In the above passage, though King Hezekiah was on his deathbed and had already been told by the prophet Isaiah that he would not recover, he pleads with the Lord to deliver him. Many of us would have just accepted the bad report we had received, yet this man of faith sought God's mercy and power in his darkest hour. God not only healed him, but He increased his life another fifteen years as well. I believe that God is using Hezekiah as an example here to show us how essential prayer is when we are in need of healing. I also believe the Lord is illustrating how He sometimes uses practical remedies in the healing process. Notice that the prophet Isaiah prescribed a fig poultice for the king, no doubt at God's direction. God did the healing, but He used a simple treatment to bring about recovery. I believe that God can anoint an herb, vitamin, or medicine to promote healing. And He can use doctors to prescribe beneficial remedies, just as He used Isaiah here.

Second Chronicles 16:12-13 records that King Asa "was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians." The next verse reveals that Asa died from this affliction. This is a very clear warning to all of us. If we choose to depend on doctors and remedies apart from seeking God, we could be risking our health, or even our lives. Another lesson Scripture teaches us about healing is that it can be a gradual process. In Mark 8:22-26, Jesus lays hands on a blind man twice before his sight is completely restored. While I do believe in instantaneous healings, I believe that most healings take time. And just like Jesus used various methods to heal, God may use one way to heal you, and another to heal someone else, even though you both have the same ailment. The next time you're ill, turn to God first for help. Ask Him for His wisdom, according to His promise in James 1:5. Search out God's many promises of healing in the Scriptures--pray and stand on them. My prayer is that when you do, you'll soon be able to declare, "O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me"! (Psalm 30:2)

Prayer: Lord, when illness threatens, send Your Word and heal me. (Psalm 107:20) Show me when I should see a doctor and who it should be, and give them Your wisdom and skill. Spare me from all unnecessary and unpleasant tests and treatments. Reveal to me what supplements or medicines would help, and anoint them for my use. Teach me how to walk in health and wholeness. Thank You that You have promised to be my Healer! (Exodus 15:26)