God’s Marvelous Love and Care

My story begins in May 2003, when my wonderful daughter, Nila, (who’d just been given a new assignment as the Christian radio station underwriter) invited me to accompany her to Kansas for a training workshop. 
I was delighted to go with her on the week-long trip, especially since we planned to break the drive into two days and enjoy a much-needed "girls’" vacation.  But half-way through the first day’s journey, I began to feel an uncomfortable stiffness in my joints and entire body.  At first, I assumed the culprit was merely having to ride in the van for so many hours.  Yet, the next day, I awoke in real pain. In fact, I could barely get in and out of the van.  
 

By the time we arrived at our destination, I could hardly lift myself out to the curb.  The simple act of taking a step elicited searing, almost unbearable discomfort.  As an otherwise healthy and youthful "fifty-something", I couldn’t help but wonder, “What’s going on here?"
 
To make matters worse, our old, yet quaint, hotel had a small elevator, but it wouldn’t budge!  Climbing the two flights of stairs to our room racked my body with pain as I feebly lifted one foot after the other.   Though the staff was friendly and the food excellent, I was miserable as I hurt with every move I made! The small room would be my primary home for the next several days!
 
As the weekend drew near, I dreaded the drive back, knowing the long hours of confinement would only accentuate the pain that seemed to radiate from every inch of my body.  Observing the drastic changes in my body, I had no choice but to realize that - in just a few, short days - I had suddenly become like an old woman. 
 
Unknown to me, Nila made a quiet decision to drive all night to get me home quickly, silently praying for strength for both of us.  She concealed her fear that my inexplicable and rapid deterioration might signal some type of untreatable and ultimately fatal condition.  
 
By the time we got home, not only were we both exhausted; I was almost completely paralyzed. Despite my best efforts, the pain was so intense I simply could not hold back tears.  Nila helped me out of the van, into the house and straight into bed. Throughout the sleepless night, we prayed.
 
The next morning, Nila phoned Christian friends to come to my house for prayer.  A few minutes later, Debbie Reed returned the call, offering to bring along Ron and Glenda Pettey, a couple devoted to sharing God’s gift of healing. 
 
“Yes! Please come,” I cried.  Nila helped dress me and comb my hair; I wanted to look presentable, despite my night in the valley of pain and fear and uncertainty. 
 
With brief introductions and greetings, Ron began to pray and discern the source of my pain.  Glenda explained that the Lord shows Ron the physical problem through what might be described as "x-ray" vision, and then directs both of them how to pray for healing.
 
After a few minutes, Ron said that the Lord seemed to highlight my lower spine.  With my permission, Glenda placed her hand gently on the area and Ron placed his hand atop hers.  With oil, they laid their hands on me and prayed to the Father to realign my spine.  When they removed their hands, my pain was instantly gone! At first, I was so shocked, I could barely speak. It was absolutely awesome!
 
Next, Ron stepped back and looked at my body again. Soon, the Lord revealed to him that my hips were misaligned alongside my spine, something that I hadn’t mentioned to him previously.  He asked that Nila assist in praying for my hips.  She did, and I felt better!
 
A third time, Ron sensed the Lord showing him a blockage in my blood vessels on one side.  He prayed for the blockage to be removed and commanded that side of my body to line up correctly. Once again, I experienced a change inside my body, and then suddenly realized, I actually felt great, for the first time in more than a week!
 
Dazed by the sudden freedom and lightness in my body and an overwhelming gratitude, I joined my daughter and friends in praise to God; then we talked for awhile. I tell you, the presence of the Lord was strong in that room - almost tangible - as we shared and gave Him all the credit for what had happened. Such unspeakable joy I felt, realizing how much God loved me! I knew, without a shred of doubt, I was totally healed!   

Happily, the next day was Sunday and I eagerly shared, with my church family, the wonder of my healing.  However, I couldn’t help but notice that, in the midst of my excitement at telling others what had happened, the pain kept trying to come back.  But I stood firmly on the promise of God’s healing and refused to entertain any thought of allowing the pain to stay.
 
For about a week, the pain kept flitting in and out, but I would not accept it.  At week’s end, the pain had gone for good.  Five years later, I’m still well in this year of 2008!  I praise God for His marvelous love and care!  Thank you, Jesus! 
Rachel Monahan