Faith First, Healing Second

Divine healing is always the will of God for every person, everywhere. However, in order to receive it, we must understand something of importance. Healing doesn’t just randomly drop out of the sky.

There is a system of divine order with which we receive from God. If we’re going to receive healing, it is essential to know how this system works. As I was praying one day, these four words came to me repeatedly. I believe these four words are critical for anyone who desires to receive divine healing.

The words I heard were, FAITH FIRST, HEALING SECOND.

You might be wondering, “What exactly does that mean?” FAITH FIRST is the starting point for everything that happens in God’s kingdom. Faith toward God is actually a foundational doctrine of the Church.

Hebrews 6:1 says,

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.

It’s amazing how few churches teach on the subject of faith, especially considering how important it is to have faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

When we look at some of the healings in Jesus’ ministry, we see that Jesus made it clear that it was the faith of the individual that caused them to receive healing.

Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”

And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”

The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” 

Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

Matthew 8:5-11, 13 NKJV

We see from this account that the centurion had faith. We also see God’s order: FAITH FIRST, HEALING SECOND! We also see that Jesus marveled at the centurion’s great faith. There are only two things the Bible says Jesus marveled at: faith and unbelief. We want to be sure He is marveling at our faith as well!

Let’s look at another account in Mark chapter two. Four men showed up to one of Jesus’ meetings carrying a paralytic. Because of the crowd, they couldn’t get near Jesus. So, they went up on the roof, made a hole, and lowered the paralytic down before Him.

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”

And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’?  But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” — He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Mark 2:5-12 NKJV

Verse five tells us that Jesus saw their faith. How can faith be seen? Faith is always accompanied by action. James 2:20 tells us that faith without corresponding actions is dead.

Again we see God’s order in this story: FAITH FIRST, HEALING SECOND!

Mark chapter five tells the account of the woman with an issue of blood. In verse 34, Jesus told her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”

Many have heard the story of blind Bartimaeus. He heard that Jesus was walking nearby and began to cry out to Him, asking Him to have mercy on him.

So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Luke 18:40-43 NKJV

Jesus told both of these individuals that their faith made them well.

And again we see God’s order: FAITH FIRST, HEALING SECOND!

Since faith is absolutely vital for us to receive our healing, we must know what biblical faith is. The following is my favorite version:

NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Hebrews 11:1 AMPC

Faith perceives as real fact what is not revealed to the senses. That means faith believes before it sees. In every account we looked at, the individual believed first, before he received healing.

God’s system of order has not changed. We, too, must believe we receive our healing first, and then we will have it. This is exactly what Jesus taught us in Mark chapter eleven.

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Mark 11:24 NKJV

FAITH FIRST, HEALING SECOND is God’s order and there are no shortcuts. The next time you find yourself waiting to believe until after you feel better, remember this scriptural truth. We receive from God after we show Him we believe His Word!

If you're in the Aurora/Naperville area and are looking for a church that teaches the uncompromising Word of God, we invite you to visit Abundant Life Family Church. As a Word and Spirit church, we are committed to helping believers grow in faith, experience the power of God, and walk in His promises. Our services are filled with dynamic worship, Bible-based teaching, and an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit moves. Whether you’re searching for a church home or seeking a deeper relationship with God, we welcome you to join us and be part of a thriving community of faith!