There is a man in my life whom I hold in high regard and seek his counsel often. For over 4
years, he has told me that I need to share with my ministry partners things going on in my
life. I have always avoided doing that, feeling that what God is doing in the lives of others is
paramount, and I just wanted to remain the “hole in the doughnut.” However, with my
friend’s continual urging, I have been convicted to periodically share some of my own life
experiences.
JEHOVAH RAPHA
The God who heals—emotionally, spiritually, and physically
The newsletter you received last week referenced so much emotional and spiritual healing,
but this personal narrative is about physical healing. On February 6th, I attended a meeting
of the East Texas Pastors’ Association which I get to do about 7 or 8 times a year. This
particular meeting was at Grace Fellowship Church in Rusk. It began with worship, and
after opening remarks, a few people with “infirmities” came up and sat in a chair and their
healing was prayed for by most of us who had gathered around them. Then, the floor was
“opened up” to discuss whatever was on someone’s heart. After 5 or 6 Brothers had
shared, I shared about the coming revival and the necessity for each and every one of us to
proclaim the Gospel daily throughout our day. I ended by saying something to the effect of
, “I would like to ask for prayer for discernment and provision, but I’d like to sit in the chair.” I
took a seat and closed my eyes as several Brothers gathered around me. I was anointed
with oil, and for some reason, I knew it was Pastor Chris who grasped my hand. I could also
feel someone’s hands on my feet, which was surprising (I’ve had pretty bad alcoholic
neuropathy for over 8 years) because only 1 person in the sanctuary knew I had
neuropathy, and he was holding my hand. When the Brothers finished praying and I stood
to return to my seat, my feet felt better than they have in almost 8 years. When the meeting
was over, I went to Chris to ask who had put their hands on my feet and prayed for them
because they weren’t hurting like they normally do. Chris looked me in the eyes and told
me that no one was touching my feet. I responded, “No, you don’t understand; I could feel
their hands on me.” Once again, I was assured that no one was touching my feet, at least
no human power. It’s now been 25 days, and my feet still feel better than they have in years.
Over 6 years ago, God, Jehovah Rapha, rectified the spiritual malady in my life and removed
the mental obsession to drink and drug. Now, He has greatly relieved the “thorn in my side.”
Spending days walking the streets with painful feet caused by my addictions continually
reminds me of my awesome God-granted deliverance from those vices.
I share this to remind you that no matter where we are in our walk with the Lord- a
newborn, an infant like me, a toddler, an adolescent, or a mature adult–He is always there
for each of us.
Your Brother in Christ,
Eric