way into right relationship with Him.
Not every person is in tune with what is going on in his heart. It is important to help people understand their pain, brokenness and need for forgiveness. When necessary, gently challenge what people are thinking and lovingly show them how they can learn to think more wisely, based on the truth of Scripture.
2. Remember your authority in Christ.
Any time we discuss a vision for healing, we have to remember our authority in Christ to release healing. Take steps to recognize and learn the authority you have, so you can do what Jesus did. Scripture says He did good things and healed all those who were oppressed by the devil. That is our calling as well.
3. Make healing a priority in your congregation.
Preach about healing and equip your church to pray for others for healing. Promote the vision for healing on a regular basis and keep declaring, “This is who we are. This is where we’re going. This is the kind of love we want to express to others.” This will help your people commit themselves to the vision and exemplify it in their lives.
Who in your church has experienced God’s healing? Bring them to the front and have them share their testimonies. Celebrate healing, even if it seems small, and get people excited to see God move in this way.
