SI VIS PACEM, PARA BELLUM: IF YOU WANT PEACE, PREPARE FOR WAR

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HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR HEALING: WALKING IN GOD’S PROMISE OF HEALTH

Healing is not a matter of chance—it is a divine promise and a divine right. Yet, many believers struggle with how to receive and walk in the healing that Jesus has already secured for them. Does God still heal today? If so, why do some remain sick? The key lies in understanding, believing, and actively enforcing His Word.

The Latin phrase “Si vis pacem, para bellum” means If you want peace, prepare for war.” This principle is highly relevant to receiving and enforcing healing. God has promised us certain “territory,” terrirtory which the devil still seeks to control.

Spiritual warfare is a reality, and passivity does not bring victory. If we want to walk in divine health, we must prepare to fight for what is ours—not against God, but against everything that opposes His will. Healing is a covenant promise, but it must be enforced through faith, persistence, and resistance against the enemy.

And this is where it becomes tricky, because the enemy will whisper the same insidious question he used in the Garden: “Has God really said…?” (Genesis 3:1).

He won’t outright deny God’s promises; instead, he will sow doubt, subtly twisting the truth to make you question whether healing truly belongs to you. “Maybe God heals some, but not all… Maybe this sickness is part of His mysterious plan… Maybe I just have to accept it.”

But the moment you entertain these lies, you weaken your stance. This is why Ephesians 6 tells us to stand firm with the shield of faith, extinguishing every fiery dart of deception (Ephesians 6:16). The Word of God is not up for debate—it is a sword (Hebrews 4:12), and we must wield it with authority.

Jesus answered Satan’s temptations with, “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4). Will you do the same? When the enemy questions God’s promise of healing, will you allow doubt to take root, or will you boldly declare the truth and enforce what has already been given?

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Like a soldier preparing for battle, we must equip ourselves with God’s Word, align our faith with His promises, and refuse to surrender to sickness. Victory is not given to the passive—it belongs to those who stand firm, resist the enemy (James 4:7), and fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).

HEALING IS NOT A GAMBLE: CLAIMING YOUR COVENANT RIGHT IN CHRIST

Christianity is not a lottery system where some get healed and others don’t, as if God were randomly selecting recipients of His promises. Healing is not a gamble—it is a covenant right.

2 Corinthians 1:20 makes this abundantly clear:

“For all the promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ [to us] in Christ. And so through him, the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

God is not withholding healing, nor is He handing it out selectively. Every promise in Christ has already been given a resounding ‘YES.’ The question is, will we respond with our ‘AMEN’—our agreement and active participation? A legal judgment has been issued by the highest court—the court of heaven—that declares healing belongs to us. However, no matter how legally binding a decision may be, it still requires enforcement by someone for it to be effective.

We are not beggars waiting for a few crumbs of healing to fall from the Master’s table, like Lazarus, who “longed to eat the crumbs [scraps] that fell from the rich man’s table” (Luke 16:21). Jesus didn’t call us to live off scraps—He called us to sit at the table as sons and daughters (Psalm 23).

Jesus made it clear that healing is a fundamental part of the inheritance for His followers. In Matthew 15:26, He says,

“It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

Here, Jesus refers to healing as the “bread of the children,” meaning it is a basic provision for those who belong to God’s family. Just as bread is a staple of physical nourishment, healing is a staple of spiritual nourishment. It is not something we beg for or hope to receive; it is a promise from God that belongs to His children. Healing is part of the abundant life Jesus came to give, and as His heirs, we are entitled to it. Jesus’ words affirm that healing is not a luxury, but a rightful inheritance for all who belong to Him.

Healing is not a scarce resource—it is part of the abundant life Jesus secured. We don’t wait for it; we take hold of it. Just as salvation is freely given but must be received, so must healing be actively enforced in our lives. God has already said ‘YES.’ The only question that remains is: will you contend for it?

The most crucial truth to establish when enforcing your covenant rights—including healing—is this: we are not trying to obtain healing; we are enforcing the healing that is already rightfully ours.

If you’re waiting for healing to just “happen,” you will be waiting in vain. Healing is part of the covenant package God has provided, but it requires active participation. Let’s explore how you can step into divine health and receive the full benefits of God’s promises.

You have a duty when it comes to taking possession of the “land” God has promised you—the land defined by the covenant promsies of God. His provision is assured, but it must be actively claimed. As Joshua 1:3 declares:

“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.”

Yet, despite the promise, Joshua later had to challenge the Israelites in Joshua 18:3:

“How long will you wait before you take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you?”

The land was already theirs by divine decree, but without action—without stepping in and taking possession—it would remain unclaimed. Likewise, healing has been secured through Christ, but it is up to us to walk in it, contend for it, and refuse to let it remain unclaimed.

1. SETTLE THE QUESTION: IS HEALING GOD’S WILL?

The first barrier to receiving healing is uncertainty. Many wonder, “Is it really God’s will to heal me?” The answer is a resounding YES.

  • Psalm 103:3“He forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
  • 3 John 2“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
  • 1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

Jesus healed all who came to Him (Matthew 8:16-17, Acts 10:38), and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). God’s will is revealed in heaven—where sickness does not exist. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), which means divine health is God’s plan for you since there is not sickness, brokeness, suffering or lack in heaven.

2. RECOGNISE THE SOURCE OF SICKNESS

Sickness is not from God—it is an enemy.

  • Acts 10:38“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him.”

Jesus never put sickness on anyone; He healed them. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but Jesus came to bring life and wholeness. When we tolerate sickness, we unknowingly accept something that Jesus came to destroy.

3. THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS IN RECEIVING HEALING

Forgiveness is not optional when it comes to receiving healing—it is a foundational requirement. Jesus made this clear in Mark 11:25:

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Unforgiveness is a spiritual blockage that hinders the flow of God’s power. Holding onto bitterness, resentment, or guilt keeps us bound, both spiritually and physically. Studies even show that unforgiveness can contribute to stress-related illnesses, proving that what happens in our hearts affects our bodies.

But forgiveness isn’t just about others—it’s also about forgiving yourself. Many struggle with guilt and self-condemnation, feeling unworthy of God’s healing. Yet, 1 John 1:9 assures us:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

When we let go of offense—toward others and ourselves—we remove the barriers that stand between us and the full manifestation of God’s promises. Healing flows in an atmosphere of grace, not bitterness. Will you choose to release and receive today?

The Bible makes it clear that not walking in love (i.e. unforgiveness) can have serious consequences, even leading to sickness, weakness, and death. In 1 Corinthians 11:29-30, Paul addresses the issue of partaking of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner, saying:

“For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.”

This passage reveals the powerful connection between our spiritual health and our actions, particularly in how we relate to others in love. When we fail to walk in love, particularly in our relationships with fellow believers, it can open the door for the enemy to bring sickness, weakness, and even death into our lives. Love is the foundation of our faith, and when we fail to live in love, we not only harm others but also expose ourselves to spiritual and physical consequences. Walking in love is a vital part of living in God’s will and experiencing His abundant life.

4. BUILD YOUR FAITH THROUGH GOD’S WORD

Faith is essential to receiving healing.

  • Romans 10:17“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

If you want to receive healing, immerse yourself in Scriptures on healing. Meditate on them daily. The more God’s truth fills your heart, the less room there is for doubt. It is the word in your heart that propels us to our victory.

Here are the verses you’re referring to:

  1. Matthew 9:29 (NIV)“Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you.’”
    This verse highlights the power of personal faith in receiving healing and blessings from God.
  2. Mark 5:34 (NIV)“He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’”
    Jesus acknowledges the woman’s faith as the key to her healing, underscoring the transformative power of belief.
  3. Matthew 13:58 (NIV)“And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.”
    This passage speaks to the limitations that unbelief can place on God’s work in our lives.

Fortunately, fuelling faith is something within our power, and more, it is a duty. Faith is not a passive state; it’s something we cultivate through meditating on the promises and prayer.

Abiding in the Word is more than just reading Scripture—it’s a continual, intimate connection with God’s truth. In John 15:7, Jesus says,

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

This highlights the power of staying rooted in His Word. Abiding means letting His Word dwell deeply in our hearts, shaping our desires, thoughts, and actions.

When we meditate on the Word, we allow it to transform our minds and align us with God’s will. It’s not just about knowledge, but about relationship. As we immerse ourselves in His Word, we draw closer to Him, and His life flows into us. Through this process, we become more attuned to His voice, more receptive to His guidance, and more empowered to bear fruit in every area of our lives.

5. SPEAK LIFE OVER YOUR BODY

The power of life and death is in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). What you speak impacts your reality. If you constantly say, “I’m always sick,” you are aligning your words with sickness rather than God’s healing power.

  • Mark 11:23“Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says.”

Some individuals curse the fig tree of their lives, yet are perplexed as to why their vitality seems to wither away (Matthew 21:18-22).

Begin by declaring God’s truth over your body:

“By His stripes, I am healed!” (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24), The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead gives life to my body!” (Romans 8:11). Praise God, I am healthy, whole and healed. Nothing is missing and nothing is broken.

6. RESIST THE DEVIL AND TAKE AUTHORITY OVER SICKNESS

Healing is not automatic because there is opposition. The enemy will try to steal what belongs to you (John 10:10), but resisting him is part of the process.

  • James 4:7“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
  • 1 Peter 5:8-9“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”

Resist sickness the same way you would resist sinwith God’s Word and unwavering faith.

Say with authority, “Sickness, I command you to leave my body now, in the name of Jesus. It is written, ‘By His wounds, I have been healed.’ I stand on this truth, knowing that through His sacrifice, I have already received healing. No illness or ailment has the right to remain. I speak to my body and declare that it aligns with the healing power of Christ. I choose to walk in the fullness of health and wholeness that He purchased for me on the cross.”

YOU SAY SEED, I SAY FOREST

In the wilderness, the Israelites despised the manna that God provided because they did not understand what they were looking at. When we complain about the spiritual food—God’s words and promises—He has given us to sustain us we make the same mistake.

Despite being a miraculous provision, they longed for the comforts of Egypt, rejecting God’s goodness. In other words, they were so distracted by the material provisions of Egypt that they could not perceive the divine provision of God, which represented the kingdom of God and the spiritual realm. In Deuteronomy 8:3, God reminds them:

“Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

This verse teaches us that physical nourishment is not enough for true life; it is God’s Word that sustains us. Just as the manna was meant to provide for their physical needs, God’s Word is the true sustenance for our souls, offering life, direction, and fulfillment. We must not despise the spiritual nourishment He offers, but embrace it as the key to our growth, well-being and experiencing the covenant benefits which include health, preservation and healing.

The key to salvation—encompassing healing, wholeness, and preservation—lies in cultivating and guarding the seeds that are planted in our hearts. As Genesis 2:15 highlights, we are called to tend to what has been entrusted to us. The enemy’s primary strategy is to steal the Word from our hearts, preventing us from believing and, ultimately, experiencing the fullness of salvation.

In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Paul speaks of the partnership between our efforts and God’s work in bringing about growth:

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”

This verse highlights the process of planting, cultivating, and protecting the seeds of faith and promises that God has given us. While we are called to take action—planting seeds, cultivating them, and guarding them—ultimately, it is God who causes them to grow and brings the increase. We participate in the process, but it is His power that brings about transformation and fruitfulness. Our responsibility is to remain faithful in our role, trusting that as we plant and nurture, God will make it grow in His perfect time.

The devil works tirelessly to rob us of the promises of God, knowing that if we allow His Word to take root, it will lead to transformation and victory. By stealing the seed, he aso steals the harvest, and harvest always begins with a seed. When we protect and cultivate the Word within us, it grows into full dominion, empowering us to experience the full effect of salvation. Salvation, in its full biblical sense, is captured by the Greek words for salvation is sozo, soteria, and soter.

  • Sozo refers to being saved, healed, delivered and made whole—complete restoration.
  • Soteria denotes the deliverance or rescue from harm, often tied to eternal salvation.
  • Soter refers to the Saviour, the One who brings this salvation.

By nurturing and guarding God’s Word in our hearts, we are positioned to experience the fullness of sozo—spiritual, emotional, and physical restoration—through the power of Christ. This cultivated Word will not only preserve us but will empower us to live in the abundant life that He promised.

7. WIELD THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT: THE POWER OF DECLARATION & PRAISE

Many believers view healing as something to wait for, rather than something they are empowered to enforce. Yet, God has granted us a mighty weapon—the Word of God—to declare His will over our lives and execute His judgment against sickness and every force that opposes His purposes.

The Word of God is not merely a dusty history book; it is a living, active legal document that outlines the rights, privileges, and duties of believers. It serves as the divine constitution for God’s kingdom, detailing what belongs to us as His children and what we are called to do in response. Through Scripture, God has established our inheritance, granting us access to His promises, including healing, provision, and salvation. It also defines our responsibilities to live in alignment with His will, to enforce His justice, and to advance His kingdom on earth. Just as a legal document has authority in the natural realm, the Word of God carries eternal authority, and when we understand it as such, we begin to live with the confidence and power of those who know their rights in Christ.

In Psalm 149:6-9, we are reminded of the power of praise and declaration and our duty to wield these mighty weapons:

“May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them—thishonour has all His faithful people.

[So get on with it, and…] Praise the Lord.”


At first glance, this passage may seem to speak of executing judgment in a worldly context, but in light of the New Covenant, we understand that our battle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12) but very real spiritual forces that are determines to undermine and subvert us. We are called to bind the works of the enemy—whether sickness, oppression, or fearby wielding God’s Word as a weapon. The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is a powerful tool for enforcing God’s justice and His divine will on earth.

Stop putting up with so much nonsense. Remember, there is no peace without war, so get into the fight!

THE PWOER OF PRAISE

Praise plays a vital role in this spiritual battle. As Psalm 8:2 declares,

“Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”

and,

“But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3)

If you want God to reign in a situation, praise Him. If you want the enemy to have dominion, then complain. It really is that simple.

Praise, when spoken in faith, becomes a force that invokes God’s presence and enthrones Him in our lives. It shifts our focus from earthly (temporary) circumstances to the (eternal) reality of heaven (on earth), aligning our hearts with His will. As we lift up praise, we not only honour God but activate His power to silence the enemy, bind the forces of darkness, and enforce His victory. Praise establishes a stronghold of protection, shielding us from the attacks of the enemy, and declaring God’s sovereignty over our lives.

In Job 41:34, we are reminded that only God Himself can bring His sword close to Leviathan, a symbol of the forces of chaos and evil:

“He looks down on all that are haughty; he is king over all that are proud.”

The very definition of pride is, going it alone! Just as only God can wield the sword against Leviathan, when we speak His Word, we are invoking God Himself to act on our behalf. By declaring His promises, we call upon His authority, inviting Him to fight for us and defeat the works of darkness.

ALIGNING EARTH WITH HEAVEN

The power of declaration lies in the fact that when we speak God’s Word, we invite His presence, power, and authority into our circumstances. We \re not merely quoting scripture—we are invoking the living God to move in our lives. As we declare His promises and wield the sword of the Spirit, we align our earthly reality with the truth of His heavenly kingdom, bringing His victory into every situation. This is the essence of sozo—the healing, wholeness, and preservation God promises to His people. By protecting and cultivating the Word within us, we step into the fullness of salvation, allowing God to establish His dominion over our lives and situations.

8. FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE (PATIENCE) LEADS TO VICTORY

How This Relates to Healing

When sickness attacks, we don’t just pray hoping God will heal—we rise up and enforce His promise, just as a soldier enforces a legal decree by a judge.

  • Bind sickness the way Psalm 149 describes binding kings and nobles by spekaing the legal decrees of God (ie. promises) and praising God for that we are already saved.
  • Speak God’s judgment over disease—it was condemned at the cross (Isaiah 53:5).
  • Declare healing with authority, wielding the Word like a sword against every lie of the enemy.

“These are the nations the Lord left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan… He did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience.” (Judges 3:1-2)

The Holy Spirit is our ultimate teacher, guiding us into all truth and leading us to freedom. As John 14:26 tells us,

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

This truth is liberating—freedom is found not in our own understanding, but in being led by the Spirit into the fullness of God’s will.

Therefore, we must remain open to the leading of the Lord in every area of our lives. Whether through Scripture, prayer, or the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we should be receptive to His guidance. As we stay open to His input, He will direct our steps, reveal deeper truths, and set us free from anything that holds us back. The more we yield to His voice, the more we align ourselves with the truth that transforms and empowers us to live in victory.

Christianity is, after all, not some passive spectator sport. When you chose to follow Christ, you signed up to be part of the great clash between darkness and light. The sooner we accept this reality and begin to actively cooperate with God’s will, the sooner we will begin to see our circumstances reflect heaven on earth, just as God intended. We are not called to passively wait for change; we are empowered to actively engage in spiritual warfare, standing firm in His promises and declaring His Word. Through this partnership with God, we bring His kingdom into our lives and the world around us.

This is not passive faith—it is spiritual warfare. Healing is our inheritance, and we must fight for it using the Word of God and above all trust the process.

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER

Father,

I take up the sword of the Spirit, the living and active Word of God. I refuse to be passive in the face of sickness. Your Word declares that Jesus bore my sickness and carried my pain, and by His stripes, I am healed. I enforce Your promises over my life, binding every attack of the enemy. Strengthen me to stand firm in faith, to declare Your Word boldly, and to walk in the full inheritance of divine health.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

  1. Are you actively declaring God’s Word over your body, or are you passively waiting for healing?
  2. How does understanding Psalm 149:6-9 change the way you see spiritual warfare and healing?
  3. Have you been wielding the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—as a weapon against sickness?
  4. What scriptures can you begin declaring daily to enforce God’s promise of healing?
  5. How does knowing that healing is a legal right in Christ affect your faith and prayer life?

NOTA BENE

To ensure clarity and avoid any confusion, I must state that I am not a licensed medical professional, and the content provided here is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns. Smile Jesus’ loves you :)

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