Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough to ask God for healing”? It’s a thought that’s all too common for many of us. We know God can heal, we’ve seen it in the Bible, maybe even in our own lives—but when it comes to ourselves, we hesitate. Why do we believe we’re not worthy to receive healing? Why do we struggle with this feeling when, as believers, we know God’s promises are true?

Let’s dive into why we feel this way, what the Bible says about it, and how we can break free from this mindset, starting today. We’ll also look at two powerful stories from the Bible that show us how to approach God with faith, even when we feel unworthy.

Why Do We Feel Unworthy?

Feeling unworthy to ask for healing often comes from a deep-rooted belief that somehow we haven’t “earned” it. We might think, “I’ve sinned too much” or “I haven’t been a good enough Christian.” But here’s the truth: healing isn’t something we earn. It’s part of the grace that God gives freely to His children.

It’s important to realize that this feeling of unworthiness is the same tactic the enemy uses to keep us from experiencing God’s goodness in other areas of our lives. We feel unworthy when we focus on our failures, instead of on Jesus’ finished work. Yet, the Bible makes it clear that we don’t need to be “good enough” to receive God’s blessings—whether it’s salvation or healing.

Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” If salvation—the greatest gift—is given freely through grace, then why do we think healing is any different? Jesus died not only to save our souls but also to heal our bodies. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Healing is a part of what Jesus paid for on the cross.

The Centurion: Faith Despite Feeling Unworthy

One of the most profound examples of someone who felt unworthy but still approached Jesus for healing is the centurion in Matthew 8:5-13. The centurion’s servant was sick, and he knew that only Jesus could heal him. But as a Roman officer, he didn’t feel worthy for Jesus to come into his home. He told Jesus, “Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.”

This man didn’t feel deserving of Jesus’ presence, yet he had great faith in Jesus’ power. He believed that just one word from Jesus could bring healing. And what did Jesus do? He marveled at the centurion’s faith and said, “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” The centurion didn’t let his feelings of unworthiness stop him from believing in the authority and power of Jesus. And because of his faith, his servant was healed.

The centurion teaches us a valuable lesson: even when we feel unworthy, we can still have faith in Jesus’ power to heal. His focus wasn’t on himself, his status, or his sins—it was on the authority of Jesus.

The Canaanite Woman: Bold Faith for Healing

Another powerful story comes from Matthew 15:21-28, where a Canaanite woman approached Jesus to ask for healing for her demon-possessed daughter. As a Gentile, she was considered outside of the covenant, and when she initially asked Jesus for help, He seemed to reject her, saying, “It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.”

Now, many people would have walked away after hearing that. But not this woman. She had enough faith to believe that even a crumb of Jesus’ power was enough to heal her daughter. She responded, “Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

This woman didn’t argue her worthiness. She acknowledged that she was outside the covenant, but her faith in Jesus’ power was so strong that she believed even the smallest bit of His grace could bring healing. Jesus honored her faith, saying, “O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” And her daughter was healed that very hour.

The significance of this story is profound. The woman knew she didn’t have a right to the promises of God under the old covenant, but her faith in Jesus’ mercy and power surpassed that barrier. She didn’t need to be “worthy”—she needed faith.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

So how do these stories relate to us? Both the centurion and the Canaanite woman felt they were outsiders, unworthy of Jesus’ help. Yet, their faith was strong enough to overcome those feelings. Faith isn’t about feeling worthy—it’s about believing that God is good, powerful, and willing to heal.

Today, we often carry the same burdens of unworthiness. We think, “I’m not a good enough Christian to ask God for healing,” or “I’ve made too many mistakes.” But the Bible shows us that Jesus responds to faith, not perfection. We may feel like we’re only worthy of the crumbs, but Jesus is more than willing to offer us the full meal.

When we focus on our mistakes or shortcomings, we make it harder to receive what God has freely given us. But when we focus on God’s promises, our faith grows, and we begin to believe that healing is for us, no matter what we’ve done. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

We are called to approach God boldly—not because we’ve earned it, but because He loves us and wants to heal us.

Healing and Salvation: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever noticed that we don’t struggle with feeling unworthy when it comes to salvation, but we do with healing? Think about the day you gave your life to Christ. You didn’t think, “I’ll wait until I’m good enough.” No, you came as you were, broken and in need of a Savior, knowing that only Jesus could forgive your sins. And He did.

So why do we think healing is any different? Psalm 103:2-3 reminds us, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.” Forgiveness and healing are part of the same promise, the same grace. Jesus didn’t just die for our sins—He died to restore our entire being, including our health.

1 Peter 2:24 reinforces this: “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior, then healing is already yours. Just as you didn’t earn salvation, you don’t have to earn healing.

Stepping into Faith

If you’ve been struggling with feelings of unworthiness when it comes to healing, it’s time to let those feelings go. Healing isn’t about deserving it—it’s about receiving it by faith. Mark 11:24 says, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Healing comes when we believe, not when we feel we’ve earned it.

When you feel unworthy to ask for healing, remind yourself of the centurion and the Canaanite woman. They both felt unworthy, but they still approached Jesus in faith. And what happened? They received the healing they asked for.

God’s Word is filled with promises of healing for you. Don’t let feelings of unworthiness rob you of what God has already provided. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” God is pleased when we come to Him in faith, trusting in His goodness, not our own worthiness.

Faith Over Feelings

At the end of the day, it’s not about how we feel—it’s about what God’s Word says. Healing is yours, just as salvation is. The key is faith. It’s time to stop focusing on whether you feel worthy and start focusing on the promises of God. He is faithful. He is willing. And He is able. Just as He healed in the Bible, He can and will heal today.

Take heart in knowing that God loves you, and He desires for you to be whole—spirit, soul, and body. Come to Him with boldness, knowing that His grace is enough, and His healing power is available for you.

—Joshua L Mullins