Healing Testimony

I'm walking and leaping and praising God. Well, maybe not the "leaping" part. But I am praising Jesus and I am walking without the pain I've had for about 4 years. The problem started when I developed heel pain after some extensive exercise walking. When the pain didn't subside after time, I went to a podiatrist who recommended some stretching exercises, good running shoes and arch supports and medication. I did all that and still had no relief.

The pain on my left inner ankle bone just would not get better. The mornings were the worst. If I did not stretch my leg before getting out of bed (and sometimes, even if I did) I would hobble around, not being able to put my left foot fully to the floor. During this time, I prayed, Don prayed, my Women's Group & others prayed. I had prayer with Fr. Rae when he was here 2 years ago. This past summer my ankle started to swell and I had stiffness and pain from my ankle to my hip. I was having more difficulty with going down stairs, sometimes having to descend backward. I went to an orthopedic doctor. I had more X-rays of my ankle and also my back. He could find no cause and patted me on the shoulder and recommended a foot and ankle specialist on their staff. I said to the Lord that I didn't want to live with this pain because I felt I couldn't do well the things that needed done and I really didn't want to look and feel like an "old lady" when I got up from a chair or out of my car. But, I would accept it and try not to complain.

At the same time I re-read the book The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ. In one chapter the author, James Stewart, examines the way Jesus dealt with people who needed healing. It reminded me look at Jesus and his healing ministry and not my experience of healing or the lack thereof. At this time we were all anticipating Fr. Rae's visit and I know the whole Community was keeping that in prayer. I started to feel some changes in my ankle and the swelling seemed to be receding. I had hope. I stopped doing the stretching exercises because I found I was doing better in the mornings. I was still having stiffness in my leg, but the ankle seemed better. When we met for the Team Meeting with Fr. Rae I went forward for prayer. In the days following the healing ministry all the pain was gone. The pain on my ankle bone was gone!!

Praise the Lord. Thank you, Jesus. I believe that while we were corporately praying the weeks before Fr. Rae's visit, the Lord did come and began the healing. So as Fr. Rae says we don't know whose prayer was effective but we know Jesus came and showed his mercy to me. And I am grateful. There is something so secial about corporate prayer that brings the presence of Jesus. So pray with me in a corporate prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord. HE IS SO GOOD.