For three years, I suffered from monthly hormonal migraines, two days in a row, right on time.
My headaches were agonizing, nauseating, and pounding. I sought medical help to no avail. Over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, herbal remedies—nothing worked. I prayed. Others prayed too.
A local church announced a healing service in the newspaper. I attended and stood in line for a healing prayer, expecting the miraculous. When it was my turn, the pastor quietly prayed with me. He didn’t wave his hands over my head, anoint me with oil, or cure me. Like Naaman, I grew angry.
Naaman wanted to be cured of leprosy. His wife’s servant suggested he see the prophet Elisha. Naaman traveled to Israel with a letter from his king requesting the king of Israel heal his leprosy. Israel’s king tore his clothes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of leprosy?”
When Elisha heard about the king’s distress, he asked Naaman to come to him. Elisha didn’t greet him but sent a messenger who said, “Go wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”
Naaman left angry. I imagine he felt like he was on a wild-goose chase. He expected Elisha to personally call on the name of the Lord so he would be cured. Naaman’s servant convinced him to follow Elisha’s instructions in spite of how he felt. He complied. After dipping seven times in the Jordan River as instructed, he was healed.
A godly friend came to me and convinced me to see the doctor again. I went and was prescribed a different medication. For the first month, things looked worse, but after two months, the migraines subsided. Eventually, I stopped the medications and made healthier lifestyle choices.
I chose to follow God’s instructions for me just as Naaman did. Trusting the Lord, I laid down my expectations of how healing should happen. It’s been more than eight years since that healing service, and I function most months without migraines.
Lay down those preconceived ideas about how God should do things, and trust Him to work in His ways.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Shonda Savage encourages people to deepen their roots in Jesus Christ with both written and spoken messages. Shonda connects with her audience by sharing her personal tribulations and triumphs with Christ. She frequently ministers to those whose lives have been impacted by incarceration.