The Day After a Miracle

by Benny Hinn

Preface

A frail-looking woman, seated in a wheel chair, sat motionless in the crowded auditorium. With eyes closed, her lips offered a silent prayer. She had come for a miracle. As she lifted her hands in worship she seemed unaware of the crowd around her which sang in unison, lifting songs of praise to the Lord. The atmosphere became charged with God's presence—almost electrified—as the people continued in worship. Miracles began to happen everywhere!

The quiet, prayerful expression on her face was abruptly replaced by a wide-eyed look of surprise and excitement. She began to move one leg, then the other—faster and faster. Suddenly she stood to her feet as strength surged through her legs. She had never felt this way before. Her face was aglow with God's presence.

Tears of joy flowed down her smiling face as she took one step, then another, and another ... each step more decided than the one before. She walked faster and faster, hands upraised, shouting, "I've been healed! I can walk!"

Introduction

Is the battle over, once a miracle takes place? Or has the battle just begun?

What happens "the day after a miracle"? Have you ever thought about what occurs after someone has been healed?

Imagine what it would be like to experience God's healing power from a terminal disease like cancer. To suddenly be free from tormenting pain and weakness—to realize you will live and not die.

What would it be like to know instantaneous freedom from a wheelchair after being held captive by its grip for years?

What feeling—what emotion—would rush through your being if after a lifetime of deafness, you suddenly heard thousands of voices lifting praises to our wonderful Lord by singing the inspiring lyrics and majestic melody of "How Great Thou Art"?

What ecstasy must overwhelm an individual whose blinded eyes suddenly receive sight and look into the face of a loved one for the first time!

Many believe that the only battle ground to be conquered is the time which precedes a miracle. Is the battle over, once the miracle occurs? Or has it just begun?

Are there on-going opportunities for victory or defeat the day after a miracle? Is it possible for someone who has been freed from the bondage of sickness or physical impairment to become ensnared again? Can a glorious miracle to be lost?

1

The Day After a Miracle

Day No. 1

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (Ill John 2).

Throughout the Word of God we find promises for our healing and health. It is God's will for us to be well, to enjoy health and life in its fullness. Only when we know and understand God's promises can we apply and appropriate them.

Just as healing is received by faith, so also is healing kept by faith. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) If you have received a miracle from our wonderful Lord and have experienced the ecstasy which His healing touch brings, read on because there are some things which you must know.

It is very important to understand how to receive a miracle, but even more important to know how to hold on to that miracle and enjoy the divine health each day which God intends for His children. I have seen many individuals who have been miraculously healed from terminal disease live every day thereafter in health. But I have also witnessed the tragedy of some who have allowed their miracle to be stolen, simply because they did not know how to hold on to that miracle.

I'm sure that you have known someone—or perhaps even had the experience yourself—who has sought God for His supernatural touch. Some receive their healing quickly while others wait upon God for their much-needed miracle. They may have prayed intensely and read God's Word faithfully. Perhaps they called for the elders of the church to pray the prayer of faith as James 5:14

suggests. They may have been anointed with oil on many different occasions as a prayer for their healing was spoken. Perhaps they even fasted and prayed, believing God for His healing touch. Some individuals seemingly receive their miracle easily while others wait for God to intervene and bring healing to their body.

But when that miracle comes, what then? What happens "the day after a miracle"? Is the battle over, once the miracle takes place? Some mistakenly think that the only battle ground that exists is that time before they receive a miracle.

Are there on-going opportunities for victory or defeat? Is it possible for someone who has been liberated from sickness and disease to become ensnared again, simply because they do not know how to hold on to that miracle?

Yes, I have seen many individuals miraculously healed from terminal disease or physical impairment, and I thank God for each miracle. They have enjoyed the blessings of life and health in full, complete, divine health, experiencing total restoration of everything the disease had stolen. No more pain, no more sickness, no more weakness. But I have also witnessed the tragedy of some who have allowed their miracle to slip away. How sad it is to see tomorrow's riches of health stolen after knowing the joy of possessing it today!

Strategy For Victory

In any war or confrontation, there are three basic elements necessary for a potential victory: identify the enemy, be properly armed and equipped to fight against the enemy, and devise a plan or strategy to achieve a victory.

Identify The Enemy

Before you can be properly prepared for battle, you must identify the enemy. The Bible tells us in John 10:10

that "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." That thief is Satan, and he is constantly trying to destroy what God has given.

He is a bad loser and doesn't give up easily. He whispers lies and plants the seeds of doubt in order to reclaim what he has lost.

The enemy comes in subtle ways—sometimes, the most unlikely. Idle, empty talk is one way. For example, some individuals have experienced a marvelous miracle, but have eventually lost it through cheap, empty talk.

Matthew 12:36 records a strong admonition by Jesus.

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."

Ready To Fight

What we say is vital to our existence, to our well-being, and to overcoming the enemy. Proverbs 13:3 states "He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life . . . " You can lose what God has given you through speaking idle words. God's command to Joshua regarding the Promised Land was to "possess it with a battle". Our battle ground is sometimes our mouth. Guard what comes out of your mouth. Be certain that you speak faith and life, avoiding the faith-destroying words of doubt.

Consider the significance of idle words for a moment.

Do you realize that when you confess sickness, it actually shows that you believe in the sickness more than you believe in God?

Don't ever fall into that trap. Rather, continue to trust the "God of miracles" for health and healing each day.

The same miracle-working God that brings healing to your life is also able to sustain you and keep you healthy.

And He can sustain you in that miracle to walk in divine health for a day, a month, a year or a lifetime. It is according to your faith. Remember, just as healing is received by faith, so also is healing kept by faith.

Jeremiah 30:17 promises "I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord."

God promises to restore your health. Once you have experienced the healing touch of our wonderful Lord, don't ever let anything rob you of it. Fill your heart with God's promises. If Satan tries to attack you through symptoms or lies, speak God's promises. Recognize the enemy that is attacking and resist him by fighting with strong weapons—the Word of God.

Several years ago a gentleman from a mainline denominational church came to a miracle service at our church for prayer. He said that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, but was trusting God for a miracle. I can recall that as I prayed for him, I sensed such a strong anointing for healing and felt certain that he had been healed. I encouraged him to go back to his doctor because I felt God had touched him.

He returned to his doctor and, after being examined, was told that the cancer had vanished. He began to gain weight, his physical strength returned, his hair began to grow back, and his body began to respond as it had before the illness. His miracle became more evident each day as health and strength were restored to his body. Soon his physical appearance was so changed that the improvement was apparent to all who knew him.

He was thrilled at God's healing touch and began to share his testimony with everyone he met, including the pastor of his local church. However, the pastor's response shocked him.

After sharing the exciting story of his miraculous healing and recovery from cancer, rather than rejoicing with him, the pastor said there was no such thing as healing today. Therefore, it was totally impossible for the cancer to have disappeared. There was no way he could have been miraculously "cured" of this terminal condition. Remission—maybe; "healed"—impossible!

Needless to say, the man was hurt and confused by his pastor's response. His faith began to waver and weaken. He became discouraged. His faith began to fluctuate and doubts grew stronger. Unbelief and worry crept in and overtook him. He allowed the idle words spoken by his pastor to take root in his heart. His doctor had examined him and performed several tests. The cancer could no longer be found in his body. Even though his doctor told him the cancer was gone and his physical body showed every sign of health and healing, yet the doubts remained.

But unbelief increased so much that it consumed him.

Some time later I received word that this man had died of cancer. How could this happen? His physician had confirmed the tremendous miracle, stating that his body was free from cancer. Yet, he had died. Cancer had ravaged his body and taken his life. Why? Because he allowed the seeds of idle words sown by his pastor to take root and bear the fruit of unbelief in his life.

Unbelief is different from doubt. When an individual doubts, information is needed to resolve the matter in question and bring a satisfactory resolution. Unbelief, however, is the refusal to believe in the face of evidence.

The faith-destroying words spoken by his pastor brought unbelief. The pastor refused to believe the report of the doctor and the visible health and strength of the man's body. Because of that unbelief and the words spoken, the man allowed his healing to be stolen and sickness to return. What a tragedy it is when someone who has experienced a glorious healing allows unbelief to rob them of the healing they knew yesterday.

Protecting The Miracle

Have you received a miracle? If so, it is important not only to understand what has happened but also how to protect it.

Once an individual has been healed, it is important to be equipped with the truth so he can continue to walk in healing and health each day. It is possible to retain that healing and walk in divine health. You must know what God's Word promises about your healing, however, for it is the truth that you know that sets you free (and keeps you free)!

I recall another incident in which a boy received a wonderful miracle and was healed. Unfortunately, after a marvelous miracle had occurred, his mother turned to me, almost immediately, and said, "Keep praying for him because now the devil will really attack him!" Her statement demonstrated two things: (1) She doubted his healing, and (2) She spoke of the devil's faithfulness to steal what God has given. His mother had more faith in the devil's ability to harass than in God's supreme ability to sustain and bring victory. The result was that her son lost his healing.

God's blessings are hindered when our lips contradict God's Word. There are so many scriptures which promise our healing and health in the Bible. For example, Isaiah 53:4 states "Surely He hath borne our sickness and carried our pain."

Psalm 91:10 promises "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."

Psalm 103 begins with "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases." The Bible is filled with promises for our healing and health. These promises are extended to us both before and after the miracle. The same promises which can build faith to receive a miracle can also build faith to keep a miracle.

God's Promise to You

The Bible promises healing and health for God's children. Proverbs 4:13 states "Take hold of instruction, let her not go. Keep her for she is thy life."

In the natural nothing is guaranteed unless it is used according to directions. That is how a manufacturer insures the proper operation of his product. When you go against the directions for the use of any guaranteed item, you make the guarantee invalid. This verse indicates that our healing and continued health is dependent upon instruction or knowledge.

Proverbs 8:33 states "Hear instruction and be wise and refuse it not." Why? Because lack of instruction can bring lack of faith in your life.

Faith is vital to your miracle. Healing is received by faith, and healing is kept by faith. Faith does not deny fact; it changes it. Faith is not something which comes by prayer. Rather, God's Word states that "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word." (Romans 10:17). The word "hearing" is in the present tense, suggesting that we must continually "hear".

The Word you heard yesterday is not sufficient to sustain your spiritual life indefinitely Therefore, we must allow God's Word to continually wash over our spirit so that faith can grow. Faith comes by hearing and hearing and hearing and hearing His Word. The truth contained therein is what brings life and sets us free and keeps us free.

Fear Not

Fear is one of Satan's weapons which he will often use. If Satan tries to steal your miracle through fear, remember: identify your enemy and resist him. Call upon God and tell Him what you are going through.

"I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)

"The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry." (Psalm 34:15)

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

"In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me." (Psalm 86:7)

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." (Psalm 103:2-5)

"There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."

(Psalm 91:10-11)

The Battle Plan

What must we do to keep our healing? Obey God's Word for through it we discover our road map for living.

The Bible points out 7 areas through which we can cripple the forces of hell, destroying the devil's plan.

1. Trust God

Jeremiah 17:5-10 contrasts the consequences of an individual who trusts in man with those of one who trust in God. When we put our trust (faith) in God, we will reap a good harvest, one which is faith-filled and prosperous.

"Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and who departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited." (vs. 5-6).

Verse 7 goes on to say "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."

(vs. 7-8) "I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." (vs. 10) In the natural as a tree matures, the root structure increases. This helps to support the added height and growth of the tree, and to bring the necessary water and nourishment the tree needs to survive and continue growing. Spiritually, we must be like the tree. Our roots or our faith must go deeper to bring stability and promote growth spiritually. The water of the Word brings life and we receive nourishment. As we understand and apply the Word of God to our lives, we are able to appropriate God's promises for our life and receive what is ours as a believer.

2. Keep His Word

God's Word has much to say about healing, miracles and living in divine, perfect health. When we know and understand what God's Word says, we can stand on those promises with confidence.

In Numbers 23:19 we find that God Almighty means what He says. I think every Christian should know this verse by heart. "God is not a man that He should lie, neither the son of Man that he should repent. Hath he said and shall he not do it, or hath he spoken and shall he not make it good." God is not a man that He should lie.

Ladies and gentlemen, when God says it, He means it and all the power of heaven will back Him up.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (III John 2)

"For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord;" (Jeremiah 30:17)

"They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong." (Psalm 73:4, NIV)

3. Confess Your Faults to Each Other

The Word of the Lord has much to say about healing.

Every time healing is mentioned in the Word of God, it is mentioned in connection with the work of the cross, in connection with the forgiveness of sins.

James 5:14-15 says "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he hath committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." Whenever God forgives you, He wants to heal you as well. The only problem is that many only accept the forgiveness of sins and not the healing. If we are under a double curse—sin and sickness—then we must accept the double cure—forgiveness and healing.

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

4. Keep Your Tongue

Guard your tongue so that the words spoken from your lips are words of faith and not words of doubt and unbelief.

Proverbs 12:18—"There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."

5. Stay In Prayer

Psalm 91 contains many promises to the believer who fellowships with the Lord in prayer.

Psalm 91:1-4—"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (vs. 1)

"I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." (vs. 2)

"Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence." (vs. 3) 20

"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." (vs. 4)

Verses 5-9 promise our safety and well being from fear and destruction. The Psalm goes on to promise that no evil will befall us, nor any plague come near our household. Angels will be dispersed to protect us.

Verse 16 closes the psalm with a wonderful promise.

"With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation."

6. Resist the Devil by Submitting to God

The devil's goal is to steal what God has given to His children. James 4:7-8 states that we must submit to God.

It also promises that when we resist the devil and the works he tries to bring about in our life, he will flee from us. Verse 8 goes on to say that when we draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to us. In other words, when we touch Him, He will touch us. How wonderful it is to sense God's presence near and walk in that fellowship.

James 4:7-8—"Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded."

God Almighty wants you well and healthy. Divine health is and always has been better than divine healing.

Divine health was always God's plan for man. When we examine Adam's life in the Garden of Eden before the fall, we find that he was healthy and had dominion over everything. Sickness entered the human race after Adam's sin. God created Adam healthy—a perfect act of creation.

We find no record of sickness until after sin entered the world.

Isaiah 53 also has something to say about your health. The Word of the Lord declares that God sent His Son, and because Jesus came, no sickness has any legal right over you. I believe that it is possible for each of us to grasp this truth and to realize the reality of our inheritance of healing and health.

7. Observe the Laws of Nature

Once you have received your miracle, use wisdom and take care of your physical body. Remember to observe the laws of nature by taking care of your body. It is possible to abuse your body and become sick.

Everything from improper nutrition to stress and overwork take a toll on our bodies. Many do not take proper care of themselves. The Bible states that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. You are its caretaker. In other words, you must take care of the temple of God (the physical body).

Medical science is constantly providing additional insight into this area by recommending ways in which we can stay healthy. How much better it is to know divine health rather than divine healing.

I Corinthians 3:16-17—"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

After you have received your miracle, turn away from those who oppose miracles. Remember the account of the man who shared his miracle testimony with his pastor and was stunned by the faith-destroying response he received? After being miraculously healed and pronounced cancer-free by his doctor, he chose to entertain the empty words of unbelief spoken by his pastor. Remission—maybe; healed—impossible!

Stay away from individuals who will speak faith-destroying words—idle words—which bring doubt, unbelief, and death. Surround yourself with faith-filled believers who will agree with you, strengthen you, build your faith, and rejoice with you because of your miracle.

Continue to see yourself well and whole, healed in Jesus' name. Experience the rich inheritance that is yours through Jesus Christ! Learn what God's Word promises, and stand on those promises. Say goodbye to doubt and unbelief. Trust the God who healed you to keep you today and every day.

Follow these seven keys for healing.

1. Trust God.

2. Keep His Word.

3. Confess your faults one to another.

4. Guard your tongue, speaking words of faith and not words of doubt and unbelief.

5. Stay in prayer, reminding God of His promises.

6. Resist the devil by submitting to God. When you do, the devil will flee from you.

7. Observe the laws of nature. Don't abuse your physical body through improper nutrition, lack of proper rest, and undue stress. Be a good caretaker of God's temple—your body. Don't allow your miracle and the wealth of divine health to be stolen from you.

Once you have received a miracle and been freed from the bondage of sickness and disease, you must treasure that miracle. Thank God for His touch and give Him the glory continually.

I recently talked to a man who experienced a glorious healing from colon cancer more than two years ago. We were discussing how marvelous it is to be touched by God's miracle-working power, and to step from death into life as health is restored by God's grace. As I listened to him talk about his miracle and the time since, I heard him say something very important. He said that he never fails to thank God each day for his healing and to testify to others about God's healing touch. He never takes his miracle or his health for granted. He thanks God for health and healing for today and every day.

If you have received a miracle, remember to give God the glory. This is an important weapon against the enemy. A miracle is not received because of self worth; it is given because of God's grace. Never fail to give Him thanks. Don't allow the devil to take what God has miraculously done for you through ingratitude or any other device. Walk in the victory of your healing. Live a life filled with health, strength and victory. Share with all who will listen what God has done for you. Each morning when you awake, rejoice because "every day is your day for a miracle!"

The Greatest Miracle

The greatest miracle is not physical but spiritual. It is when a lost soul comes to know the glorious, saving grace and forgiveness of our wonderful Lord. Jesus Christ loves you and cares about the things which concern you. He loves you so much that He gave His life for you by dying on the cross.

The Bible clearly states that everyone has sinned.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

God determined that the just penalty for sin was death—spiritual death or eternal separation from Him.

Because all men have sinned, all are deserving of that punishment. Since God did not want to send man to hell, He devised a plan where sin's penalty could be placed upon the only One who could take our place—Jesus Christ.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9)

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) Even though we deserved death, God provided a way for the death penalty for sin to be placed upon the only One in the universe who could take your place and mine—Jesus Christ. How does that happen?

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10) If you have never asked the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come into your heart, why not do so today and experience the greatest miracle available to man? You can invite Jesus Christ into your heart and life right now by praying this prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I'm tired of trusting in myself. I want to trust in You. I am a sinner and I know that I have sinned. I am sorry for all my sins. Please forgive me. I ask you to come into my life and live in me. Be my Lord and Savior.

I turn away from everything the Bible calls sin. Help me to obey you every day for the rest of my life. Thank you, Jesus, for forgiving me. Amen."

If you prayed that prayer sincerely, God has forgiven and cleansed you from your sin. He will not remember the sins of yesterday against you. They are gone eternally.

In order for your new relationship with Jesus Christ to grow, it is very important that you:

1. Read a portion of the Bible each day.

I suggest beginning with the gospel of John.

2. Spend some time praying and worshipping the Lord each day.

Prayer is talking sincerely with God. You develop a relationship with a friend by spending time with that individual and talking to them, getting to know them. Jesus Christ has become your eternal friend. Get to know Him.

3. Find a church that teaches the Bible as the Word of God and encourages a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

"Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God." Psalm 92:13

4. Tell others about your new relationship with Jesus Christ.

You will have opportunities to tell your family and friends about what Jesus Christ has done in your life.

Jesus once said to a new believer, " . . . Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." Mark 5:19

5. Fellowship with Christian friends who will help you grow as a Christian.

Spend time with friends who love the Lord as you do and will help you understand and know Him better.

It is my prayer that you will grow closer to our wonderful Lord Jesus, and that you will know His blessings and His love more each day.

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