Audio Version: I Remember…
By Faith Tan, Contributed by Damansara Utama Methodist Church
As I listened to this song, “Remember” by Lauren Daigle, the lyrics resonated very well with me and strangely warmed my heart. Before I knew it, it was as though God was taking me down memory lane with Him. Everything became crystal clear. I remembered all the three occasions that God had healed me miraculously. Yes, “I remember, I remember” just like the lyrics of the song, “You have always been faithful to me”. Hence, it is only apt that I should testify of His faithfulness and goodness to me.
First miracle: Healing of a sinus problem
When I first moved back to Malaysia in 2003, I suffered chronic sinus infections for the first time in my life. I consulted numerous ENT specialists in Singapore and Malaysia and was told the same thing. I was allergic to dust from the air-conditioners, carpets, curtains, and fabric furnishings.
The problem recurred as often as once every two weeks. It affected my sleep, my work, and my overall quality of life. Besides feeling unwell, I also suffered rejections from my colleagues who avoided coming near me and they even gave me the nickname “germs”.
For about two years, I was given antibiotics every two to three weeks to clear the infection and inflammation in my nose. I was subsequently given antibiotics every two months for another four years. For many years, I had to use a nasal spray and antihistamines for maintenance.
I went for all kinds of tests. Thankfully, my ENT specialist in Singapore did not prescribe any surgery. He told me that there was nothing wrong with my nose. He said, “You just have a sensitive nose!”
I cried out to God for His healing. Eventually, He answered me – after six years. I have been healed from sinusitis infection. Since 2009, I have not had the need for any antibiotics to clear any sinus infection. Hallelujah!
Second miracle: Healing of my thyroid
In July 2012, I experienced sudden weight loss. I had a racing heartbeat and had trouble sleeping at night. There was a lump in my thyroid gland. I went to see the ENT specialist who is also a relative. After some tests, she diagnosed me as having an overactive thyroid. As my mother and all her three sisters have thyroid problems, she felt that my problem was hereditary. It made sense as my three aunties have had operations while my mother is on thyroid medication for life.
I prayed earnestly for healing. I cried out to God to be spared of surgery as I could not bear the prospect of a scar on my neck. Thank God, my thyroid scores were normalised after one month of medication. The doctor decided to stop the medication and monitor my condition. Clearly, she had more faith than me. For the next six months, I went for periodic blood tests. My thyroid scores stayed normal and the lump in my thyroid gland was gone. I have been going for yearly blood tests and God has completely healed my thyroid. Hallelujah!
Third miracle: Healed of Interstitial Cystitis
In 2015, I was told by a Gynaecology and Urogynaecology consultant that I had interstitial cystitis (IC), which was a chronic condition causing pressure and pain in the bladder and sometimes the pelvis. Whenever an IC episode struck, I would suffer excruciating pain and, occasionally, have difficulty in breathing. As I was advised that there was no cure for IC, I was overwhelmed by fear and distress.
My social life, sleep pattern, and ability to work were adversely affected. When I flew, I would make sure I had an aisle seat near the toilet. Whether I was in church or at any function, I had to have a seat nearest the toilet. I carried a range of painkillers to be prepared for any IC episode.
For four years, I cried out continuously to God. Eventually, the frequency of the episodes started to reduce gradually, and I am pleased to testify that I have not had a single episode for the past one year. I believe God has healed me completely of interstitial cystitis. Hallelujah!
As I remember how God had answered my prayers and healed me of my three chronic conditions supernaturally, I can only shout endless “Hallelujah” to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
What have I learned from these health situations?
In my darkest hour and in times of greatest pain, I have learnt to keep my faith (Hebrews 11) and keep believing that God’s ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts higher than my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-8). I have learned to pray earnestly, keep knocking on God’s door (Matthew 7:7-12), and cling onto His promises that He will heal all my diseases (Psalm 103:3 and Isaiah 53:5); these verses have given me hope and strength. Learning to surrender my issues to God (Galatians 2:20) and choosing to focus on His unfailing love towards me (Isaiah 54:10 & Romans 8:37-39) also helped me to cope and move on.
Today, as I walk down memory lane, I am reminded that no matter what the doctors say, our mighty God is sovereign. It is He who has the “Final Say”. Yes Lord, You have always been faithful to me!
About Damansara Utama Methodist Church
Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) is widely respected as a church for all generations—an exciting community of families, senior citizens, young adults, teenagers, and young children, doing life together. Its primary purpose is to build passionate disciples of Jesus Christ, summed up in their tagline ‘Love God, Serve People, Make Disciples’. To find out more about them, visit their website at http://dumc.my/.