We hear the phrase oft repeated throughout the New Testament. Sometimes it is applied to the person being healed or helped. At other times, as in the case of the paralytic borne of four, it is applied to the helper (Mark 2:5). Though not using the exact phrase, the Apostle Paul applied the principle in Acts 14:8–10 in healing the crippled man at Lystra.

We are reminded in Hebrews 11:6 that "without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (NIV). And the emphasis is given again, "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven" (James 5:15 NIV).

I am a personal witness to the importance of attitude and faith in the healing process. It prompted my oncologist to say to me, "I am not worried about you. Whatever the outcome of the treatment, you will not second-guess your decision. You possess a special confidence." I think he meant faith.

But is God limited to the amount of faith a person possesses in order to heal? I read with interest the story of the man by the pool of Bethesda who had an infirmity for 38 years (John 5:2–9 NIV). When Jesus asked him if he wanted to be made whole, he launched into a tirade of complaints about the lack of help available to him. I find it very significant that Jesus' only response was, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." Of course the voice that had commanded "Let there be light" and "Lazarus come forth" brought the immediate result of the man being healed.

Did this man have enough faith to be healed? He certainly had not exhibited any faith in Jesus, though he apparently had faith in the troubled waters of the pool. Jesus healed him anyway. I have to believe that faith is a definite advantage to divine healing, but God, in His divine wisdom, can intercede wherever He finds a need.

I was called to the hospital bedside of a dying member of my church several years ago. The family was assembled around her bed. A nurse pricked her legs and feet with a pin, and no response. I offered a pastoral prayer and asked God for a miracle of healing, making sure to include the face-saving "not my will, but Thine be done." The dear saint sat up in the bed, swung her feet over the edge and asked for her clothing so that she might go home.

Believe me, this preacher was maybe the most astonished person in the room. She lived many more years. Was it her faith, or did the Lord act to increase the faith of His servant? It really doesn't matter because He did act.

I am still convinced that doctors treat and God heals. That is why it is such a privilege for the employees of Adventist Midwest Health hospitals to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Please pray for them—the administrators, doctors, nurses, technicians and staff. It just might be that when He sees their faith He will act.