In December 2006, I was able to indulge in a week of skiing with some friends. As was always the case, no matter how tired my legs were feeling, the lure of one more run at the end of the day, was too much to resist! As I approached the bottom of the piste, I hit a small patch of ice and crashed to the floor. I fell on my right side and immediately knew that I had done something serious. My shoulder was 4 inches lower than it should have been, and I was in major pain. A doctor later confirmed that it was dislocated.
While my initial recovery following intensive physiotherapy was swift, my shoulder never fully recovered. I would make progress, but then do something to aggravate it. In October 2008, I decided that I was ready to play a game of squash. But within 5 minutes of starting, my game was over! My confidence had been misplaced, and another period of extensive physiotherapy loomed. I resigned myself to the fact that my shoulder would never be the same again.
Just a few days later, my plan to meet up with a friend fell through, and I was left with a free weekend. I felt a real conviction to attend the morning service at my local church, St Barnabas, Woodside Park, North London. I would normally only attend the evening service, and although reluctant, I decided to go along.
Upon arrival, I discovered that the sermon was going to be on healing. At the end of the sermon, the vicar said that he had a number of words for individuals in the congregation. He said he believed that there was an individual present who was experiencing pain in his right shoulder. If ever there was a word for me, this was it! I tentatively made my way towards the front.
Despite receiving prayer, initially nothing happened, and I was still in pain. But it was when I left building, that I sensed change. I became aware that there was no pain whatsoever in my shoulder, and I suddenly had the confidence (and urge!) to swing my right arm around in circles! Just 20 minutes before, I had been in pain and discomfort while sitting down in my seat. I had been healed!
My shoulder remains completely pain and discomfort free.
The experience of being healed has encouraged me greatly. It has taught me that healing is not just something to read about, but that it still happens today. It has also taught me to pray persistently, even when previous prayers have seemingly not been answered.
Finally, it has taught me to listen to God. Had I not responded to the conviction to attend the morning service, and had I not responded to the invitation for prayer, I would not have received this amazing blessing that God had in store for me!
*Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/@nati-87264186