One of the ways we can contribute to our health and healing is by following the advice of our healthcare providers, who are frequently used by God as a means to heal. In Exodus 15:26, God said to His people: "I am the LORD who heals you." From this verse, we get one of the many names for God — "Jehovah Rapha" which means "The LORD who heals."

Man With Outstretched ArmsIn the context of the passage where God refers to Himself as healer, He used means to heal the bitter waters at Marah. The means that God used were Moses, prayer and a tree (Exodus 15:22-27). The means God used to heal Naaman of leprosy were Elisha and the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:1-19). The means God used to heal King Hezekiah were prayer, Isaiah and a lump of figs (2 Kings 20:7; Isaiah 38:1-22).

Another way we can contribute to our health and healing is by developing an attitude of gratitude. First, daily practice giving thanks for the things that are right. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, King James Version, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

According to Proverbs 17:22, New Living Translation, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Second, Paul encourages us to replace worry or anxiety with prayer, praise, petitions and thanksgiving. Third, Paul tells us to meditate on the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).


Share Your Thoughts

Have you turned to faith to aid in your healing? How have you been able to maintain "a cheerful heart"? Or have you struggled with your faith and staying positive? Share your comments below.

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About the Author

Julius Malone is the senior pastor of the New Testament Church of Milwaukee, a large congregation on the city's northwest side. He was born and raised in Memphis, Tenn., and moved to Milwaukee with his wife, Anne, in 1960. He was licensed to preach the Gospel in 1959, and ordained as a minister in 1963. Pastor Malone was diagnosed on Dec. 31, 2013, with pancreatic cancer. In a video produced by his son Joe, he credits God, working through the means of a Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin medical team – and also through the many people who prayed for him during his illness – for removing his tumor and leaving no residual cancer. He's the author of a book, "Going Through the Storms of Life," the latest edition of which has a chapter on his cancer experience.

Arlene Lee

What a beautiful message to live by! Thank you!

Kimberly Yoghourtjian

What a wonderful and wise message. Thank you.

Sandra (Malone) Wright

This is my brother story and I know without a doubt that Jesus healed him I know without a doubt what prayers can do and what a mighty God we serve I love my brother and I thank God for healing my brother body mind and soul hallelujah to His Holy name