Church pastor touched my stomach and declared my chronic diverticulitis "healed"!

[Beth77]

That was Sunday. Today (Monday) I had another attack.

This was my first visit to this church and I went up on stage because I thought that the pastor and others were simply going to pray for me. They did, which I appreciated, but was taken aback when he announced I was healed.

I'm unlikely to return. What denominations teach this stuff?

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

That was Sunday. Today (Monday) I had another attack.

This was my first visit to this church and I went up on stage because I thought that the pastor and others were simply going to pray for me. They did, which I appreciated, but was taken aback when he announced I was healed.

I'm unlikely to return. What denominations teach this stuff?

My question would be: are you healed? I've witnessed healings on stage/in church before .. it does exist. How do you read the book of James?

 

[Beth77]

My question would be: are you healed? I've witnessed healings on stage/in church before .. it does exist. How do you read the book of James?

Am I healed? Nope. I'm worse!

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

Am I healed? Nope. I'm worse!

Well, then report to the pastoral care of the conference - maybe you need more prayer But don't think that God doesn't intervene in this day and age anymore.

 

[Beth77]

Well, then report to the pastoral care of the conference - maybe you need more prayer But don't think that God doesn't intervene in this day and age anymore.

I'm sure he does but in my case it seems he has things for me to experience and learn through my medical issue. That's fine with me. I definitely want my stomach to heal but I welcome the path that God has made for me.

 

[Richard T]

There are lots of ministers that will speak to an issue, or even command a healing or deliverance in the name of Jesus. Some teach everyone can "call things into being what does not yet exist." (Rom 4:17) Also, II Cor 4:13 (niv) It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,

So your pastor was aiming quite high to declare your healing. Unfortunately, it did not work at least instantly. I have seem much of this in my lifetime. Some do receive, so I would not blame the pastor entirely, at least he was trying. The big question is: Are the results up to God, or are the results up to our faith? Certainly any minister can speak the words, but not all ministers and people receiving, believe them. The late Dr. Fred Price wrote a great book on this. Amazon.com
Some have faith, others presume and others are just foolish. Still, I would not reason that it is God's desire to keep your diverticulitis. But use it as a time to learn from God how to get the deep faith to overcome the affliction. Sure you can find a pastor that will agree that perhaps it is a thorn in the flesh or something God wants you to carry. But Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. He went about healing all, except in his home town he healed few because of their lack of faith. One man asked if Jesus if he were willing, another asked him to help his unbelief. Jesus helped them both. Jesus too marveled at the Centurion's faith who said Jesus could just speak the word and it was done. Rather than reject the pastor, why not go to him and let him know you are still suffering? I knew a man in my church, God bless him, that went up front dozens of times for a specific healing. I moved so I do not know what happened with him but I like that he and the pastor kept knocking. You too have a part in believing for a healing. When you are saved you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart. You have to find that belief part. Yes, that you know that God is for you and that he has done it past tense.
I will say too that nearly all the ministers that teach this type of faith will go to a MD if needed. Yes, God too heals and relieves suffering through doctors.
Of course there are critics of this type of teaching but I just thought I might help you understand it better. Typically it is called the word of faith type teaching. Critics may call it the name and claim it, but alert adherents know its limitations, particularly that the faith has to be real, not manufactured. Real faith for anything comes from God and hearing his word. Hope this helps

 

[DragonFox91]

This used to be limited to more Charismatic type churches now it's much more frequent in other denominations as barriers that used to exist between the denominations have come down. It should be rejected. It's false prophets selling miracles to people who want the miracles.

What happpens? People don't get the miracles, think that must mean Christainity is nonsense, so walk away, when they never really had Christianity to begin w/

 

[Beth77]

This used to be limited to more Charismatic type churches now it's much more frequent in other denominations as barriers that used to exist between the denominations have come down. It should be rejected. It's false prophets selling miracles to people who want the miracles.

I agree with you. A prayer is wonderful but declaring one healed is up to God, I believe.

 

[Richard T]

This used to be limited to more Charismatic type churches now it's much more frequent in other denominations as barriers that used to exist between the denominations have come down. It should be rejected. It's false prophets selling miracles to people who want the miracles.

What happpens? People don't get the miracles, think that must mean Christainity is nonsense, so walk away, when they never really had Christianity to begin w/

we should remember too that the disciples tried to cast out devils but were unsuccessful. Were they false prophets for trying? No they just were apostles that lacked faith an had to learn more.

 

[DragonFox91]

we should remember too that the disciples tried to cast out devils but were unsuccessful. Were they false prophets for trying? No they just were apostles that lacked faith an had to learn more.

I don’t think faith is a certain level, or a certain amount of knowledge, you have to achieve to make something happen.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

That was Sunday. Today (Monday) I had another attack.

This was my first visit to this church and I went up on stage because I thought that the pastor and others were simply going to pray for me. They did, which I appreciated, but was taken aback when he announced I was healed.

I'm unlikely to return. What denominations teach this stuff?

Which denominations teach this stuff? It's usually the charismatic ones that do. Instead, I'd suggest you continue seeing your physicians rather than charismatic pastors.

 

[bèlla]

I don’t think faith is a certain level, or a certain amount of knowledge, you have to achieve to make something happen.

If belief in Christ equated to an equal measure of faith we wouldn’t have a spiritual gift bearing the name. There are numerous instances of profound faith in the bible. Well beyond the norm. Some people can hear a word and that’s enough. Some can receive a directive and proceed. But the majority aren’t wired that way.

When the Lord healed me from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia we didn’t have lengthy discussions about my condition. I prayed for healing and stood against the spiritual elements that supported infirmities and accepted His counsel for my diet. One day while mentioning my condition to another He told me not to claim it anymore because I was healed. I didn’t question what He said or ask for proof. I accepted it and went on with my life.

But that isn’t apropos for everyone. Some need additional support or a different approach for resolution. I don’t permit anyone to lay hands or prophesy over me without a word from Him. But that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. The same holds for true for prayer. Yet it isn’t unbiblical to request intercession.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world.

The error at hand isn’t the declaration. It’s a failure to apply the word before placing oneself in that predicament. The initial visit to a church we’re unfamiliar with requires discernment. We should be sifting their words and actions through our spirit and lining it up with scripture before we commit or get involved. The failure to do so isn’t the fault of the one on the stage. Due diligence is our responsibility.

~bella

 

[JustaPewFiller]

Just my 2cents.

First, a bit of my background as to why I have these 2 cents I am about to share.
1. I've suffered from diverticulitis in the past. Including needing to be rushed to the hospital for it. It is very painful and can be quite serious if left untreated.
2. For a time, I attended a Pentecostal church that practiced exactly what you describe. I've seen it many times. I cannot speak for all churches and pastors that practice this. I can only share what I observed and lived through during my time there..

To address one other thing first -
Can God heal your diverticulitis through whatever means He chooses? Yes, of course He can. He could do it through doctors, through a pastor, through prayer, etc or any combo of the above. Will He instantly heal it through a pastor proclaiming it is healed in front of a crowd? Maybe, but I've seen it "claimed" by a pastor or evangelist in person many times, but it have never personally seen it happen with any lasting effect.

Could you go to the pastor?
Yes, you certainly could. However, I will share how that usually went in the church I attended. Those that went to the pastor after a claimed healing didn't work were essentially told it was their fault it didn't work because they didn't have enough faith. They would sometimes even be hinted at that whatever ailment they had was their fault as well. The healing not working certainly could not be God's fault, it certainly could not be the pastor's fault, not the congregation's nor the fault of the way it was done. That just leaves you to be at fault. That was what those that talked to the pastor were told in the church I attended. Be prepared to be told it is your fault. The pastor may (or may not) offer to do another healing service.

As I said, I am not saying it cannot work. It can. I've just never seen it happen as spontaneously and instantly as they wanted it. I certainly HAVE seen prayer in combination with medical care bring about healing in cases where it was though it there was no hope.
However, the church and pastor I attended always wanted what I would call "BIG miracles" such as spontaneous miraculous, on the spot, 100% healing rather than prayer + doctors type of healing. Honestly, they seemed to look down their noses a little at those that went to doctors even though they claimed not too. It was an odd thing, on one hand they claimed to believe that God used doctors. On the other hand, you were kind of looked down on if you went to one because that obviously meant your faith wasn't strong enough or you were not "good enough". In all honestly, it eventually got to feeling very toxic.

My advice, diverticulitis is a serious condition and can turn into something requiring hospitalization and surgery and can be potentially life threatening if left untreated. Go see your doctor, ask for prayer and if you go to the pastor and it goes like I said it did in the church I attended, then find another church.

 

[bèlla]

However, the church and pastor I attended always wanted what I would call "BIG miracles" such as spontaneous miraculous, on the spot, 100% healing rather than prayer + doctors type of healing. Honestly, they seemed to look down their noses a little at those that went to doctors even though they claimed not too. It was an odd thing, on one hand they claimed to believe that God used doctors. On the other hand, you were kind of looked down on if you went to one because that obviously meant your faith wasn't strong enough or you were not "good enough". In all honestly, it eventually got to feeling very toxic.

I’m sorry that was your experience and glad to hear you’ve remained under their care. You can seek alternative remedies from the Lord but exercise wisdom as you have. There are reasons the Lord may have us work with a doctor which might be for the benefit of for others more than ourselves.

I had an injury that flared during the pandemic and sent me to the emergency room. In addition to the problem I was dealing with there was the threat of covid as well but He had a plan. Going through the e.r. allowed me to jump the line with a specialist and He had someone in place who was a believer and a neurologist. The medicine wasn’t successful and the treatment didn’t help. They were going to do something more invasive and when I arrived for the procedure I was fine.

I was on the table and prepped for the process and my physician asked how I felt and I responded okay. Then she asked, how’s your pain and I said I’m not hurting and she looked at me in shock and everyone grew quiet. She recounted the treatment and its lack of success and said now you’re okay and I told her yes. She knelt down beside me and looked me in the eye and said that’s a miracle. Out of the thousands performed everyday less than 3% report the same.

She stopped the procedure and refused to perform it and helped me sit up. I looked at the people around me and everyone was in awe and understanding followed. I wasn’t there for me. I was there for someone to bear witness to what occurred. We went back to her office and spoke at length. She affirmed her unwillingness to do the procedure even if the pain returned and said miracles can happen more than once. I was amazed at her faith and deeply touched. The Lord showed up for both of us.

That was a unique experience but my other healings have come through prayer and I think that’s the norm. When you go outside of a physician’s care you need other things in place. I employ alternative treatments and draw from eastern and western medicine. But I’m not dealing with serious problems nor would I recommend others follow suit. I think balance is important and working with professionals is best.

In spite of what you’ve heard elsewhere you’re fine. Stay the course and trust the process. May the Lord relieve your suffering and restore you inside and out. God bless.

~bella

 

[com7fy8]

You can make sure with God. No guessing about pastors or doctors you don't even know. God knows. Do what He has you doing.

 

[com7fy8]

"'But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.'" (Matthew 6:33)

This is guaranteed. How does this apply to needed healing? Put God first and find out. You will be satisfied.

But I have helped myself to get hurt and sick; so, I have needed correction to be obedient to God, and in this process I have found ways to do better, medically.

 

[com7fy8]

I would say, don't waste your time trying to judge if a pastor is a healing fraud or not. But do evaluate if the pastor and others in your church are mature examples who help you to get real correction and to grow in Jesus and how God's word says to relate in close relationships and with problem people.

 

[lismore]

This used to be limited to more Charismatic type churches now it's much more frequent in other denominations as barriers that used to exist between the denominations have come down. It should be rejected. It's false prophets selling miracles to people who want the miracles.

Hello. I believe God does heal today and also does speak today. However I think the elephant in the room is that sadly in many churches it's a free for all, all sorts of people have jumped on the bandwagon and are doing their thing because false prophets, charlatans and deceivers are never held to account or reined in according to biblical standards. To rein them in will be to invite persecution from deluded Christians, but it must be done because otherwise evildoers in the church are going to get worse and worse, as the bible says:

2 Timothy 2:12-13 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Like weeds in a garden, allowing the false prophets to flourish only makes it harder to find the genuine plants.

God Bless All

 

[Richard T]

I don’t think faith is a certain level, or a certain amount of knowledge, you have to achieve to make something happen.

Ok, but what is the difference? If we were to research what it takes for a successful healing are their some common things we could point to? My variables would still be faith, the amount of prayer and fasting, the gifts of the one praying, and possible some hindrances like unforgiveness, or unconfessed sin. God himself could be a variable but is he a respecter of persons?
Some illnesses too arrive because we failed to do the practical. Like a believer that smokes or has other poor habits that can worsen our health.
I suppose if all it took was to speak to the healing, why did Paul not do that to Epaphroditus or Timothy? I still like though that the pastor tried. My attitude is the same as Naaman's servant. What have you got to lose? Some might suggest that failure breeds mistrust. I would say yes to that if it was not attempted with compassion and understanding. Ministers too need feedback. If they consistently fail, then they need to examine why. For some they do it to grandstand or even draw a crowd or more money. Sad but yes, there are some like that.

 

[Beth77]

Which denominations teach this stuff? It's usually the charismatic ones that do. Instead, I'd suggest you continue seeing your physicians rather than charismatic pastors.

They were a non-denominational. I only went after being invited by a friend. It was really good except that I was expecting a prayer for healing, not a declaration that I was healed.