GILLIAN
“My body was in such agony and so swollen, walking was impossible. I had to shuffle across the floor to the toilet on my bottom like a baby before it learns to walk. My hands, arms and soles of my feet were so inflamed I could not walk or even crawl”.
Diagnosed by a rheumatologist with a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis Gillian’s days were a haze of agony. Not only were her joints inflamed, her body was so swollen it was impossible to wear socks, clothes or get comfortable. Even opening her jaw to speak or eat was excruciating. Her husband bought her a waterbed as she couldn’t sleep and to relieve pressure points. Often when her teenage daughter went to and came home from school she would be in bed. Meals, housework, shopping were impossible and as the 11 months of pain continued, she wondered how she would survive. Her specialist told her there was no cure. “She would never get better” he said. I was like a pin cushion after so many blood tests and injections. No amount of drugs helped or reduced the pain and inflammation.
The only relief she felt during these torturous months were long visits to the hospital arthritis sanatorium in Rotorua. A sling and pulley were used to gently lower her inflamed body into the warmth and healing qualities of the thermal pool. She remembers the treatments and therapists with affection as the warm buoyant water supported her body bringing pain free moments. “The only time I could walk was in the pool. I never wanted to get out because I knew when I did the horrendous pain would return.
I was amongst the worst cases there”.
Months passed but eventually a close friend insisted she take her to ‘Womens Aglow’ a Christian group where prayer and healings were not uncommon. Gillian was prayed for but she felt nothing although the women praying had a prophetic word. “You need to change your diet and eat as Daniel did in the Bible” she shared. This is a strict vegan diet. No animal products, leavened breads, proceesed foods, caffeine or alcohol. Just the night before Gillian had thought about this idea and was determined to try it.
When the friend took her home, and unaware of what was said to Gillian by lady who prayed, she said “I have something to tell you but you might laugh at me”. “What”? asked Gillian. “Well the Lord said to tell you to look at your diet”. So 3 versions of the same message!
Gillian went to bed unhealed, exhausted but hopeful. When she woke the next morning, she was completely healed. Every trace of arthritis was gone!
“The release from pain was so intense, I danced through the bedroom. It was incredible.”
Weeks later Gillian approached the specialist after his public speaking engagement. “I’ve been healed” she said. His reply “you can’t be! What did that?” She replied “prayer”. “He looked at her in disbelief but his assistant said “I believe you”
I never stopped believing. Sometimes I look back and think “I am so blessed. I am living proof of the healing power of God through prayer. I am now 84 and arthritis has never returned”.