I have had failing health for over a year now. I have developed high blood pressure and, I have bones spurs in my spine and destroyed facets in the lower part of my back. If I’m sitting and go to stand you can hear and feel my back crack all the way down to the vertebra. And the pain is so bad. (But according to the doctors my back isn’t bad enough for surgery yet) I’ve gotten addicted to pain medication because the pain is so severe. I’ve begged God to heal my back and as of yet it has not happened. I know that in the book of Revelation it talks about people would not repent of there pharmaceuticals. I do not want to take these drugs. I just don’t want to hurt anymore. How can I get victory?
Experiencing chronic pain can be very debilitating, and I’ll agree with you in prayer that yours would be healed. I’m sure many more who read this will do the same. It’s true, the Greek word pharmakeia in Rev. 9:21 literally means the use or administration of drugs. But in the context of the passage, I don’t think it makes any sense to include legally prescribed medication for pain relief in the same list as murder, fornication, and theft. More likely the verse refers to the illicit use of drugs to conjure up alternate realities. It’s a form of idolatry that gives pharmakeia its metaphorical meanings of sorcery and witchcraft, which is the only way this word is used in the Bible.
I would suggest taking the pills as prescribed while you continue to pray for healing. James 5:14-15 tells us to confess our sins, be anointed with oil, and have the elders (leaders) pray over us so we can be healed. It’s also important to study the passages on healing to help you believe wholeheartedly that the Lord both can heal you and wants to. Your faith is a major component in the process. This study on faith can assist you in that regard.