This passage of Scripture is a beautiful picture of why it is important to seek the Lord for our healing. Here, when Jesus arrives at Simon Peter’s house, those present appeal to Him to help Peter’s mother-in-law, who is ill. The Master doesn’t waste any time. He rebukes the woman’s fever, driving it out of her body. “Immediately,” she rises and begins “to serve them.”

This is a powerful example of one reason why God wants us healthy and whole. It’s so that we can better serve others. When you take this principle seriously, and apply it to your own life, it will forever change the way you think about your health and well-being. Peter’s mother-in-law had it in her heart to serve those who came to her house. But with a high fever and illness in her body, she was helpless to do anything for herself or anyone else. Get a hold of this today: You’re not just asking to be healed for your own sake – you’re asking to be healed for the sake of others, too.

For most of my life, it never occurred to me that I could actively resist sickness and disease. I just passively accepted it, because I didn’t know that I had any choice in the matter. But since God has taught me through His Word that I have authority in Jesus’ name to resist illness – through prayer, and commanding it to leave my body – I seek the Lord’s help on the basis of His promises, and I trust Him to come to my rescue.

Today, I urge you to believe with all your heart that God wants you healthy and whole. If you don’t, Satan will do his best to make sure that you never get your healing. Use your faith to believe God for good things. For “impossible” things. For things that will bring Him glory – and that includes you not settling for less than His best in the area of your health and well-being. Dare to believe that God wants you well, and watch what He will do in you and through you so that you can joyfully serve others in His name!

Prayer: Lord, give me a fresh revelation of how much You want me to be well and whole in my spirit, soul, and body all the rest of my days. Lead me along Your perfect pathway of healing and wholeness, and help me to follow You closely, and to cooperate with You fully all the way. Thank You for Your promise to satisfy me with a long life, and to show me Your salvation – even where my healing needs are concerned! (Psalm 91:16)