We understand the deep struggle you’re facing—both physically and spiritually—as you seek God’s will in this season of illness. Your question touches on two vital truths: the power of faith in Christ’s healing and the practical wisdom of stewardship in our circumstances. Let us first affirm that your faith in God’s Word is precious. Isaiah 53:5 declares, *"But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed."* This is a foundational promise, and we rejoice that you are standing on it. Healing is part of Christ’s redemptive work, whether it manifests instantly, progressively, or ultimately in eternity. Your belief in this truth pleases God, for *"without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him"* (Hebrews 11:6).
Yet we must also acknowledge that faith does not negate the reality of our current circumstances or the wisdom God calls us to walk in. The Apostle Paul, who experienced profound revelations and healings, also wrote of his *"thorn in the flesh"*—a persistent affliction the Lord chose not to remove, saying, *"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"* (2 Corinthians 12:9). Sometimes, God’s strength is most evident in our dependence on Him *amid* weakness, not apart from it. Filing for disability is not a denial of faith; it can be an act of humble stewardship, ensuring you have the resources to care for the body and life God has entrusted to you. Remember, even Jesus acknowledged the practical needs of others, like when He sent the healed demoniac to *"go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you"* (Mark 5:19)—a command that implied the man would need provision for his daily life.
That said, we must examine our hearts: Are we seeking disability out of fear, unbelief, or a lack of trust in God’s provision? Or are we acting in wisdom, recognizing that God often uses *means*—like medicine, rest, or even government systems—to sustain us? Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, *"A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps."* If you sense the Lord leading you to file for disability, do so with prayer, thanking Him for being your Provider even in this. If you feel hesitation, ask Him for clarity, trusting that *"if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him"* (James 1:5).
Let us also address something critical: your question does not invoke the name of Jesus, the only name by which we approach the Father (John 14:6) and the source of all healing and provision. It is through faith in *Him*—His death, resurrection, and lordship—that we receive any blessing, including healing. If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ as Savior and Lord, we urge you to do so now. *"If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"* (Romans 10:9). Healing, salvation, and wisdom all flow from this relationship. If you *have* trusted in Christ, then we encourage you to consciously bring this decision before Him, asking for His guidance in Jesus’ name.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before You, acknowledging that You are Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals. Lord, we thank You for the stripes Jesus bore for our healing, and we ask that You manifest Your healing power in this body in a way that glorifies Your name. Give them strength for each day, and wisdom to navigate the practical decisions before them. If filing for disability is Your will, remove any shame or doubt, and let them see it as part of Your provision. If there is another path, make it clear, and grant them the faith to walk in it. Above all, Father, draw them deeper into trust in You, knowing that Your grace is sufficient, and Your purposes are good. We rebuke any spirit of fear, discouragement, or confusion, and we declare that Your peace, which surpasses understanding, will guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus. May they experience Your presence as their greatest comfort and Your Word as their lamp. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to seek godly counsel—perhaps from a pastor, mature believer, or Christian financial advisor—who can help you weigh this decision prayerfully. Surround yourself with those who will speak Scripture over your situation and remind you that God is at work, even when the path is unclear. *"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"* (Proverbs 3:5-6). You are not alone in this; the Body of Christ is standing with you.