“A wise man is strong,

Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;

For by wise counsel you will wage your own war,

And in a multitude of counselors there is safety” (PV 24:5, 6)

Recently I had a serious challenge with my health. Sickness is like a prison, makes you lonely and ashamed. I did everything I knew was right. I reminded myself that God is with me in all situations. I also prayed for wisdom, for that is God’s day and night open prayer line. The Holy Spirit comforted me and did not allow me to fear the evil associated with temptation. As difficult as the sickness was, the peace of God that passes all understanding was my permanent companion.

During this challenging time, God surprised me by sending special, trained, loving, faithful, experienced and wise warriors to pray for me and counsel me. The first of the list is my husband of 40 years. From beginning to the end, he was a source of faith, great strength and love. I have never been so sick in the past, so now I know the meaning of being one ‘in sickness and in health’. Yes, marriage is a wonderful thing, no matter the circumstances.

But God surprised me by sending other servants of His, with the right words spoken at the right time. These ‘angels’ reminded me of my own sermons… of my own words spoken to them in the past. Seeds planted long ago to help them in their hour of need, came back to me as a harvest of faith and strength and hope. These true friends helped me to reject the lies of the enemy and to stand for Jesus. They did not waver in their support. Their words brought much encouragement to me. They lifted me up when I was about to fall. How blessed I am that all my friends are wise people, that foolishness is far from my camp, that prayer warriors lifted their voices on my behalf, that together we can share in this wonderful testimony of healing and victory!  Yes, God honored me by sending true intercessors at the lowest point during this trial of health. The time of pain became a door for much grace revealed to me. I am humbled and grateful! Indeed, God is faithful!

“Dear Father, I thank you for Your presence in my life…I thank You for Your Word and for Your Spirit…I thank You for sending Your faithful servants to support me during this battle with sickness…I thank You for the lives of all people who prayed and encouraged me at the time of my need! Please bless them with the blessings of Christ! We share in the joy of healing and the victory against the forces of darkness! We give You alone all the glory! In Jesus name Amen!”