Spiritual Maturity: It’s Time to Grow Up – Stephanie Ike Okafor

Title: Why Do Christians Still Get Sick? Understanding God’s Healing and Spiritual Authority

Many Christians ask, “If the Bible says, ‘By His stripes we are healed,’ why do we still experience sickness?” The answer lies in the authority we’ve been given through Christ. Even in the midst of sickness, we have the power to speak God’s Word and declare healing. As believers, we are not powerless—we are called to stand firm in our spiritual authority.

Let’s go to the Word of God and begin in prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your presence in this place. Right now, we cast off every lie, every form of shame, and every intimidation from the enemy. Whatever is trying to hinder Your people—whatever is holding them back—we break it in the name of Jesus. Do what only You can do. Glorify Jesus in this house. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.

You may be seated. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, Lord. Have Your way.

Now, I know we’ve been here for a while, but trust that the Lord is working. The message I’m sharing today is something God placed on my heart for this house. If you’re taking notes, you can title this message: “It’s Time to Grow Up.”

I love the theme of Reawakening. When I looked up its meaning, it referred to becoming aware or conscious again after a period of dormancy, inactivity, or forgetfulness. What stood out to me most was the phrase: to become conscious again.

We are living in a time where many believers are being deceived—even turning to tarot card readings and psychics. Why? Because we’re often driven more by our desires than by truth. People come to the house of God seeking motivational messages like “You can do it,” but such encouragements can also be found in movies. The church is not meant to simply inspire—it is meant to form us into the image and likeness of Christ.

When our expectations aren’t met, we begin to question God: “Are You even real?” In that place of emotional vulnerability, the enemy can plant lies, and many begin to believe them. I’ve seen Christians seek out mediums because they miss a loved one who has passed away. But these are demonic spirits disguising themselves—seeking access.

You see, what the enemy is really after is legal ground in your life. Jesus loves you—that is a fact. He died for you on the cross. But as Christians, we still face challenges that require intercession and the active presence of God.

Now, God is all-powerful, and nothing is impossible for Him. But there are times when His hands are tied—not because He lacks power, but because we’ve unknowingly given the enemy legal rights.

Something I’ve learned: Satan does not cross boundaries without permission. When angels overstepped, God bound them in chains (as seen in Scripture). Yet Satan still roams the earth, looking for whom he may devour. Why does he have such freedom? Because when we give him access—even unknowingly—he operates with legality.

Just calling yourself a Christian doesn’t stop the enemy. Some struggles we face were passed down through generations. We might not even know the origin, but the enemy doesn’t always act immediately—there is often a hidden gestation period. The effects may show up in your children or grandchildren.

That’s why, when we come to Christ, we must renounce even unseen generational curses. We say, “Lord, if there is anything in my bloodline that I don’t know about, I place it under the blood of Jesus.”

The problem today is that many people are not surrendering to the true Jesus of the Bible. Instead, they’re following a version of Jesus created by churches that may not even know Him. Scripture warns us: “They honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.”

This is why discernment is crucial. This is why we must grow up in the faith. Not just emotionally, but spiritually—grounded in truth, walking in authority, and living in freedom.