Kenneth Copeland has spent decades teaching that Jesus still heals today. Yet in a refreshingly candid conversation with his granddaughter, Courtney Copeland, the longtime minister addressed one of the most difficult questions Christians ask: If healing was purchased at the cross, why do faithful believers sometimes continue to suffer physically?
On a recent episode of the Kenneth Copeland Podcast, the 89-year-old minister opened up about his own ongoing battle with chronic back pain following a ruptured appendix and complications involving his sciatic nerve. Rather than hiding his struggle, Copeland used it to illustrate what he believes is one of the greatest tests of faith.
“I’ve had a lot of pain in my body,” Copeland admitted, explaining that although the pain has persisted, he continues to keep Scripture before him every day, reading God’s promises and refusing to allow his circumstances to define what he believes.
Throughout the conversation, Copeland pointed repeatedly to Galatians 3, emphasizing that Christ redeemed believers from the curse through His sacrifice on the cross.
“We’re redeemed from all of that,” he said after reading the passage. “Glory to God. We’ve been set free.”
Courtney Copeland then raised a question that many believers quietly wrestle with. If healing belongs to Christians through Christ, why doesn’t everyone experience it immediately?
Copeland’s answer centered not on denying pain but on refusing to let pain become the final authority.
Quoting Mark 11, he encouraged believers to align their words with God’s promises rather than their circumstances.
“I’m not moved by what I see. And I’m not moved by what I feel. I’m moved only by what I believe, and I believe the Word of the living God,” he said.
One of the most memorable moments came when Copeland described what he calls the “line of faith.” After praying, seeking the Lord and writing down the Scriptures he is standing on, he intentionally reaches a point where he considers the matter settled before God.
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“I stepped across the line of faith,” Copeland said. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s finished.”
The discussion became especially personal when Courtney asked why, after preaching divine healing for decades, her grandfather is still living with significant back pain.
Instead of expressing disappointment, Copeland explained that after extensive prayer, he believed the Lord specifically directed him to a Christian neurosurgeon. For him, following God’s leading—even when it involves medical treatment—is not a contradiction of faith but an act of obedience.
“I wouldn’t have done it without His permission,” Copeland said.
He closed by encouraging those battling chronic illness to immerse themselves daily in healing Scriptures, continually renewing their minds with God’s Word until faith becomes firmly established.
Whether healing comes instantly or through a longer journey, Copeland’s message remains unchanged: believers are called to keep their eyes fixed on Christ, continue declaring His promises and trust that the One who began the work will be faithful to complete it.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
