There’s been this defiant cold going around our house for the past two months, morphing with each of us as it conquers our immune system and then proceeding on to the next until it gets back to the first in new form and takes us down yet again. I am so ready for our home to be symptom-free SOON please!

Of course, wrestling with a prolonged cold is nothing compared to fighting cancer or enduring other forms of suffering. Nonetheless, I am inspired by a friend who loves Jesus, whose son has endured a lot of hospital visits due to the poor conditions of his bones. She put it this way: “Somehow the struggles and suffering we endure is actually a way of God showing us His love and care in fulfilling His promise that He will always be with us.”

What a testimony.

God is faithful even when He allows us to remain in sickness, and He is worthy of praise. He also is faithful when He heals us. And I have a brief story to share on that note.

This is actually the second time this has happened to me. Yesterday I was out watching Layla play, trying not to be miserable because my body ached so bad from the cold. Praying, asking our God who heals to give me strength and fresh energy for the day ahead. Choosing to praise His name in my heart regardless of whether I would feel better or not. As I was sitting there on the pavement, watching Layla push her toy car around and shake her head “no, no” at the strong wind blowing her face, all of a sudden I just felt this surge of energy and strength come on me. The closest thing I can think to describe it is as if I had touched Jesus’ cloak as in the stories of old, and strength and healing coursed through my body. It’s the craziest thing, but so so real. This has happened to me once before, where the raw power of Christ our Healer is so tangible in my own body as He strengthens me. It’s amazing.

So I just want to testify to the goodness and power of God. And say that prayer is powerful because it is communion with God, because it takes us into His throne room and allows us to directly talk with Him. And because He is good, and He longs to bless us and to teach us good things. What a good God we worship.