A practical question arises as to what to do when one is sick. Should a person seek God on all occasions for a supernatural healing? Is consulting a doctor a sign of a lack of faith?

Whenever someone is sick, prayer to God is always the proper thing to do.

Is anyone among you sick? 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 (Jam 5:14).

But it does not necessarily mean that the person should leave it at that, for God can heal in a variety of ways: instantly, through natural processes, through medicine, in the resurrection.

Instantly

There are occasions where God will heal someone instantly when that person is prayed for. This is a distinct possibility, but this is not what normally occurs. If someone does not become healed after prayer, he should not feel out of favor with God.

Through Natural Processes

Sometimes the healing will not take place instantly but will occur gradually. God will give the person the grace to endure while he is in the process of being healed.

Through Medicine

Sometimes God will have the believer see a doctor and become healed through medicine. This does not show a lack of faith. Human means are permissible when it comes to receiving healings. Moreover, it is not a failure when someone prays to be healed and remains sick.

In the Resurrection

There are occasions when the believer will not be healed in this life. Some will have to suffer until death. Their healing will take place in the resurrection when God restores their body to wholeness.

So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory" (1Cr 15:54).

God does heal apart from the gift of healing. When a person is sick, he should seek God for a healing, but this does not mean that other precautions should be ignored, such as visiting a doctor and taking medicine.

Does Not Have to Prove Himself

It must be understood that God does not have to heal someone to prove He is God. Many times the character of God is put in question as a result of sickness. God must "prove Himself."

But nowhere in Scripture is He committed to doing this. Also it is not necessary to equate healing with believing in the supernatural. One can believe in the supernatural and the healing power of God and still not be healed.