Managing When a Believer Fails at Using the Power to Heal or Cast Out Demons

1. Understanding the Reality of Failure

Scripture Reference: Matthew 17:14-20; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Explanation:It’s important to recognize that failure in using the power to heal or cast out demons is not uncommon, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that a believer lacks faith or that God is displeased with them. Even the disciples, who walked closely with Jesus, encountered situations where they could not cast out a demon or heal someone.

Disciples' Failure: In Matthew 17:14-20, the disciples were unable to cast out a demon from a boy, despite having been given authority by Jesus earlier. Jesus pointed to their lack of faith and prayer as the reasons for their failure, teaching them that some situations require deeper faith and possibly fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21).

Paul's "Failure": The Apostle Paul experienced what could be seen as a failure when he prayed three times for the removal of a "thorn in the flesh," but God chose not to remove it. Instead, God responded that His grace was sufficient and that His power was made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). This teaches us that God’s purposes may be different from our expectations.

2. Reflecting and Learning from the Experience

Scripture Reference: James 1:2-4; 2 Corinthians 13:5

Explanation:When a believer fails in using spiritual power, it’s important to take time to reflect, learn, and grow from the experience. This process can lead to deeper spiritual maturity and a stronger faith.

Self-Examination: After a failure, it’s helpful to engage in self-examination. 2 Corinthians 13:5 encourages believers to "examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." This doesn’t mean doubting your faith, but rather assessing your spiritual state, motives, and readiness. Ask questions like:

Was my faith strong, or was I doubting?Was I relying on God’s power, or trying to act in my own strength?Was I led by the Holy Spirit, or was I acting out of pressure or expectation?

Growth Through Trials: James 1:2-4 teaches that trials and challenges are opportunities for growth. Failure can produce perseverance, maturity, and a more profound reliance on God. Embrace the experience as a way to grow in faith, deepen your prayer life, and develop greater spiritual sensitivity.

Consult with Mentors: Seeking counsel from a mature Christian mentor or church leader can provide valuable insights and encouragement. They can help you discern what went wrong and guide you on how to approach similar situations in the future.

3. Continuing in Faith Despite Failure

Scripture Reference: Hebrews 11:1; Philippians 3:13-14

Explanation:One of the most crucial aspects of managing failure is to continue in faith and not allow the experience to discourage or derail your spiritual journey.

Maintain Faith: Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that "faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Just because healing or deliverance didn’t occur as expected doesn’t mean God isn’t at work. Continue to trust in God’s power, timing, and wisdom, knowing that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Press On: Paul’s attitude in Philippians 3:13-14 is an excellent model for how to deal with setbacks: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Rather than dwelling on the failure, focus on the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Pray for Renewed Strength: Seek God in prayer for renewed strength and wisdom. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, to strengthen your faith, and to give you clarity on how to proceed. This ongoing dependence on God is key to overcoming failure and growing in your spiritual gifts.

4. Encouraging and Comforting Others

Scripture Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Galatians 6:2

Explanation:If the failure involved someone else—such as a person you were praying for—it’s important to offer encouragement and comfort to them as well. How you respond can significantly impact their faith and understanding of God’s love and sovereignty.

Encourage the Faith of Others: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 urges believers to "encourage one another and build each other up." If the person you prayed for wasn’t healed or delivered, assure them that God still loves them, and that His plans for their life are good. Reinforce the idea that God’s timing and methods are perfect, even when we don’t fully understand them.

Bear Each Other's Burdens: Galatians 6:2 says to "bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Be willing to walk alongside the person in their continued journey, offering prayer, support, and love. This shared burden-bearing strengthens both your faith and theirs, creating a deeper sense of community and trust in God.

5. Seeking God’s Will and Understanding His Sovereignty

Scripture Reference: Romans 8:28; Isaiah 55:8-9

Explanation:Ultimately, all healing and deliverance are subject to God’s will. Sometimes, His plan may involve delay, a different outcome, or using the situation for a greater purpose that we cannot see at the moment.

Trust in God’s Goodness: Romans 8:28 reassures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Even in failure, God is working for your good and the good of others. Trust that He has a purpose for the situation, even if it’s not immediately apparent.

Accepting God’s Sovereignty: Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours. There will be times when we don’t understand why something didn’t happen as we hoped. Accepting God’s sovereignty means acknowledging that He knows best and submitting to His wisdom, even when it’s challenging.

Summary

Failure in using the power to heal or cast out demons is a reality that even the most faithful believers may encounter. The key to managing such failure lies in reflection, learning, continued faith, and trust in God’s sovereignty.

When you experience failure:

Reflect and learn from the experience, allowing it to deepen your spiritual maturity.

Continue in faith, not allowing discouragement to take root.

Encourage others who were involved, helping them to maintain their faith.

Seek to understand God’s will and trust in His perfect plan, even when the outcome isn’t as expected.

By approaching failure with humility, faith, and a desire to grow, you can turn these experiences into opportunities for deeper reliance on God and greater spiritual growth.