Last September, my sister took unwell and was rushed in to hospital with severe abdominal pain. We thought this was likely to be something simple with an easy solution. As the days then weeks rolled on with Rebecca still in hospital we realised this was not the case.
No tests revealed any ailment and we were soon faced with the reality that this pain might be a permanent fixture in her life moving forward. Not only that, but she was due to start university in 6 weeks (after years of study to get her to this point) and this was looking increasingly unlikely. As a family, we prayed fervently in every moment we could — when Rebecca was experiencing excruciating spasms; when we were exhausted from hospital visits; when every test result we hung our hopes on came back negative; when every pain killer she was given made no difference; when hospital staff were being overly kind (and when they were not). We prayed and prayed yet there was no change.
After 4 weeks, a close friend suggested we gather a group of people to pray & fast for 24 hours. The Lord had spoken to me at the beginning of this season and said “This kind can only come out through prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). I sought to be obedient by praying but when my friend suggested this I realised my obedience was only in part. As a family, our hope for change was minimal but we stepped into 24 hours of obedience alongside a group of others who committed to pray & fast with us. This community gathered in our absence on the Glasgow Uni campus (where Rebecca was due to attend) and interceded for immediate healing. The next day, a doctor (who Rebecca had never met before) arrived in what felt like an angelic fashion at her hospital bed telling her he knew exactly what was wrong. “Come and I’ll show you” he said. He wheeled her along to read an x ray and showed her the exact cause of her pain. He treated her and Rebecca was sent home the following day and arrived at Glasgow Uni for the first day of freshers!
We have absolutely no doubt that God heard and answered our prayers as we humbled ourselves before Him (2 Chronicles 7:14). A year on, Rebecca’s health is still improving and recently when one of her friends took unwell, her first response was “let’s fast!”.
Claire Donaghey
Re:Hope Southside
As we approach the end of our 40 days, ask God if he has a prayer strategy for you moving forward. Take note of any way you sense Him guiding your prayers during these final days, and beyond.
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