I remember standing with my sister-in-law around the counter in my niece’s kitchen. My niece who was fighting a rare form of cancer was worn out from the many rounds of chemotherapy and treatments to help battle this disease. These were desperate times, and her life was literally hanging in the balance.

She had made a commitment to God when she was fourteen at a Bible Camp. And now, with the diagnoses of cancer she had renewed her commitment once again.

I asked if I could pray for her adding that I wanted put my hands on her shoulders and her head as I did so.   There was no argument from her and I could see that her heart was prepared to receive from God.

I was nervous about it and had sensed a few days earlier that I would pray for her. It was what God was asking of me and I knew it.

But still there were questions. Who was I to lay my hands on her and pray boldly for her healing from head to toe?

As I moved towards her to pray, it seemed in that moment I stepped out and away from my fears and doubts into a presence and authority in Christ that filled me with confidence.

I laid my hands on her bald head and shoulder and prayed for her. With the Holy Spirit’s power, all three of us were engaged in this moment of prayer. I can’t remember exactly what I prayed but it was sincere and we were all in agreement. It was a moment none of us will forget.

It was also a moment of authority. I appreciate noted Bible teacher Andrew Wommack’s perception of our authority as a believer.

“There needs to be a radical renewing of our thinking on this issue. God has already provided His healing power and placed it on the inside of every born-again believer. It is up to us to release it.”

He talks about the “beggar versus commander” mentality.

“Understanding and using our authority is the key to seeing miracles happen. If we don’t take our authority and become commanders instead of beggars, God’s power will not be released.”

We do not need to beg or plead with God to heal someone. We must acknowledge the God-given authority He has given each one of us and release it as Peter declared:

“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6)

Peter didn’t pray for this man. He also didn’t ask God to heal him, the Apostle simply said:

“What I do have I give you.”

Peter understood the authority he had in Christ. This was the source of this healing power and as the Jews who witnessed this miracle stood in amazement, Peter explained:

“Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?”

It was not personal godliness and power, Peter understood his authority. We need to claim healing in the same way.

My niece spent a few more months doing chemotherapy and then surgery. It was a journey that required, faith and perseverance. And, despite the terrible odds this rare type of cancer held for her, she has been given a good report concerning her health.

Was it the prayer or was it the chemotherapy and surgery that produced this wonderful answer to prayer?  Yes, it was all of it!

Through it, I watched this young woman face every obstacle and treatment with hope and faith.