From Skeptic to Believer: My Journey to Embracing Divine Healing
Have you ever found yourself questioning the authenticity of divine healing? As someone who once stood firmly on the side of skepticism, I can relate. I'm Conrad from ConradRocks.net, and I want to share the transformative journey that led me from doubt to faith in God's miraculous power.
Growing Up Skeptical
My skepticism began in my early years. Raised in a cessationist church, I often watched televangelists with a critical eye. Their displays of healing seemed insincere and manipulative, targeting vulnerable individuals searching for hope. This perception was further solidified by scandals involving fake healings and financial exploitation. I was deeply angered by these acts, which I perceived as taking advantage of the weak-minded.
This critical view wasn't just limited to televangelists. I questioned the entire foundation of Christianity, especially when I heard about figures like Jim Jones, who manipulated and deceived countless people. The stories of fake healings, where people were tricked into believing they had experienced miracles, left me jaded and suspicious of any claims of divine intervention.
The New Age Detour
Feeling disillusioned, I turned to the New Age movement. It promised answers to my questions about supernatural experiences that the church couldn't explain. The New Age community seemed more open to discussing phenomena that I had personally encountered, but their answers, though well-intentioned, were ultimately misguided.
My involvement with the New Age was a search for truth, but it was also a reaction to what I perceived as the church's failure to address the supernatural. The Bible says, "My people perish for lack of knowledge," and I realized that much of the church was ignorant of the spiritual gifts and supernatural elements present in scripture.
A Turning Point in 1995
By 1995, I was at a crossroads in my life. Outwardly successful, with a penthouse in Los Angeles and a thriving business, I was internally battling depression. Desperate for change, I challenged God to reveal Himself to me. In that moment, He did, speaking to me in a voice I had long suppressed. This encounter marked the beginning of my spiritual awakening.
Despite learning to recognize God's voice, I still struggled with the concept of divine healing. I had personal experiences of being healed, such as when God healed my back in Hawaii, yet my heart remained clouded by unbelief. The journey from hearing God's voice to trusting in His power to heal was gradual and filled with moments of doubt.
Influences Along the Way
Several key figures influenced my journey. At Fellowship Christian Church in Houston, Howard Jackson's prayers resulted in numerous healings, including instances of infertility and cancer. Witnessing these miracles firsthand opened my eyes to the reality of God's healing power.
Howard Jackson was not just a pastor; he was a vessel through which the Holy Spirit worked mightily. People would bring prayer requests, and through corporate prayer, miraculous healings occurred. I saw eyes straightened, infertility issues resolved, and cancers healed. These were not just stories—I personally witnessed the transformations.
I also encountered Dave Lage from Holy Spirit Led Ministries. His teachings emphasized our authority as believers to heal, challenging my preconceived notions. Dave's perspective, rooted in scripture, inspired me to explore healing ministry further. His conviction that God had already given us the power to heal was revolutionary to me. It forced me to reevaluate my understanding of scripture and the role of believers in continuing Jesus' ministry on earth.
My path crossed with Garry Nesbit, whose childlike faith and healing ministry profoundly impacted me. Seeing Garry pray for others with unwavering belief was a pivotal moment in my transformation. His approach was simple yet profound—trust God fully and act on that faith. Garry's ministry was a testament to the power of belief and the reality of God's healing touch.
Overcoming Doubt and Unbelief
One of my greatest struggles was overcoming doubt and unbelief when praying for others. I had to learn to cast down negative thoughts and trust in God's power, not my own abilities. This journey required a significant shift in mindset, moving from skepticism to faith in divine healing.
The Bible talks about renewing our minds, and for me, this was a process of metanoia—repentance through changing my mindset. I had to let go of the critical, analytical part of me that demanded logical explanations for everything. Instead, I had to embrace the mystery of faith and the supernatural.
The Importance of Saturation
To grow in faith, I discovered the importance of saturating myself with Scripture and testimonies of healing. Reading about healing evangelists like Smith Wigglesworth, John G. Lake, and Maria Woodworth-Etter helped reinforce my belief in the supernatural.
Listening to modern-day testimonies also played a crucial role in strengthening my faith. Hearing stories of miraculous healings and witnessing them firsthand provided undeniable evidence of God's power at work today. The testimonies of others served as a reminder that God is still active and powerful in our world.
Realizations and Continued Growth
Through this journey, I've learned that healing is real and available to us today. Despite this understanding, I recognize that not every prayer results in an immediate miracle. Some prayers of faith have led to healing, while others have not.
One memorable experience was praying for a woman with carpal tunnel syndrome. As we prayed, she began opening her hand, experiencing healing right before our eyes. Conversely, I've also prayed for individuals who didn't receive healing, reminding me of the mystery and sovereignty of God.
Conclusion
My journey from skepticism to belief in divine healing has been transformative. While I don't have all the answers, I am convinced that God still heals today. I encourage you to explore this topic with an open heart, saturate yourself in God's word, and be willing to step out in faith.
Call to Action
I welcome your thoughts, testimonies, or even disagreements. Let's engage in a respectful discussion about divine healing and grow together in faith. Share your experiences in the comments below or reach out to me directly.
Remember, as believers, we're called to: "And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."(Luk 10:9)
Let's embrace this calling with childlike faith and see what God will do!
Get on the fast track to your calling and gifting in Jesus with the help of mentors. In this episode of Coffee with Conrad, Conrad discusses the importance of being mentored and finding mentors in our spiritual journeys. Learn how to overcome loneliness as a Christian and follow the guidance of the Spirit of Truth to grow in maturity. Don't miss this inspiring and practical conversation on mentorship in the Christian faith.
Mentors are important!
Show Notes:
Getting settled into Indianapolis; Mentoring is important; We learn from people that are further along than us; Priscilla and Aquilla disciple Appolos; Precise Geography and Time orchestration; One conversation led to a town coming to Jesus; The circumstances that led to meeting Garry Nesbit; Roy Burton and Garry Nesbit deliverance encounter; Kingdom demonstration, not eloquent speech; Garry helped quicken some scriptures; Public ministry in public is mentoring; Open your mouth about Jesus;
Interview with Healing Evangelist Garry Nesbit on what it is like to live the Supernatural Christian lifestyle. We talk about the supernatural - spiritual things of God.
From Stage 4 Cancer to Miraculous Healing: An Incredible Story of Faith
Evangelist Gary Nesbitt has an amazing testimony of God's healing power that will inspire your faith. Diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer, Gary was given just months left to live by doctors. But he kept his trust in God even during the darkest moments of his illness.
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Gary shares his incredible journey from expecting death to receiving a miraculous healing from the Lord.
Despite being weak and close to giving up all hope, Gary had an encounter with God's presence that changed everything.
One night in the hospital, Gary felt compelled to get up and dance before the Lord, praising God even in his dire circumstances. After this simple act of faith, Gary sensed a supernatural healing taking place in his body. The next day, tests confirmed that the large cancerous tumor was totally gone!
Gary's oncologist was stunned, admitting "I'll be darned, it's gone!" When just weeks before, the doctor had felt the sizeable tumor himself. This immediate and complete healing could only be explained as a miracle from God.
What can we learn from Gary's story? No matter how desperate your health circumstances may seem, keep holding on to your faith. God still performs miracles today! Gary's testimony is an inspiring reminder that with God, nothing is impossible. Even stage 4 cancer can be healed in an instant.
So be encouraged today that your prayers have power. God is still in the business of bringing healing, hope and new life. Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Gary's journey and be strengthened in your faith!
Exploring my journey in Faith Healing. I used to think it was fake but now I am a firm believer.
Show Notes:
I used to think healing was fake;
I grew up in Cessationist church;
Faith healers were exposed as frauds;
A man raised from the dead exposed as fraud;
Watching Benny Hinn closely;
I prayed for a lady to live and she did!;
David George gets healed at church! ;
OFCC had many testimonies of healing;
Man's eye straightened up;
Couple gets pregnant through prayer;
Dave and Patty Lage interview ;
Kevin Riordan praying for people on the Street;
Stephen Barret - Radical Transformation in healing;
I saw healings first hand with Garry Nesbit;
Seeing healings first hand with Doug Hanson;
Praying with doubt #DoesNotRock ;
Praying in the "Name" of Jesus ;
Being meet for the Master's use;
Christians and Marijuana. Lots of things are legal, but should Christians partake? I explore Christians and marijuana from a biblical view. This podcast includes comments from Facebook, a couple of articles, and clips from interviews.
What Does the Bible Teach about the Cannabis Plant? ;
The Ezekiel 34:29, Revelation 22:1–2 and Psalm 104:14 argument;
Exploring the Exodus 30:22-29 ganeh-bosem argument;
Alexandria Carson with Gen 3:18 thorns and the curse;
Sorcery - Pharmakia - all drugs? or the ones that get you high?
Is alcohol really similar to pot biblically? ;
Proverbs 31:4-7 and Eph 5:18 guidelines to drinking;
10 Things You Should Know about Marijuana and the Christian ;
The Genesis 1:29 God said every plant is for food;
Are pot brownies biblical? ;
Caffeine versus marijuana - stoned versus alert;
Jean O'Neil Manns - sugar causes health issues;
Lance Rowe - Marijuana and cancer ;
Salvia is a legal drug that is a hallucinogen;
Anna Wilkerson-Corman - Church should operate in Faith;
King Asa sought physicians and not the Lord 2 Chronicles 16:12;
Spiritual warfare attacks and quoting the Word instead of pills;
Clip of interview with Garry Nesbit;
Pot helped Nancy extremely reduce pill intake;
Thomas Tannehill - Maybe eating pot is ok, but don't get wasted;
Alexandria and Shelli - Pot opens up the demonic;
Clip from Interview with Steve Bratten;
Pot opens up the demonic and maybe Schizophrenia;
Clip from John Piper on Christians and Marijuana;
Clip from Meagan Farrow and her struggle with pot;
Pot is a gateway drug and should not be used for recreation;
This is part two of Cessationist pastor gets healed. Interview with Garry Nesbit.
Garry explains the encounter ;
The cessationist cousin saw it and got saved;
Garry explains why cessationism is so predominant;
Why healings are not happening in church much;
People ignore healings and miracles;
Spirit of doubt and unbelief choking the word;
Form of godliness while denying the power; Miracles at the VA Hospital;
Garry talks about doctors and faith;
Jesus put out the unbelievers before raising the dead;
Persecution from the 'church';
Why Mark 16 'signs of a believer' aren't common;
The Spirit during one on one ministry;
Healing and the prophetic causes division;
Throwing caution to the wind and believing God;
Demas and everyone forsook Paul;
Love of money and tickling ears;
Garry prays us out; Garry on Facebook: PART ONE HERE:
Actual Audio of a miracle in Memphis and follow up interview with healing evangelist Garry Nesbit. Getting into the nuts and bolts of street evangelism.
I was sitting in a parking lot in Florida, and my stomach was churning with acid. I didn't want to go inside that church. To be honest, I was struggling. I had been on my knees every morning, seeking God, and He kept giving me these prophetic confirmations to go to Florida. I was even doing Gideon-type testing—putting out fleeces because I knew that going would bring friction. I had a list of all these confirmations, and I knew that if I didn't walk through those doors, I would be in flat-out disobedience.
You see, many of us feel that same knot in our stomach when we think about sharing our faith. We’ve been told we need a graduate degree in theology or a 501c3 before we can tell our neighbor about Jesus. We’ve been trained to think that evangelism is a series of intellectual arguments or a scripted sales pitch. We have the cure for eternity, yet we feel paralyzed. This is the great disconnect: we know the Word, but we’re missing the power that makes the Word come alive.
This five-part series is about a journey I call Presence Evangelism. It’s the solution to the stagnant, formulaic outreach that leaves both the believer and the unbeliever cold. Over the next few sections, we are going to look at how to move from speculation to perspiration, how to hear the Shepherd’s voice in the middle of a Walmart meat aisle, and how to activate Kingdom Seekers by simply inviting the presence of Jesus into the conversation. It’s time to stop just talking about the Gospel and start demonstrating the power of the Living God.
The Presence of Angelism – Series Overview
When I first started this journey, I almost called it "prophetic evangelism." That’s the hot phrase right now—everyone is talking about "treasure hunting," where you pray for clues and go find people with red shirts or a limp. I’ve done that, but I realized that's not exactly what the Lord was teaching me. I started looking at the words and realized "Presence Evangelism" was much more accurate.
The core concept that unifies this entire series is the simple truth that when two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, He shows up. That is presence. We aren’t just heralding a message; we are facilitating an encounter. Every argument in the world cannot stack up against an experiential encounter with Jesus Christ. This isn't about being a "prophet"; it’s about being a sheep that knows the texture and tenor of the Shepherd’s voice.
Across these five podcasts, we see a progressive revelation. It starts with the weight of the words we speak, moves into the goal of activating seekers rather than just collecting "prayers," and eventually leads us into the grit of the mission field—dealing with "church hurt," principalities in buildings, and the resistance of the wealthy. We are co-laboring with the Creator. It is a "great co-mission." He provides the presence; we provide the feet.
Podcast 1: The Five Words That Changed Everything
Years ago, I started praying a very specific prayer: "Lord, let me do more with five words than most people do in their lifetime." I was thinking about the woman at the well and how Jesus told her, Thou hast had five husbands (John 4:18 KJV). I was also thinking about Paul saying he’d rather speak five words with his understanding than ten thousand in an unknown tongue. I conflated those two, and that prayer became the catalyst for my trip to Florida.
When I finally stopped sneaking around the back of that Florida church and spoke those five words the Lord gave me to the pastor, I realized something profound. It wasn’t the "magic" of the words themselves; it was the power inside the seed. Think of a word like a seed. The word is the shell, but the Spirit is the life inside. When you form a word, you purse your lips and move your tongue, but if you don’t blow—if there is no breath—there is no sound. That breath is the pneuma, the Spirit.
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7 KJV).
In the same way, Presence Evangelism is about words that are breathed on by God. Look at Jesus with the woman at the well. He "must needs" go through Samaria. Why? Because He only did what He saw the Father doing. He met her at a specific geographical location at a specific time. He gave her a word of knowledge—the "five husbands" word—and it activated her. She didn't just get saved; she became an evangelist immediately. She went into town and told everyone, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? (John 4:29 KJV).
The prophetic word activated her to be a Kingdom Seeker. That is our foundation. We aren't looking to win an argument; we are looking to see faces change when they realize they have just encountered the Living God.
Podcast 2: Activating Kingdom Seekers and the Lukewarm Heart
As we move forward, we have to define the goal. Why are we doing this? The Great Commission tells us to make disciples, but in the American "Bible Belt," we face a unique problem. Almost everyone has heard of Jesus. The problem isn't a lack of information; it’s a lack of fire.
One time, while I was praying in my apartment in Houston, these words came out of my mouth before I could even think: "My gospel is to the lukewarm." I realized I was being called to the Laodicean spirit—the people who do their one hour a week in a pew but aren't Kingdom Seekers. They know about Jesus, but they don’t know Him with that "ginosko" intimacy.
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot (Revelation 3:15 KJV).
The goal of Presence Evangelism is to light matches. I think of John Wesley, who said he just set himself on fire and let people watch him burn. Fire is contagious. When my cup runs over with the oil of the Holy Spirit, it gets everyone around me wet.
I remember meeting a man in the meat aisle at Walmart. He had a backpack on, and I just used that to establish rapport. But as we talked, God lit him up. We talked about how the Holy Spirit forbade Paul from preaching in Asia because God had a different plan. I pulled out my "weapon"—my smartphone—and showed him Acts 16. We gave him a ride home and prayed for him. The next day, he had two jobs, a place to stay, and his stolen truck was returned. That’s what happens when a "lukewarm" or "struggling" person becomes a Kingdom Seeker. They stop chasing "things" and start chasing God, and then the "things" start chasing them. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33 KJV).
Podcast 3: Equipping the Fisherman – Preparation for the Field
Jesus told us He would make us "fishers of men." Now, fishing is a craft. You can read every book on fishing, but until you get in the boat, you don't know anything about bait, bug repellent, or how the wind affects the water. Presence Evangelism requires "perspiration over speculation." We learn as we go.
I often refer to Hebrews 5:14: But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (KJV). You don't get your senses exercised sitting on a couch. You get them exercised by "reason of use"—by actually going out and doing the work.
Before I go out, I get "worded up" and "prayed up." We ask God, "Where do You want us to go?" Sometimes He gives a vision of a gas station or a specific park. But sometimes, He is silent. When He’s silent, I remember that I am an ambassador of the Kingdom wherever I stand. I don't need to be micromanaged.
We also carry tools. I've learned from folks like Kevin Reen and Steven Barrett that it helps to be "instant in season and out of season." We carry "goodie bags" for the homeless—socks, snacks, toiletries. James tells us that faith without works is dead. If we say "be warm and filled" but don't give them a jacket, what good is it? We also carry Bibles and gospel tracks, but we don't just throw them at people like confetti. We wait for the Spirit to highlight someone who will treasure the Word.
And let’s talk about "making disciples." That requires communication. I use business cards, but more importantly, I friend people on Facebook right then and there. I use a Google Voice number so I can stay in touch without giving out my personal cell. These are the "rods and reels" of the trade. But remember: you don't need the gear as much as you need the Holy Spirit.
Podcast 4: Removing the Rocks – How to Approach Anyone for Jesus
Approaching people is where most believers freeze up. They’re afraid of looking stupid. But I say: be willing to look stupid for Jesus! Pride and "self-esteem" are often just masks for the devil to keep us quiet.
When we approach people, the first goal is to establish "rapport." I call this "removing the rocks of offense." If the sower is going to sow the seed, we need to clear the ground so the Word can get deep into the heart. If you go straight for a "sales pitch," you’re like a used car salesman. But if you find something in common—a t-shirt, a backpack, or a cross necklace—you’re showing love. Faith works by love.
One of my favorite "devious" tricks is looking for people trying to take a selfie. Usually, there’s an "odd man out" holding the camera. I’ll walk up and say, "Hey, I’ll take that picture for you." Now I have their $600 phone in my hand, and I have their full attention! As I’m handing it back, I’ll start a conversation.
We redefine success as obedience. If someone says "no," that’s okay. Maybe I was the third person to nudge them that week. We let God handle the results. I’ve seen the most amazing encounters come right after a discouraging "no." You just have to keep the bait in the water.
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name (Acts 5:41 KJV). If they beat the apostles and they rejoiced, surely we can handle someone being a little rude to us at the park.
Podcast 5: Encountering Resistance – The Battle of Principalities
Finally, we have to talk about the real-world resistance we face. It’s not always easy. In wealthy areas, like the "Laodicean" neighborhoods, people often feel they have need of nothing. I remember selling boats in Florida and being accused of "taking Jesus too seriously." When people are "increased with goods," they often treat Jesus like an accessory.
On the flip side, we deal with "church hurt" among the poor and homeless. Many have been treated poorly by religious institutions. We have to steer them away from fallible men and back to the biblical Jesus. We find that about 80% of the homeless we talk to are struggling with massive unforgiveness. We have to counsel them on being reconciled to their brother before they can move forward.
One of the most eye-opening things I’ve learned is the reality of "principalities in buildings." I remember going to the VA hospital in Memphis with Garry Nesbit. We were prayed up and full of faith. Right outside the building, under some scaffolding, we met a woman with diabetic foot pain who could barely walk. Garry prayed for her, and she started praising God, healed!
Then we went inside the hospital. The atmosphere changed instantly. We were pumped up, but every single person we asked for prayer said "no." It was as if the building itself was a stronghold of unbelief. We finally found one man with "mustard seed" faith. Gary prayed for him inside, and he limped away. But the moment he crossed those automatic doors and got outside the building, he started running and leaping and dancing!
And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:58 KJV). Sometimes the "unbelief" is baked into the very walls of an institution. We have to be aware of these spiritual atmospheres. Whether it’s the "hell-bent" energy of Beale Street or the waiting rooms of a bus station, we follow the Spirit, not a formula.
Personal Reflections
Looking back over this journey, I realize how much I’ve had to unlearn. I used to think I needed a plan for every person I met. I wanted a formula. But God doesn't do formulas; He does relationships. I’ve learned that my greatest failures happened when I stopped being a "sheep" and tried to be the "shepherd." Whenever I tried to force an encounter because I thought it was a "good idea," it usually fell flat.
Jesus has refined my understanding of success. It’s not about the number of people who say a prayer; it’s about whether I was obedient to the nudge of the Spirit. I’ve learned that I’m just an ambassador. My job is to represent the King. If the King wants to heal someone, I’m just the conduit. If the King wants to give a word of knowledge, I’m just the mouthpiece.
I also realized that I used to overlook the "lukewarm." I was so focused on the "lost" that I forgot about the "smoldering embers" in the church. God showed me that a revived believer is the greatest tool for the Great Commission. If I can light one match, that match can light a thousand more.
Biblical References
The foundation of Presence Evangelism is woven throughout the scriptures, not as a suggestion, but as a mandate for the believer. We see it in the "must needs" of Jesus’s travel plans and the "forbidden" paths of Paul’s missionary journeys. This is the reality of walking in the Spirit.
The theological grounding is found in the "Great Co-Mission." It is not a solo mission. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20 KJV). His presence is the "lo" that goes with us. Without that presence, we are just clanging cymbals.
We also see the necessity of the prophetic in the context of the harvest. But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth (1 Corinthians 14:24-25 KJV). This is the "face-changing" encounter we are looking for—where the secrets of the heart are manifest and the person realizes that God is truly there.
Key Takeaways
Presence Over Apologetics: A single encounter with the power of God outweighs a thousand intellectual arguments.
Activate, Don't Just Convert: The goal is to create Kingdom Seekers who will go out and light others on fire.
Rapport is Love: Removing "rocks of offense" through simple conversation and kindness prepares the heart for the seed of the Word.
Obedience is Success: We are responsible for being faithful to the Spirit's nudge; God is responsible for the results.
The Power is in the Breath: Empty words have no life; we need the Pneuma (Spirit) to animate our message.
Watch the Atmosphere: Be aware of principalities and strongholds of unbelief that may reside in certain locations or institutions.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The world is desperate for the real Jesus. They aren't looking for more religion, more programs, or more polished sermons. They are looking for the presence of the Living God. They are looking for someone who is "crazy enough" to believe that Jesus still heals, still delivers, and still speaks today.
Presence Evangelism isn't for a "special" class of Christians. It’s for the sheep. It’s for you. Whether you’re at a bus station, a Walmart, or sitting across from a family member, the presence of Jesus is with you. You have the "pneuma" of God inside you. Don't let the fear of looking stupid keep you from being the answer to someone’s prayer.
If you’ve been feeling lukewarm, or if your ministry has felt like a dry routine, I want to encourage you to "dig deeper and go higher." Pick up my books, OPEN YOUR EYES MY SUPERNATURAL JOURNEY or Overcoming Night Terror, to learn more about navigating the spiritual realm and walking in the power of God. The harvest is truly plenteous, but the laborers are few. Will you be one of those who says, "Here am I, Lord, send me"?
Action Items
The "Five Word" Prayer: Start your day by asking the Lord to let you do more with a few Spirit-led words than most do in a lifetime. Be alert for that "nudge."
Pack Your "Tackle Box": Put a few Bibles or gospel tracks in your car. Better yet, put together a couple of "goodie bags" with socks and snacks for the next homeless person you encounter.
The Selfie Strategy: Next time you see someone struggling to take a group photo, offer to help. Use that 30-second window to ask a simple question: "What’s your relationship with Jesus like?"
Identify the Rocks: Practice "rapport" this week. Find one thing in common with a stranger and use it to start a conversation before you ever mention the Gospel.
Pray It Through: Before you head out to run errands, spend ten minutes in prayer. Don't just give God your list; listen. Ask Him if there’s a specific "gas station" or "park" He wants you to visit.
Stay on fire, keep seeking the Kingdom, and let's watch Jesus transform our communities. God bless you!
Imagine walking into a shoe store, not to buy a new pair of boots, but because the very ground you stand on feels like a bed of hot coals. Your feet are swollen, a deep, angry purple-red hue that screams of inflammation. Every step is an exercise in agony. This was the reality for a lady my friend Garry Nesbit encountered recently in a small town in South Arkansas. She was suffering from fibromyalgia, skin diseases, back problems, and feet that were so inflamed she literally asked, "Where do I not hurt?"
Most of us have been there—if not with physical pain, then with a spiritual weight that feels just as heavy. We pray, we plead, and we ask God for a breakthrough, but the heavens seem like brass. We claim the promises of Mark 11:24, believing we receive what we ask for, yet the pain remains. The "pain" might be in your body, your marriage, or your bank account. You’re doing everything you were taught in Bible college or Sunday School, but something is missing.
The solution isn't always "more faith." Sometimes, the solution is removing the legal right the enemy has to torment you. In this post, we’re going to get under the theological hood and look at the "missing link" of healing that many modern pulpits are too afraid to touch. We are going to explore how walking in the love of God and releasing bitterness is the key to unclogging the spiritual drain so the fire of God can flow.
Main Message
Garry Nesbit has an amazing ministry where people actually get healed. I like to interview him because he sees a high percentage of success, and I wanted to know why. It turns out, it isn't a secret formula or a special anointing oil—though he uses oil—it’s about the correlation between forgiveness and the supernatural.
The Shoe Store Transformation
In that South Arkansas shoe store, before Garry could even bring up the topic of the heart, the owner stopped him. She sat down right there among the rows of shoes and made a confession. She admitted to a deep, biting bitterness against her sister and a long-standing spirit of rejection from her mother. She knew, deep down, that her heart wasn't right.
They dealt with that bitterness first. They didn't just "pray for healing"; they repented for wickedness. Garry anointed her with oil, and they petitioned the Throne of Grace. As Garry looked down at her feet after they finished, a miracle happened right before his eyes. The purplish, ugly discoloration began to fade. The redness vanished. Her feet became perfectly normal in appearance and, more importantly, completely pain-free. Her entire countenance changed from one of torment to one of peace.
The Flower Shop Miracle
A similar thing happened in a flower shop. A woman came in complaining of chronic back and hip pain that made walking a chore. She couldn't even raise her right arm above her shoulder; it was frozen. When Garry asked if she had any unforgiveness, she initially said, "I don't have any problems at all."
But Garry knows that we often bury things. He suggested they ask the Holy Spirit to highlight anything hidden. After thirty seconds of silence, tears filled her eyes. She admitted there was someone. Once she released that person and forgave them according to the Word, the atmosphere changed. Garry took authority over that spirit of infirmity, and the woman jumped up, raising both hands—including the "frozen" arm—straight into the air, praising God in a new language.
Personal Reflections
I’ve spent years studying the Word and writing books like OPEN YOUR EYES because I want people to see the reality of the spiritual realm. In my own walk, I’ve had to learn that you can’t bypass the heart to get to the hand of God.
For a long time, many of us in the "faith movement" focused entirely on Mark 11:22-24. We talked about moving mountains and believing we receive. But we often ignored verse 25. Jesus didn't change the subject when He moved to verse 25; He was giving us the operational requirements for faith to work.
I’ve realized that I cannot expect God to ignore my "civilized" sins—like holding a grudge or nursing an offense—while I ask Him for supernatural intervention. If I have a hole in my spiritual firewall, I shouldn't be surprised when the "hacker" (the enemy) gets in to steal my peace, my health, or my finances. As I often say, we need to "dig deeper and go higher." Digging deeper means looking into the dark corners of our own hearts to see what we are harboring.
Biblical References
The Word of God is incredibly clear on this, yet we often skip over the "scary" parts. In Matthew 18, Jesus tells a parable about a servant who was forgiven a massive debt but then refused to forgive a fellow servant a tiny pittance.
So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Matthew 18:35 KJV).
The "so likewise" refers to being delivered to the "tormentors." When we refuse to forgive, we are effectively choosing to stay in the custody of the tormentors. This lady in the shoe store was being tormented in her body and her finances because she had an open door.
We also see the necessity of holiness in our use as vessels for the Lord.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21 KJV).
And let’s look at the "missing link" in Mark:
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25 KJV).
If you don't do verse 25, verses 22 through 24 simply will not work. You'll be spinning your wheels in the wind. The grace of God isn't a license to harbor hate; it’s the power to live righteously.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (Titus 2:11-12 KJV).
Key Takeaways
Unforgiveness is a Legal Door: Refusing to forgive gives the enemy a legal right to "torment" you in your mind, body, and finances.
Faith Requires a Clear Heart: Mark 11:25 is the prerequisite for the "mountain-moving faith" described in the preceding verses.
The Holy Spirit is the Searchlight: If you aren't sure if you have unforgiveness, ask the Holy Spirit to highlight it. He knows what you’ve buried.
God’s Forgiveness is Conditional: Scripture explicitly states that if we do not forgive others, our Heavenly Father will not forgive us.
Healing is Often Instantaneous After Repentance: When the "legal right" of the enemy is removed through repentance, the spirit of infirmity must leave.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Friend, the power of God is not "stopped up" because God is unwilling. It's often clogged because we are holding onto an offense that is "wickedness" in the eyes of God. Whether it's a family member who hurt you years ago or a business partner who cheated you, the cost of holding onto that grudge is far higher than the satisfaction of the offense.
Don't let the tormentors have another day of your life. If you are struggling with chronic pain or a "frozen" situation in your life, I invite you to stop right now and ask the Holy Spirit to show you your heart.
If this message challenged you or if you’ve seen God move after you released an offense, I want to hear about it. Please leave a comment below or reach out to me at ConradRocks.net. If you're looking to dive deeper into the supernatural walk, check out my books OPEN YOUR EYES and Overcoming Night Terror.
Until we meet again, dig deeper and go higher!
Action Items
Conduct a Heart Audit: Spend 5 minutes in silence today asking the Holy Spirit: "Is there anyone I haven't fully forgiven?"
Verbally Release Offenses: If a name comes to mind, say it out loud: "I forgive [Name] for [Offense], and I release them in Jesus' name."
Study the Word: Read Matthew 18 and Mark 11 in their entirety this week, paying close attention to the connection between forgiveness and God's response.
Check Your Firewall: Identify areas where you may be "loving the world" or indulging in "worldly lusts" that might be creating holes in your spiritual protection.
Pray for Your Enemies: Actively ask for God's blessing on the person you least want to forgive. This is the ultimate sign of walking in the love of God.
