She’s Lived Her Entire Life In Pain

A few weeks ago, the squad arrived on campus for a month of training. On the first day, we took them on a short tour of the campus. At the end of it, we started sharing a bit about ourselves. We were going to be on a team for the next 9 months, so we might as well get to know each other. 

Then it was her turn to share. She started talking about some of her favorite things. Simple things. And then she shared how her back has been in severe pain for most of her life. In that moment, I wanted to pray for God to heal her. And then a small voice whispered in my ears. Not yet. What? Why wouldn’t I pray for her healing right then and there? Despite my confusion, I obliged. I just stood and listened to her story. 

The days that followed, I continued to ask God if it was time to pray. But each time, He told me the same thing. Not yet. And each time, I didn’t understand. As believers, Jesus tells us to lay hands on the sick. We are supposed to pray for these things. So why would God tell me not to in those moments?

A few days later, my squad was assigned a night of prayer. The idea is that from 11:00pm – 5:00am, there is someone who is praying or worshiping. That night, my squad decided we wanted to start our time of prayer together. So we did. We held hands and prayed. Just when we were about to leave, someone asked for prayer over their ankle. We gathered around, prayed, and she was healed. The room erupted in praise and cheers. One of my co leaders then asked for prayer for her headache. We gathered around and prayed. And again, she was healed. More praise. Then, in that moment, the whisper returned. It’s time. I immediately walked over to the girl with the back pain, and asked if she also wanted prayer. With hesitation, she said yes. I asked the squad to once again gather and pray for healing. So we did. We prayed passionately and fervently. When we finished, I asked her how she felt. She locked eyes with me. She. Was. Healed. 

I almost couldn’t believe what was happening. I had seen people healed before. I had experienced God move before. But this was something else. People’s bodies were bet restored. After years of living in pain, she was finally free. 

It is easy to read these stories and have doubt. It is easy to question if healing actually happened, or if transformation is truly possible. It has been a week since we prayed for this girl, and she is still living pain free. Was she truly healed? Yes. Would God have still been good if she wasn’t? Yes. Because our circumstances do not change God’s goodness. He was good before the pain, He was good during the pain, and He is still good after the pain. So we should still pray for these miracles. They happened all the time in the Bible, so why can’t they still happen today? And if we do pray and nothing happens, God is still good, and He is still faithful.

Here are some ways you can pray for my squad and me over the next 9 months:

1. The squad – Pray they would continue to step out in boldness. Pray they would continue to pursue God above all other things, and that they would love each other well.
2. My co-leaders – Pray we would find rest within these busy weeks of training. Pray we would come together and be united. Pray we would continue to listen for God’s voice in the midst of the business. 
3. My Blog – Subscribe to my blog above. This is a great way to receive updates on what is happening on the field, and to see how God is moving.
4. Me – Would you pray into supporting me, either through prayer or by financial support? Covering us in prayer does more than you realize. The enemy attacks, and he attacks hard. By praying for us, you are part of what I am able to do here. You can also join me in my ministry through financial support. I have been very fortunate to have been able to continue as a missionary these past couple of years, and that is partly made possible through financial support. Even if it’s just $5 a month, anything helps. 

Thank you all for continuing to follow me along this journey. When I went on my Race two years ago, I did not think I would still be out here, leading and discipling the next generation. It has not been what I thought it would be. In fact, it has been infinitely better in every way.