Sunday school lesson: “Joseph was in a pit. He was faced with a decision: to trust God or not. Do you trust God? You may trust God in your mind, but will you trust God when it matters most? Will you trust God if your life depends on it?”
Teammate: We would like to pray for anyone that wants to trust Jesus. We’re here to answer your questions.
**Nineteen year-old girl stands up in front**
Me: Hi, what’s your name?
Girl: Madelle
Me: Madelle, how can I pray for you?
Madelle: I want to trust Jesus. I am sick. I have been sick for a long time. I have many responsibilities and I don’t want my parents to worry about my health.
Me: Can you tell me more about your sickness?
Madelle: I have really bad back pains. My spine was cracked when I was 12 years old. Since then, my health has gotten worse. Sometimes I go days without getting out of bed because my pain is so bad. I have really bad stomach pains and strong headaches.
Me: What happened when you were 12?
Madelle: My friend hit me with a chair in school on accident.
Me: Have you trusted Jesus with your life before?
Madelle: Yes.
Me: The Bible teaches us that Jesus can heal. Do you believe Jesus can heal you?
Madelle: Yes, I know He can heal me. I want Him to heal me.
Me: Okay. We’re going to pray. Before I pray, I want you to believe in your heart that you have already been healed. I also want you to position your body to receive from God.
Madelle: **raises both hands in the air with palms face up**
Me: **prayer**
****THREE DAYS LATER****
Our last night at Aninuan Christian Church was on a Wednesday. We were asked to come on stage to receive blessings from the people. Our teams formed one line across the stage. There was a basket of flowers in front of us. People from the community picked out flowers from the basket, brought them to us, and explained how we blessed the particular individual.
Me: (Processing internally) Oh, that’s Madelle. Cool.
Madelle: **Approaches me smiling, extends her hand holding a flower, and gives it to me** Thank you for praying for me.
Me: You’re welcome.
Madelle: The doctor says I am healed.
Me: What?! **Beginning to tear up**
Madelle: Thank you for praying for me. The doctor tested me and he said I’m fine. I’m all better!
Me: **Bawling my eyes out** You’re healed?! Praise the Lord!!
Previous to my month in the Philippines, I would have been one to tell you (and attempt to convince you) God doesn’t heal. I would have given you plenty of reasons as to why my viewpoint was correct.
Now, I stand before man proclaiming my God heals. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In hindsight, I see that my previous belief system was flawed. It was flawed because I put God in a box. This box was limited to the size of my faith. My previous beliefs were a lack of faith. Praise the Lord that He has allowed me to witness healing. He has increased my faith and the faith of witnesses of this miraculous healing.
