Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:11, “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:11, NIV)
“Just as He determines” means that the Holy Spirit is in control. The Spirit determines who will receive the gifts of healings. The receiver of the healing doesn’t have to be a believer; they don’t have to repent; honestly, they don’t have to do anything. Healing through a believer with the gifts of healings is more about the relationship between the healer and God than it is about God’s relationship with the one being healed.
This is the “ah-ha” moment in this sermon for me. I think it is why I had such a hard time writing this sermon. As I said, the gift of gifts of healing, just like the other gifts from the Spirit, is for the common good, the church’s edification, and to reach others for Christ. They are all about the person receiving the gift’s relationship with God and the benefit to them, the church, and the Kingdom more than they are about a benefit to the receiver.
Just as the gift of gifts of healing was needed in the early church, it is needed today.
Gifts of healings are given as a confirmation of God’s power. Sickness, like sin, come from man’s fallen state. The same power that can forgive sins is able to heal. Through gifts of healing, God reveals His character. When people are healed, not only does God show His power, He shows His love and His grace. But, does that mean that if you or someone else doesn't receive healing God doesn't love you or have grace for you? NO!
Whether or not God grants healing either through prayer or through someone with the gifts of healings depends on what is better for the common good, the edification of the church, reaching others for Christ.
When we don’t receive healing or our prayers for another don’t bring healing, God has a more significant reason than just that He didn’t want to heal. If God wanted us to be sick and God wanted us to die, He would not have sent Jesus to redeem us.
No, sickness, pain, and death are not what God wanted for His creation. But, He will use sickness, pain, and death; in the same way, He will use anything in our lives as a means of growing His Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11