Lilly’s grateful grin reflected joy concerning her 20-year journey ending chronic seizures. She told me the story. “When I was 3, the first seizure occurred during an illness with high fever. I don’t remember that but I do remember being sexually abused at age 7. The second seizure happened shortly after.”
Lilly continued, “My mom and step-dad constantly fought. There was lots of conflict in our home. As a child, I didn’t feel safe and didn’t understand it. I began to experience frequent seizures with the perceived chaos and conflict around me. I was started on anti-seizure meds to stop them. Occasionally, a seizure would breakthrough the meds.”
“How did you get free from all that mess?” I asked. Lilly replied, “During my time at Bible College, I learned traumas in life can cause physical problems. When emotional trauma is healed, the physical problem often goes away.”
“That’s amazing,” I said, “So, how did your heart heal from your childhood experiences?” “I cried out to God,” Lilly responded thoughtfully, “I asked him to show me how and send people who could help. “
After college, I was invited to live with a loving couple sensing my need. They demonstrated God’s design for a healthy husband-wife relationship as well as healthy conflict resolution. I was encouraged to recognize resentments I held inside. Like forgiving my family. Oh, and the couple demonstrated a healthy life-style, good diet, exercise and rest, something I never considered.”
“Lilly, how long did this heart healing take?” I asked. Lilly responded, “Oh, that was just the start. After several years with the couple, I moved out on my own. I was still on seizure meds and maybe had one breakthrough seizure a year but they happened after conflict with family or when exhausted. I continued to cry out to God, learned to sit with him, read his words and look to him for wisdom and comfort. I asked people I trusted to pray for me. “
Lilly went on, “Forgiveness for those who caused me trauma gradually came. I was becoming more peaceful, more able to handle conflict in a positive manner. I got to the place where I hadn’t had a breakthrough seizure in several years. I began to believe I could be healed and delivered from seizures and seizure medication.”
With some alarm I asked, “You didn’t just quit your meds?” “No, no.” Lilly responded smiling, “After discussing my goals of getting off the meds with my neurologist, he agreed to decrease the dosage. I went several more years with no breakthrough seizures. My ability to navigate relationships in a positive manner continued to improve as well as my confidence in God’s willingness to heal me.”
“So, how did you leap from bearer of a chronic illness to one set free?” I questioned. Lilly responded firmly, “I was doubting God’s assurance of healing. Misplaced confidence in my lack of strength instead of confidence in God’s promises caused me to doubt he already healed me. Then I ran out of meds. I hadn’t made an appointment with my neurologist. I put my confidence in God’s healing. I was no longer the same person physically, emotionally or spiritually. I reached the place where I believed God.”
“How long has it been since your last medication?” I asked incredulous.
Smiling, Lilly responded, “It’s been 1 ½ years with no meds and no seizures. During that time I was married and dealt with all the stresses that go with planning and executing a wedding. I have a good relationship with my family. I’ve learned I can trust God to bring peace, forgiveness and healing into every challenging conflict.”
Science has proven components of a person’s DNA can change and manifest in a healthier manner. No longer does a person have to own grandma’s diabetes, mom’s cancer or uncle’s thyroid problems as well as illness brought on by trauma. Locking eyes with God who loves you can turn off these possibilities. Meditate on his promises and believe they are for you. Proper rest/diet/exercise and healthy environment also promote greater health.
Dr. Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, posted the following in her May 11th blog at priestsforlife.org -“During a time of prayer and meditation this week as I was praying and reading the Bible and listening to some reflective worship music the reality of the pre-existing medical conditions that are bringing so much concern to the people of America while we’re deliberating on our healthcare just loomed in my heart and mind. I believe that I sensed the spirit of the living God saying to me, “Alveda, there’s not enough money, insurance, or medicine to heal all of America’s pre-existing conditions. It will take the blood of My son to do that.”
What are you struggling with that God is waiting to heal? Are you willing to begin a conversation with God about illness, deep hurts, regrets or struggles that are slowing you down and taking your joy? God loves you and sees your struggle. Try locking eyes with him.
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice–the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good, pleasing and perfect his will really is. (NLT: Romans 12: 1 – 2)