Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness.
Let the whole world know what He has done.
Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises.
Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds.
Psalm 105:1-2 (NLT)
Series: The Breadcrumb Trail
I will never forget the moment. Standing before the minister who called me out of the congregation, I experienced a miracle. He asked me a few questions. I answered. He spoke life and truth and healing over me. As he laid his hands on my head and prayed, I felt something in my physical body. It was power—not like the uncomfortable jolt you get when you brush against live electricity. I believe it was the healing power of God that ran through my body.
I have shared my story in intimate conversations to encourage others in their hope in God’s promises and principles. Today, I share my experience with you. My prayer is that you are strengthened and encouraged in faith as you hear about this wonderful work of God.
For the first thirty-three years of my life, I had suffered from repeated urinary tract and reproductive system issues. I underwent surgery, countless procedures, scans, and treatments. I had been on daily medications for both systems for years. Specialists monitored my kidney function and kept a close eye on any damage from the multiple infections.
About two years before that momentous service, I began studying the scriptures about healing. I scoured the words on the pages of my Bible—underlining, highlighting, and making notes in the margins. In a notebook, I wrote down scriptures and journaled prayers to God that aligned with those scriptures. Then, I prayed the prayers aloud.
All of those activities increased my knowledge and fed my faith. You see, faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Following are a few of the verses I clung to in that season:
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases. (Psalm 103:2-3 NKJV)
He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. (Psalm 107:20 NKJV)
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. (Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV)
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 NKJV)
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise. (Jeremiah 17:14 NKJV)
As I moved through the Gospels, countless stories of Jesus healing people confirmed the words I studied in the Old Testament. Each of these miraculous accounts became an encouragement to me as I learned and understood Jesus, the Living Word, to be my Healer. I also learned the Lord does not change; Jesus is the same at all times; every promise of God is Yes and Amen in Jesus; and the Lord our God is faithful forever.
My mind was set on these truths as I stood before the minister back in 2004. When he prayed for me and I felt that power move through me, I knew I was healed! It reminds me of the experience of the woman with the issue of blood. She approached Jesus full of faith that she would be healed as she touched the hem of His garment. When she did, Jesus felt power go from Him, and the woman was immediately healed.
Since that day at the altar, my urinary tract and reproductive systems have functioned normally. No infections. No medications. No procedures. And after updating the scans and labs, the specialists completely released me. Hallelujah! Praise God! I was healed, and twenty years later, I still am!
I know not everyone experiences physical healing on this side of heaven. And my health hasn’t been without incident since that miraculous day. I have suffered other illnesses and I have witnessed the suffering of many all around me. Just like you, I’ve felt anger, confusion, and sorrow about the disease and loss of precious ones.
However, because I have experienced and know Jesus as my Healer, I can believe and stand strong in faith for healing and recovery for myself and others. I have prayed these words countless times: “Lord, Your Word is life and health to me and all my flesh. You sent Your Word to heal me. Jesus, You are the Word made flesh—the Living Word. You are my Savior and my Healer. By Your stripes, I am healed. I believe, and I receive from You. Thank You.”
Scripture instructs us to tell of the wonderful works God has performed in our lives. By doing so, others realize God’s goodness, power, faithfulness, and love, and they are strengthened. I hope that sharing my story provides a breadcrumb along your trail of faith in God. May we give thanks to Him together and proclaim His greatness to all we meet.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Psalm 103:1-5, 105:1-2, 107:20; Proverbs 4:20-22; Isaiah 53:5; Jeremiah 17:14; Malachi 3:6; Matthew 15:29-30; Mark 5:25-34; John 1:1-14; Acts 10:36-38; Romans 10:17; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 10:23, 13:8
