Healing or Heaven?

Opening Verse

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21 (KJV)

Introduction

When we pray for healing, our hearts often cry out for more time, more moments, more earthly restoration. But when a believer is in Christ, is it possible that we sometimes forget the weight of eternity in our petitions?

Devotional Insight

To know someone is saved in Jesus Christ is to know they already have victory. They are not chasing heaven: heaven has already claimed them. When we ask God to fully heal a dying saint, we may be asking for more of them here when the Lord is ready to have them there.

Paul wrestled with this himself. He desired to remain and serve, but he also longed to depart and be with Christ, which he said was “far better” (Philippians 1:23). Heaven is not a backup plan. It is the reward. It is the glory. It is the presence of God unhindered by flesh or sorrow.

What This Means

Praying for healing is not wrong. Jesus healed many. But we must also submit to the will of the Father, just as Jesus did in the garden. The highest form of faith is not in demanding a miracle, but in trusting God’s decision. When our loved ones are in Christ, their passing is not a defeat: it is a promotion.

The real disservice is to withhold release because of our own fears and desires. A soul in Christ is not losing their life. They are stepping into fullness. They are shedding pain and putting on glory. That is not a loss: that is gain.

Think About This

Have your prayers become more about your comfort than God’s will? Are you ready to accept that sometimes healing comes not through restoration, but through release?

Prayer

Father, give us wisdom to know how to pray. We ask for healing, but we surrender to Your will. Help us not to cling to this life when You are calling a soul to eternal rest. Let us trust that Your presence is better than anything we can offer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
Psalm 116:15 (KJV)