Psalm 147:3 tells us that God “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” In the Bible, miraculous healings abound. They speak to us today as wondrous spiritual lessons in the restorative power of faith. Here are just a few powerful anecdotes that show how God can heal our bodies and our hearts.
The Widow’s Son (1 Kings 17:10–24)
God led Elijah to the home of a widow and her son who kindly gave him the last of their food. Shortly after, the widow’s son grew ill and stopped breathing. She was angry and confused. Why would God take her son after she had helped his prophet? Her fear was short lived. Elijah prayed for the son, and the boy began to breathe again. “Now I know that you are a man of God,” the widow said to Elijah, “and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.” Even amid doubt, there was healing.
The Leaping Man (Acts 3)
The apostles John and Peter came across a man who was unable to walk. Peter called on the power of Jesus to heal the man and helped him to his feet. Suddenly, the man leapt up and began dancing around, praising God. Those who saw him “were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened.” This miraculous healing touched not only the man himself but the hearts of the people who witnessed it.
A Man Named Lazarus (John 11:1–44)
When Jesus and his disciples learned that Lazarus was dead, they went to where he was buried. Jesus instructed Lazarus’s sisters to remove the stone of his tomb, but no one there believed that Lazarus would be alive. “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” Jesus said. They removed the stone and Lazarus walked out. God’s promise was fulfilled.
Naaman The Soldier (2 Kings 5)
Naaman, a soldier who had leprosy, went to the prophet Elisha for healing. When Elisha sent a messenger instructing Naaman to bathe in the Jordan River seven times, Naaman considered the request ridiculous. Naaman’s servants implored him to listen, stating, “If the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it?” Naaman obeyed the divine message, even though it did not make sense to him. He bathed in the river and was cured.
The Sick Woman (Matthew 9:20-22)
As Jesus walked by, a woman who had been sick for 12 years reached out to touch the hem of his cloak. Could simply being near Jesus finally bring her healing? Jesus turned to her and said, “Take heart, daughter. Your faith has healed you.”The woman had her long awaited answer.
