Embracing Kingdom Healing: Trusting God's Mysterious Ways

Summary

Kingdom healing is a profound invitation to experience God’s original intent for our lives—a restoration to wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Healing is not just a physical phenomenon but a divine encounter with the love of Jesus, who demonstrated the fullness of the kingdom by healing every kind of sickness and affliction. The journey of healing is often mysterious; sometimes it is instantaneous, sometimes it unfolds over time, and sometimes it seems absent altogether. Yet, in every case, it is an invitation to deeper trust, to hold the tension between the promises of God and the reality of our lived experience.

We honor the many avenues through which God brings healing, including the dedication of medical professionals and the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. The authority to heal, given by Jesus to his disciples, is still active today. We are called to step out in faith, to pray for others, and to expect God’s presence to bring transformation. Healing is not a formula; it is a partnership with the Holy Spirit, who moves in ways that often defy our understanding.

The mystery of unanswered prayers or delayed healing can be deeply painful. It can feel like a broken contract, leading to disappointment or even a sense of abandonment. Yet, we are reminded not to let our experience define our theology. God’s promises remain true, even when we do not see immediate results. Psalm 103 assures us that God forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases, and we are invited to hold onto this truth while also embracing the mystery.

It is crucial to approach healing with both faith and compassion. The promises of God are not weapons to wield against those who are suffering, but invitations to hope and perseverance. We must balance the mystery of the “not yet” with the certainty of God’s love and power. Ultimately, healing is about encountering Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whether we are healed instantly, gradually, or are still waiting, we are called to press into God’s presence, to honor the journey, and to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Key Takeaways

- Kingdom healing is a restoration to God’s original design, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wholeness. It is not limited to the miraculous or instantaneous but includes the gradual work of God through various means, including medical care and the loving presence of the Holy Spirit. Every healing is an encounter with divine love, a fulfillment of the promises secured by Jesus’ sacrifice. [03:34]

- The mystery of healing invites us to trust God beyond our understanding. Not every prayer for healing is answered in the way or timing we expect, and this can lead to frustration or disappointment. Yet, the presence of mystery does not negate God’s goodness or His promises; rather, it calls us to deeper faith and humility, recognizing that God’s ways are higher than ours. [21:48]

- Authority to heal is given to every believer through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We are called to step out in faith, pray for others, and expect God to move, even when we feel inadequate or have experienced disappointment in the past. The journey of learning to minister healing is marked by both risk and growth, and as we persist, we often see greater fruitfulness. [11:56]

- Balancing the promises of God with the reality of mystery is essential for a healthy spiritual life. Overemphasizing either can lead to discouragement or legalism; instead, we are invited to hold both together—pressing into God’s promises while honoring the complexity of our experiences. Compassion and love must always guide our approach, ensuring that we never use God’s word to condemn or burden others. [24:41]

- Encountering Jesus is the heart of all healing. Whether or not we see immediate results, the invitation is to draw near to Christ, to receive His love, and to allow His presence to transform us. Healing is ultimately about relationship—being filled with the Spirit, persevering in faith, and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, who remains faithful and powerful in every season. [26:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction to Kingdom Healing
[03:34] - Defining Kingdom Healing
[05:20] - Testimonies and the Role of the NHS
[07:51] - Healing in the Life of Jesus
[10:40] - The Commission to Heal
[11:56] - Authority and the Supernatural
[14:23] - Heidi Baker’s Story: Love and Leprosy
[15:47] - The Mystery of Delayed Healing
[17:47] - The Power of Forgiveness in Healing
[21:48] - Living in the Mystery
[22:57] - Holding onto Hope Amidst Unanswered Prayers
[24:41] - Balancing Mystery and Promise
[25:48] - The Promises of Psalm 103
[26:49] - Encountering Jesus and Ministry Time
[28:11] - Resources and Opportunities for Healing
[31:00] - Prayer for Healing and Faith Activation
[33:28] - Closing and Encouragement

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Kingdom Healing

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### Bible Reading

- Psalm 103:2-5
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

- Matthew 4:23-24
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.”

- Matthew 10:7-8
“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 103, what are some of the benefits that God gives to his people?
2. In Matthew 4:23-24, what kinds of people did Jesus heal, and what does this show about his ministry?
3. What authority did Jesus give to his disciples in Matthew 10:7-8, and what were they commanded to do?
4. The sermon described healing as a “divine heavenly reset to God’s intended original condition.” What does that mean in practical terms? [[03:34]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that healing is not just physical, but also emotional, mental, and spiritual. Why do you think God cares about all these areas of our lives? [[03:34]]
2. The pastor shared stories where healing was instant, delayed, or didn’t seem to happen at all. What does this teach us about the nature of God’s healing and our expectations? [[15:47]]
3. The sermon talks about the “mystery” of healing and the pain of unanswered prayers. How can holding onto God’s promises help us when we don’t see the results we want? [[21:48]]
4. Why is it important to balance faith in God’s promises with compassion for those who are still suffering? [[24:41]]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor mentioned that healing can come through prayer, medical professionals, or the gradual work of the Holy Spirit. Have you experienced or witnessed healing in any of these ways? How did it affect your faith? [[03:34]]
2. When you pray for healing—either for yourself or others—do you find it easy or hard to trust God with the outcome? What helps you keep trusting when you don’t see immediate answers? [[21:48]]
3. The sermon warned against using God’s promises as “weapons” to pressure or condemn people who are suffering. Have you ever felt pressured or discouraged by someone’s approach to healing? How can we make sure our words bring hope and not hurt? [[24:41]]
4. The pastor shared about persisting in prayer even when healing doesn’t come right away (like with his own eyesight). Is there an area in your life where you need to keep pressing in, even though you haven’t seen breakthrough yet? What would it look like to persevere? [[22:57]]
5. Jesus gave his followers authority to pray for healing. Does this idea feel intimidating, exciting, or confusing to you? What might it look like for you to step out and pray for someone’s healing this week? [[11:56]]
6. The heart of healing is encountering Jesus himself. How can you make space in your daily life to draw near to Jesus, regardless of whether you see physical healing? [[26:49]]
7. The sermon talked about honoring the journey and not giving up. Who in your life needs encouragement to keep hoping for healing, and how could you support them this week? [[25:48]]

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Close in prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to bring healing, hope, and deeper trust in Jesus for everyone in the group.

Devotional

Day 1: Kingdom Healing: A Divine Reset to God’s Original Design
Kingdom healing is a divine, heavenly reset to God’s intended original condition for humanity, where there is no sickness, pain, or sorrow. It is an encounter with the love of God that brings restoration to our minds, bodies, and spirits, reflecting the reality of heaven on earth. Healing can be instantaneous or gradual, and it is always rooted in the finished work of Jesus, who suffered and shed His blood so that we might be made whole. No matter where you are in your journey, you are being transformed from glory to glory, and God’s desire is to bring you into greater wholeness. Never judge your worth or God’s love for you by your current condition; instead, trust that you are being renewed and restored by His love and power. [03:34]

Matthew 6:10 (ESV)
"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to experience God’s healing love as a “reset” to His original design, and how can you invite Him into that area today?


Day 2: The Mystery of Healing: Holding Tension Between Promise and Reality
There is a profound mystery in the way healing unfolds in our lives. Sometimes prayers are answered instantly, and sometimes healing seems delayed or even absent, leaving us with questions, disappointment, or frustration. This mystery can feel like a broken contract, but it is important not to let our experiences define our theology or diminish our hope in God’s goodness. Even when healing does not come as expected, we are called to persist in faith, balancing the promises of God with the reality of our circumstances, and refusing to let go of hope or believe lies about ourselves or God. [21:48]

Romans 8:24-25 (ESV)
"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."

Reflection: When you face unanswered prayers or ongoing struggles, what helps you hold onto hope and trust in God’s goodness, even in the mystery?


Day 3: Jesus’ Authority and Our Commission to Heal
Jesus demonstrated the kingdom by healing every disease and sickness, and He gave His disciples authority to do the same. This authority, given by Jesus, is not just for a select few but for all who follow Him, empowering us to pray for the sick, drive out impure spirits, and proclaim the nearness of God’s kingdom. Healing is not about our own power or worthiness, but about the authority and love of Jesus working through us by the Holy Spirit. As we step out in faith, we partner with God to bring His healing to a hurting world, knowing that the same Spirit who was with Jesus is with us today. [11:56]

Matthew 10:7-8 (ESV)
"And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay."

Reflection: Who is one person you can pray for or reach out to with God’s healing love this week, trusting in the authority Jesus has given you?


Day 4: Grasping the Promises: God Heals All Our Diseases
God’s Word is filled with promises of healing and restoration, and we are encouraged to hold onto these promises with all our might. Psalm 103 reminds us that God forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases, redeeming our lives from the pit and crowning us with love and compassion. The totality of God’s benefits is available to us, and we are invited to praise Him and remember His faithfulness, even as we wait for the full manifestation of healing in our lives. Let us not use these promises to condemn ourselves or others, but to draw near to God in love and expectation. [26:49]

Psalm 103:2-4 (ESV)
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy."

Reflection: What is one promise of God regarding healing or restoration that you need to hold onto and declare over your life today?


Day 5: Encountering the Living Jesus: Healing Through His Presence
Healing is ultimately found in an encounter with the living Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His presence brings wholeness, and as we fix our eyes on Him, we open ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Whether healing comes instantly or over time, we are invited to press into God’s presence, receive His love, and allow Him to minister to every part of our being. As we do, we become vessels of His healing to others, carrying His compassion and power into the world around us. [33:28]

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek an encounter with Jesus’ presence today, inviting Him to bring healing and wholeness to your life?

Quotes