Of Prayer and Prozac

By Pastor Jamie Dixson

On Sunday night, the 27th of July, 2008, Immanuel’s had the privilege of hosting Jeff Garvin, from the “Lakeland Revival.” A dynamic man of faith, Jeff challenged us on many aspects of our life in Christ. Signs and wonders follow this man, as many have been healed of their afflictions in Lakeland. Mr. Garvin made many great, biblical statements, but one mention did concern me. Prozac. On three separate occasions, Jeff mentioned Prozac in conjunction with prayer, faith and deliverance from such medications. To which I say, Amen! However, although Jeff never directly said that those who must be on psychotropic medicine had a lack of faith or relationship with the Lord Jesus, the inference seemed apparent. Let me assure you, your pastors do not feel this way.
A little over three years ago, I had open heart surgery. In the time leading up to the surgery, I had wonderful, well meaning saints tell me not to believe the doctors report. The problem was, the doctor’s report was true. During an echo cardiogram, I saw my mitral valve just flapping around, allowing 50% of my blood to go backwards in my system. There was no doubting the report. The question was, what was I going to do about it? How was I going to respond in faith? Through prayer and many signs, God assured me that I was to have the surgery. I had faith in the outcome and absolute assurance from God. So, in full confidence of faith, I went into surgery. The operation was performed by a world renown physician from Ghana, who, in spite of the damage to my valve, re-made the valve from its own materials, calling my surgery one of the most difficult he had ever performed. Not only did I have faith, but God gave my surgeon faith to perform a surgery that most others would have simply replaced the valve as opposed to repairing it. This is the “readers digest” version, but consider the convergence of what God did! Do you believe in miracles? I do! What is the point of telling this story? That God heals in many ways, according to the faith that lies within you.
Faith is obedient. It does what it is commanded. Faith acts on what it is told and sometimes, faith waits until the answer comes from heaven. What has God commanded you? If you are walking in faith and not presumption, then you are pleasing God. Are you taking anti depressive/anxiety medicine? Blood pressure medicine? There is no sin in taking the medications prescribed by your physician. Are anti depressives any different than blood pressure medication? Where does the difference lie? Your pastors will always stand by your side in your obedience to God’s faith within you. We will love you always and will never tell you nor imply that you should get off of the medications your doctor has given to help heal you. If you feel that your medications need to be adjusted or that you are able to move beyond them, the pastors encourage you to dialog with your caregiver and allow him/her to watch over the adjustments, as we continue to pray over you, that all of our faith will be expanded.
There is nothing that I enjoy more than seeing people healed of their afflictions by the laying on of hands or by the sovereign move of God’s grace. We see people healed nearly every Sunday at the altar, but not all who come are immediately healed. So, we pray all the more, never giving up. According to James 5:14, we will continue to anoint with oil and pray with faith for healing, until we all realize the fullness of faith that is resident within us in Christ Jesus!
God bless you all!