Can God heal Fibromyalgia or is it indeed incurable?

July 14, 2008 in healing, Revival, Supernatural/Signs & Wonders, Testimonies, Uncategorized, Women | Tags: Andrea W. Dilworth, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Does God heal today, faith healing, Fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia healing testimony, Florida Healing Outpouring, God's will and healing, healing, Healing and Deliverance Ministry, Jackson Clarion Ledger, Lakeland Outpouring, National Fibromyalgia Association, supernatural healing, Todd Bentley

The answer to the question – can God heal Fibromyalgia? - is YES! The Bible says, he forgives all our sins and heals ALL our diseases! (Psalm 103:3) There isn’t one disease or diagnosis that is beyond his ability or desire to heal today. I hope that is a hopeful truth for somebody who is hurting right now.

I’m led to post on this topic today because people very close to me, whom I love dearly, are getting pummeled by Fibromyalgia. We have seen God physically heal people here at Church at the Gate in numbers into the three digits. However, we have only seen what I’d call temporary relief as we pray for healing from Fibromyalgia so far. Also, I’m hearing Fibromyalgia being regularly called out through the Word of Knowledge in healing and revival meetings throughout America – I do believe the Great Physician is giving great and full victory to many people from this devasting infirmity. I have more many more questions than answers – so pardon my ignorance – is this only an American malady? I’ve seen/heard nothing of it in the healing meetings I’ve attended overseas. I want to hear from those of you who have been freed of Fibromyalgia where ever you are.

If you, or anyone you know has been healed by God from Fibromyalgia, please share your story here in the comment section of this post. The Bible says we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY. If you have been healed of Fibromyalgia, please share your testimony for the benefit of others here. If you have experienced any victory from Fibromyalgia through Christian healing prayer, please share that here. If you know of someone who has been supernaturally healed of Fibromyalgia, encourage them to share their testimony here.

Our local newspaper today did a brief story on “Mysterious Fibromyalgia.” (The link is to the original article in the Jackson Clarion Ledger.) The subheading is “Chronic pain brings on insomnia, depression, loss of brain activity and IS INCURABLE.” The last two words paint a hopeless picture. Here’s the opening paragraph of the artcle…

Imagine hurting all over, every day, with a physical exhaustion that never completely subsides, not even with adequate sleep and rest. Add insomnia, brain fog, and depression. The worst part – there’s no cure. Sufferers of fibromyalgia don’t have to imagine that nightmare. They live it. Daily.

The article gives these facts… according to the National Fibromyalgia Association, 3-6% of the population suffers from it. Women are most affected by it. And, there are physicians that don’t believe the disease even exists.

I’ve spoken recently with some of our doctors and it’s a mixed bag – some think it’s a “catch all” diagnosis for something that no one can really explain. One said she never saw these symtoms twenty years ago and now she sees them every day in her office. Others say “its real” and relief can be found in various treatments – acupuncture, chiropractic care, osteopathy, pain meds, etc. but that there is no cure or any real understanding of root causes. I’ve spoken to some of our counselors and mental health people about it – some say they have found it relates to previous trauma or (sexual) abuse. Some of my friends in healing and deliverance ministry also say this is the case, and this is how a demonic spirit of infirmity first gains access – through some trauma or abuse. I was given a Gulf War Vet newsletter minutes ago that says the United States military now lists Fibromyalgia at the top of the list of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder manifestations.

I am no expert, nor am I a doctor. Those of you reading this who suffer from Fibromyagia know light years more about this than I. If you are struggling with Fibromyalgia, I hope you’ll join the conversation here and dialog with others who comment here about their victory. I do welcome you to comment about your journey into supernatural healing and even mentioning how people have prayed for you in not-very-helpful-ways (as long as you stay positive about it). I think there is something to learn from unsuccessful well-intentioned attempts at divine healing.

I seek no controversial debate or attack here, nor do I want to lay a lack-of-faith guilt-trip on those who honestly and desperately desire a touch from God. I have a pastoral heart and desire to see God touch peoples lives. I’ve seen him do amazing things and I know he loves people. I’m throwing this post out there to solicit comments from people who’ve seen God heal Fibromyalgia. The most valuable thing about this post is not in what I have to say, it will be in what these folks share. In fact, I probably won’t offer much in the comments section because again, I’m not an expert and have little more to say. I would welcome comments from people in healing and deliverance ministries who have insights into how to pray for healing for people suffering from Fibromyalgia and more importantly, what are the spiritual dynamics behind this infirmity. The article I quoted above said there is some thought that this is genetic. But even there, I don’t want this to be a medical discussion. I’m asking for testimonies of how God healed people of Fibromyalgia and graceful dialog about the spiritual realities here. I’m hoping hope comes forth.

Here are just a couple “rules” for this post and commenting. I don’t want to hear anything about turning to Buddhism for relief or anything like TM, yoga, Oprah, or anything other than Jesus and Biblical Christianity. If you suggest anything else is our hope, I’ll delete that comment immediately. Jesus is our only hope. If you are among those who’ve given up hope concluding Fibromyalgia is your “lot in life” I’d rather you not share that here either. If you think it’s God’s Will that you are sick, I’d rather that get discussed elsewhere also. Not here. Really, if we are unsure it’s God’s Will we have relief from Fibromyagia we better sort that out before we even go to a doctor seeking relief. With that thinking, taking meds would go against what God wants for you. I don’t like to debate if healing is God’s will and don’t want to open that can of worms here. I just want to pray for the sick and let God be God. I want to hear testimonies of the grace of God. I do know God uses suffering and that there are redemptive purposes for pain but I also know one of the reasons God allows sickness is to reveal himself as Healer.

My sole purpose and hope in bringing this up is to provide a place where one beggar can share with another beggar where they found bread. I’m not the baker. But I know the answer is in the one who multiplies the loaves.

a

201 comments

July 14, 2008 at 2:18 pm

Teresa

Thanks for bring this topic up on your blog Steve. I am a Fibromyalgia sufferer and would LOVE to hear from people who have been cured, or obtained victory, or been healed from what we in the Fibro world call the “Monster”. Actually the opening to the article in today’s paper, that you mentioned, did a pretty good job in describing what it’s like to have Fibromyalgia. Kind of like a VICIOUS case of the flu (not the stomach kind), that NEVER goes away. The worst part for me was in not being believed. You see, we LOOK normal, it’s a disease that can’t be SEEN, it doesn’t show up on lab tests either. I went from Dr to Dr to Dr-knowing there was something wrong, but each time being told it was all in my head, or getting labeled hypochondriac or malingerer, or lazy, or even worse-crazy! I’d been a nurse for 20 yrs and felt like I couldn’t get a Dr to even LISTEN to me anymore. It was almost a relief when I finally got the diagnoses-at least I knew I wasn’t crazy. I have kind of a different history regarding healing prayer. I came from a main-line denominational church that didn’t believe in laying on of hands for healing. When we first found our new church-it was because they did believe and practice healing prayer! I have received a lot of emotional healing from that laying on of hands prayer-but never for the Fibromyalgia itself-that still eludes me. I’ve also have had a few well-intentioned faith healers tell me my faith wasn’t strong enough-that’s why I wasn’t healed. (I even had one lady tell me I could walk through walls if my faith was strong enough!) That doesn’t help at all-it makes you feel like you are back at square one-back when nobody believed you had a real disease. Telling someone God won’t heal you because your faith isn’t strong enough-is putting BLAME on them, just like the Drs did-they put the blame on the patient-because they couldn’t find the problem. This disease is real-there is lots of new medical evidence to support it. Whether it be a stress borne illness, or from a demon of infirmity getting ‘in’ and working us over, or from some past abuse or trauma (I’ve had all!), I’m willing to look at anything that could make this go away. Right now I take a LOT of medications that help me cope with the symptoms. I don’t call that a cure-maybe it is to some people, I know the drugs have vastly improved the quality of my life, but looking out long-term?-Well, thinking I may end up living with this ‘monster’ for another 30 years is daunting-to say the least! I would welcome more healing, so I keep asking God for it. Steve, I hope you won’t ‘edit’ my post, I really did my best to follow your guidelines. Thanks again-TK

July 14, 2008 at 3:31 pm

Steve Hickey

Teresa – nothing there to “edit” all good and honest stuff. I’m praying people will join this conversation on this topic.

July 14, 2008 at 6:59 pm

Pat

I am a healing prayer facilitatior at my church. I minister in the healing prayer department where we primarily address inner healing issues, however, we pray for everyone body, soul and mind. We have seen God heal all kinds of physical and emotional things. Our pastor has been healed of leukemia 10 years ago and at the time, they gave him 6 weeks to live.

Just a couple of weeks ago, a lady who I saw over 2 years ago brought her 17 year old daughter in for ministry. She was anxious to share her testimony with me. When I first saw the mom, she came in because of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. She had been on medication since her teen years. We began healing prayer ministry and the Lord ministered to many painful places of her life and brought her into truth. She had been a foster child and had not received the acceptance and affirmation of a loving Father. The Lord ministered to her heart and did what no one else had done for her, loved and accepted her.

I had lost contact with her and hadn’t seen her for years. When she brought her daughter in, she declared that she has not taken any medication since September 2006, nearly 2 years ago and has had no more pain!!! Hallelujah!! The Lord does heal chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia!! She shared that after her inner healing with us, she underwent some additional deliverance type ministry and the result has been total freedom for her.

I have another woman I’ve worked with in inner healing and although she is not totally healed yet, and I say yet because I truly believe one day she will be, she is quite abit improved.

Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart does good like a medicine but a broken spirit dries the bones”. I have been going after this incidious thing that takes a persons life from them. I am here to tell you he does heal fibromyalgia. And the word “testimony” literally means do it again! Lord, do it in Teresa’s life!!

July 15, 2008 at 8:08 am

Is fibromyalgia mainly diagnosed in women?

July 15, 2008 at 9:20 am

Steve Hickey

Thanks Pat!!
PC- I think so. But I wait for somebody more qualified to respond. The article said mainly affecting women. I heard of many women with it, never a man.

July 15, 2008 at 10:40 am

Teresa

PC, Yes it is mostly women who are diagnosed with this.but I know a few men with it too. Not sure why-thus the ‘mystery’. I could give you lots of medical theories/evidence, but that’s not what this blog is about. All I can definately tell you is that this IS a debilitating disorder. It has changed my life dramatically-and has been exacerbated by a world that dismisses me when I ask for help. I was nearly suicidal before I found a Dr and a church that would help me-and it’s been a LONG road back-but at least everyday isn’t an endurance contest now! I still have to fight it-every day, sometimes every hour. It’s taught me obedience, and to rely on God, as He is the only one who truly understands. I could say LOTS more, on how it’s enhanced my walk with the Lord-and I continue to actively seek healing. I hope more people respond-I’d love to start a support group. We NEED eachother. Thanks-TK

July 15, 2008 at 11:16 am

Steve Hickey

Teresa – in brief, what are the main theories as to why this hits mainly women?

July 15, 2008 at 12:31 pm

Teresa

Steve, there is no brief answer beyond some evidence now supporting that this may be a neurological/hormonal disorder. I could give you LOADS of websites to study-but because for decades this was thought of by the medical world as a psychosomatic disorder-there is no real concrete answer yet. There is also supposedly an excess of (or lack of?) see, now I don’t remember correctly-something called substance P in our spinal columns that makes us hypersensitive to stimuli. Not just pain, but sound, light, smells. It’s like our bodies never RELAX-thus the insomnia, exhaustion. I also have been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome, IBS, Crohn’s disease, irritable bladder, my immune system doesn’t react correctly-just a host of other things. Most fibro sufferer’s have these multiple problems, most of them immune system related, like Lupus, RA, polycystic ovarion disease -I could go on-but the link to female hormone problems could be why females are more likely to suffer from it. I don’t know what to tell you Steve, this has turned medical-and most people are not going to understand. If the Drs don’t understand-how can we? Most fibro sufferer’s, like me-have been through a nightmare with the medical world,because it doesn’t show up in x-rays, scans, or lab tests, thus the frustration, and desire to just give up and die! It’s like trying to break down the Great Wall of China-but the only tools you’re allowed to use are a fly-swatter & your bare hands! Only recently has there been study into this, and there is coming to light proof that this is real! Hopefully when they find the cause, they find the cure! Sorry this got so long, and sorry I couldn’t really answer your question. If you want the websites-I’ll supply some. Blessings-TK

July 15, 2008 at 6:01 pm

Pat

I have not researched any of the medical stuff but I know that this is on the rise and many, many people, suffer with it. And I truly mean suffer. It literally steals a persons life. I, too, have seen it mostly in women, after a traumatic injury which doesn’t follow a normal course of healing and in which there are complications after complications. I know the Lord asknowledges this as real because I have heard it included when there are prophetic words or words of knowledge for healing. Teresa, I pray you will find freedom/healing of that which is keeping you debilitated!

July 16, 2008 at 10:14 am

Christina

I was told I had fibromyalgia about 12 years ago. The doctor said there was no cure for it, I could only try to manage the pain. He recommended an anti-depressent called amitryptileen (not sure about the spelling anymore) and ibuprofin to help with the pain. I had to quit the ibuprofin after I burned my stomach lining from taking it without food too many times. I haven’t gone to the doctor about FMS since, but I stayed on the amitryptileen until I was pregnant in 2000. I found the greatest relief in symptoms through weight training, believe it or not. But I haven’t been able to do that since 2000 because I have been pregnant or breast-feeding for all but a total of two years here and there since then. Most medications are not safe for pregnancy and breast-feeding and I have learned to live with the pain and fatigue. I know that is not the living life more abundantly that Jesus talked about. Through prayer the Lord has told me I will be healed, and I believe that with my whole being. I don’t know when that will be, or how it will come about. I have been saved for seven years, and I remember the first time I read 1 Corinthians, and Paul telling his readers to desire spiritual gifts. I contemplated the lists I could find of them, and decided to ask for the gift of faith. I know I received that gift and had confirmation of that by someone who doesn’t know that I ever asked for it. Because of that, I don’t think it is a simple matter of me not having enough faith to be healed. I do know that it is a spiritual battle. I know that this an affliction from satan. I know that when I choose to fight back, choose to recognize it as an attack from the enemy, and resist by pressing on with what I was trying to do, the enemy flees and after a minute or two I feel better, like I was superman and the kryptonite was taken away. I know, too, that all my sins have been forgiven and this disease should be healed. God has said I would be healed. I am waiting patiently for my healing. Every time a healing ministry comes to church, or when the Lakeland revival started I wonder if this is it, if I need to go to get healed, but I have never had the confirmation of the Holy Spirit on it.

The only advice I could give is to really watch what comes out of your mouth. I know I have word cursed my body so many times over the years. I have repented of all of them and have been feeling better. It also seems like the things said about fibromyalgia are a word curse too. Things like, You will suffer for the rest of your life, You won’t be able to live normally, etc. The initial diagnosis seemed to make things a hundred times worse for me. I haven’t done any research on fibromyalgia since I was first diagnosed, but when Steve posted this, I started looking into it again. It was depressing reading all of the negative testimonies. Everyone seems to be on medication, 20+ pills a day, they can barely work, some can hardly get out of bed some days. My husband’s new favorite phrase is “I don’t receive that.” That is what rolls through my head whenever I read stuff on fibromyalgia. Maybe its the Irish in me, but I want to see people get up and fight. The Lord is good, His word is true, and we will see it fulfilled! For those of you afflicted, FIGHT the good fight, resist the devil and he will flee from you! May God bless you and give you the strength and will to fight and to overcome!! VICTORY IN JESUS!! Amen.

July 16, 2008 at 1:25 pm

Teresa

THANK YOU Christina, for your words! I too believe I will be healed one day. Whether that is in time, or eternity, remains to be seen. I too, keep pressing in for healing. I also believe that we need to watch not only what we SAY, but what we THINK. 2Corinthians 10:5 tells us to ‘take every thought captive into the obedience of Christ’. My life verse is 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, which speaks of pouring the comfort we receive from Christ onto others-I do my best to live by that. Yes, it is depressing to read others mostly negative testimonies about what fibromyalgia has done to their lives-but if we want to be a light that shines in the darkness, we must be willing to take our light (from Christ) into the dark places. To me, that means being willing to listen to, comfort, and show the way out of the dark to them. I was broken for quite a while by this ‘disease’-STILL fall apart sometimes! That to me, just means I’m still trying, still fighting, and not just for myself, but so others can see hope and strive to be overcomers too! If you put a candle into a vessel, no one sees it, unless that vessel has been broken-because the light shines through the cracks! The more cracks-the more the light shines through! So, I guess you could call me a “crack-pot” for God! I am one of those people on 20+ pills a day. I HATE it, but everytime I try to do without them-I CRASH-and cannot function-so for me right now, they are a necessity, and a gift from God! I think you are AWESOME to be raising small children while coping with this! By reading different testimonies you know that there are different levels of this-just like any ‘dis-ease’, some people are worse off than others. I thank you again Steve, for posting on this. I pray that it has given hope to someone out there suffering. I hope to, it has educated someone on just what fibromyalgia is so they can be a support to someone struggling with this, because the reality is-there isn’t much support out there right now, because so little is really known about it. So Thank you to everyone who posted! Your support and prayers mean a lot-truly a LOT! Blrssings-TK

July 16, 2008 at 4:58 pm

Christina

Teresa

Your advice is very good. What do you find that others with fibromyalgia need to hear most to be comforted? I don’t usually talk to others about having it because they generally don’t understand. Once in the last five years I shared it at a bible study, but was only frustrated that someone told me I had fibromyalgia because I had a spirit of rejection. That person didn’t even try to deliver me from it, even though he had a deliverance ministry. I don’t know what to say to people when they say they have it. I know that we are supposed to comfort others with the comfort we have received, but I can’t say I have had much comfort on the subject other than God telling me he is going to heal me. I don’t know how much that will comfort others. Any advice would be welcome. Like I said, I would like to tell them to fight, but there isn’t comfort in that, so I keep my mouth shut and don’t say anything. I need guidance. I want to turn something bad in my life to something useful.

Christina

July 16, 2008 at 7:10 pm

Teresa

Christina, I can only answer from my own experience, I can’t speak for all fibromyalgia sufferers. I find it interesting that someone told you that you have a spirit of rejection. I think that that may be true, for most fibro pts. Very few people, including Drs, take the diagnoses of fibromyalgia seriously. It’s been viewed for so long as a psychosomatic illness (all in your head), that people believe you should be able to just ‘suck it up’ and ‘get over it’-that only makes it worse! So I guess maybe we’re looking for acceptance, or just want to be believed! When you get a cancer diagnoses, or have heart disease, people come out of the woodwork with support, offers of prayer, offers of ‘help’-whether that be mowing the lawn, vacuuming the house, cooking meals for the family, or just listening, going to coffee and talking, etc… When you get diagnosed with fibro-you hear whispers like ‘oh, she’s got emotional problems’ and no one offers anything, or even SAYS anything-in fact people tend to avoid you. When I go to other Drs now-Drs that don’t know me yet-I get the 3rd degree as to why I’m on all these meds! For instance-I went to acute care after hours one evening when large amounts of blood appeared in my urine. The FIRST thing the Dr started asking me about was why I was on narcotics-he started grilling me on medications, instead of addressing the reason I was there! I felt attacked! It had NOTHING to do with blood in my urine-I know-because I’m an RN with 20 yrs experience. I’ve found people find it easier to think the worst of you rather than approach you and find out what’s really going on. I find the best way to comfort people, is to just LISTEN to them, hear their story-everyone NEEDS to be heard, to have validation-instead of just being dismissed as someone mentally unbalanced. I think most people would BECOME mentally unbalanced if they had gone through all the rejection (that’s ON TOP of the pain, exhaustion, sleeplessness, depression) that most fibro sufferes have experienced! NO ONE believes what we’re fighting is REAL. And it’s chronic-not acute, most people can’t hang in there for the long run. They want to pray for you-then be done with it, thinking you should be healed-what more do you want from me? They don’t realize-most people die from chronic illnessess, not acute. People don’t realize what a toll something chronic takes on your life. This isn’t just ME suffering from this, but my whole family! How often have I failed my husband, daughter, son-because of this? My siblings and parents too! I’m in that sandwich generation, taking care of teenagers, AND aging parents. When I first started getting REALLY sick (probably 5 yrs ago-more like 10 at least, but the last 5 the worst), we tried our best to hide it from the kids, and my parents-not to mention In-laws. Even my husband has not believed me, had serious doubts. He works with physicians-specialists. When most Drs are denying this is even a disease, what is he supposed to believe? Highly trained professional-or wife, who’s acting weird? It’s truly only in this past week-from all the press, that my parents have started to realize what I’m dealing with, and stopped being angry with me because I am not always there for them. Rejection-such as you’ve experienced, runs rampant with this. In the past 5 years, I’ve lost my health, my job (which I loved!), my credibility, my dignity, my church. I’ve gone from confident woman, who was able to contribute financially to family as well as be a good mom/wife, nurse-who had a ministry in nursing, to quivering mass of flesh just wanting to die, who is now a financial BURDEN. But, I have GAINED so much more! A TRUE walk with my Saviour-that alone would have been worth it all, but my WHOLE FAMILY is now saved, and walking their own walk with Jesus. I am still searching for my ministry-trying this and that, searching for what works for me to do while handling this ‘monster’. My prayer life is more than I ever dreamed it could be! (I still suffer dry spells though!) I have ‘girlfriends’ now, something I have prayed for for years! I have a heavy past, full of abuse and rejection-and never knew HOW to have friends. I still have trust and rejection issues, but God is pulling things OUT of me, teaching me to confront them, and not to run. I asked God in January for a ‘Mary year’ a year to just sit at His feet and learn,not always feel I should be ‘doing’ to be considered worthy. He has given it to me. He has shown me I am worthy to be loved-no matter what the world tells me. I want to ‘pass that on’ to others like me-to others who are suffering-to others like YOU, who seek understanding and acceptance. I hope this has helped, and you ARE doing something useful-you are a MOM, passing her faith on to her children, by word and deed, by wanting to reach out to others! Blessings to you and your family-TK

July 20, 2008 at 4:24 pm

Christina

Thanks Teresa for sharing. Life with this disease is a life full of rejection. And guilt for not being able to take care of your family the way other women without chronic illness can. It is frustrating to go through tough economic times without being able to do anything to help. But there are priceless things that come out of it, too. I am so grateful to the Lord that your whole family is saved and for the many more blessings you have received!! That is a powerful testimony in and of itself. Maybe we need a way for people to testify to how they have been blessed through it all, even if they haven’t received supernatural healing. Just a thought.

July 20, 2008 at 5:34 pm

Teresa

Thank you Christina! I would LOVE a way to give my testimony to more than 1 person at a time, even though 1 at a time is invaluable too! I would LOVE to be able to testify to Drs.-to tell them what this is like, and how their disbelief and dismissal can destroy a person who is, because of true disease, on the edge already. I’m open to whatever God has for me-at least I hope I am! Truth has a way of being lost, because the enemy of our souls, here in the shadowlands, has been successful in hiding it in respect to this disease! Not to mention the many other ways he has deceived us. I DO want to fight this, because in fighting this, I am fighting Satan and his minions. I TRUST my Father’s strength to keep me, no matter what I may feel at times. I KNOW His word is true. Blessings to YOU as you continue to fight this! Could we meet sometime? Contact Steve if this is possible-he knows how to reach me. We can strengthen each other! Thanks again, to everyone who posted here! Your interest and support mean more than you can know. Blessings-Teresa

July 22, 2008 at 9:33 am

Teresa

Allen, THANK YOU for posting. You brought up some excellent ideas/thoughts on this subject. Thank you also for bringing in a much needed male perspective to this. I know in my posts, I react more emotionally than analitcally. Your input is invaluable. Blessings-TK

July 22, 2008 at 12:40 pm

Steve Hickey

Allen – Thanks for calling me and being sensitive to how your comments might be interpreted by myself or others- I’m happily honoring your request to pull them off because of your concern that they might be offensive. I hope you will stay connected with this conversation and reword what you felt need rewording. I will say, nothing you wrote seemed even remotely offensive to me. You made a great point about link the medical and the spiritual understandings together. I’d like more medical people to contribute here. I’m asking people here to be very honest with how prayer has helped and (been used to) hurt them. In any case, I will pray for you and ask others to join with me.

God I pray you’d encourage Allen today. I pray the pain breaks off his life and that you’d use him to be a blessing to others struggling with this thing. I thank you for him and ask that you’d continue to connect he and others here for mutual benefit and blessing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

July 22, 2008 at 9:36 pm

Allen

Steve:

Thanks for your kindness expressed in your comments. Here is the rewording of what i posted last night.

July 21, 2008 at 11:12 pm

Allen
I am 49, I am male and I have fibromyalgia. I am a believer and appreciate this blog thread. I am also a RN. From what I have read- fibromyalgia may indeed be more prevalent in women, but it is also underreported in males and often the chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis is given males instead of fibromyalgia.

I think we are still in the early days of understanidng the physiology of fibro as well as the early days of understanding the ways fibromyalgia is to be addressed by the church.

Steve, I think the questions you are asking and the keen observations you are making regarding how the Holy Spirit is addressing this in minsitry rooms is very wise. I encourage you to continue your pursuit of this. I think it will benefit the church greatly. I also encourage you to see if you can get a “window” of observaton somehow(metaphorically speaking) into the exam rooms of christian doctors and nurses who are treating this in their practices. Somehow if the minsitry room and the phsyician’s practice can be combined- i think it will benefit Christian fibro patients greatly. cob=mbinng other allied heath profesionlas who are christians and who deal with fibro patients would be good as well. Along with making observations from christian doctors as they treat fibro patients- hearing from other allied health professionals who are beleivers I believe is important too- and to include christian psychotherapists who don’t compromise the bible- i say this because i do believe there is a family of origin-and/or traumatic injury component to fibro as well.

It seems to me- physicians who have a better understanding of environmental toxicities, nutrition and emphasis on dental health and whom have somewhat broken from the original medical model have a better track record of dealing with fibro- the problem is that many tend to compromise the faith in jesus and start skirting or embracing areas that christians need to stay away from.

Steve- on the issue of ministry room experiences- I did go for prayer a month or so ago- as the ministry team member laid hands on me and prayed- i started to fight extreme panic in a very large way- it got very uncomfortable to the point where i started hoping he would take his hand off of me soon- he finally did- and the panic went away when he did. I am not sure what that was all about- but the panic was based on a perception of not being able to trust the one that was praying for me and that i might be taken advangtage of in some way. sorry i can’t be more precise-but that is all i am in touch with at this time. it would be intersting to know what he was feeling and what the Lord was telling him as he prayed. We didn’t speak- this was all done silently- and we didn’t talk after he stopped praying.

I am cautious in sharing this because I don’t want to discourage others from seeking ministry or prayer. But safety is a concern that does need to be addressed and i seriously doubt anything will come from being misnistered to by someone who has perceptions of whether or not the person praying for them is safe. Was i transferring my fears on to them? Was i accurate in my perceptions of not being able to trust the one praying for me? I am not sure yet- I am still working on that.

I have been journaling my dreams for the past 6 months- I have over 400 pages so far. I really would love to find a christian i can work with that could help me make some sense of them- i think the answers to lots of my questions about fibro are in those dreams.

I look forward to learning more about how God wants me to be healed from my fibro thrugh my interactions with you all on this thread.

Theresa- thank you also for your kind comments. being invalidated about one’s feelings and told that they are off base is a very disconcerting expereince- though i think it is almost universal to fibromyaligia sufferers. I too have been to multiple providers and even cancelled an appt with a christian functional med doc becuase i really didn’t think she would affirm me in my fibro symptoms- especially the ones that are more emotional based. So I didn’t go to the appt i had with her last week that i had waited 3 months for.

If you are like many fibro sufferes- you probably don’t get much opportunity to find a sympathetic ear for fear of being told you are being over emotional, etc– you have lost a lot if you are like most fibro patients- and grief i beleive for some is only effective if it is noisy. I think it is the inherent nature of grief to be emotional- there is no getting away from it- but i am glad that i have brought some balance to the mix for you.

I have an appt with a functional med doc a long day’s drive from from house in october- i think he is on to some things and would classify him as a fibro expert- but am hesitiating going due to costs, and that he isn’t a believer.

Fibro is a complex weave of emotional , physical, and spiritual components- but i do believe that Jesus can indeed bring fibro sufferers into a higher quality of life and i still believe that remission of symptoms is possible without medicine- but it is a very complex task and will require lots of support from all kinds of biblically acceptable sources.

I look forward to being on this thread- fyi- i really don’t want to be deceptive so i will tell you all up front that Allen is not my real name- the only reason i use another name is only for internet privacy- no deception is meant.

I have sensed as wel as many present church leaders that the Lord is leading the body of Christ in being more contemplative and meditative lately- towards spending a lot of time quiet before the Lord- I really don’t believe fibro can be cured without this-so in retrospect- fibro has heloped me get before the Lord in ways that i would probably never have slowed down enough to do- yet the suffering and the anguish I believe can be greatly decreased- but for me it takes a lot of time quiet before the lord and a lot of time in the word- i am talking multiple hours a day.

I also think that fibro sufferers would benefit from daily (every day- 7 days a week) corporate worship- but that is hard to find in our sunday , wednesday 2 hours a week worship world.

July 23, 2008 at 7:27 am

Allen

For me – sleep is a comodity which is hard to get in sufficient qualtiy and quanity. I have heard the particular sleep disturbance that FM patients have as being called an alpha- delta wave abnormality- wave referring to brain waves.

For me I can get to sleep initally farily well, but then I as i go through the various sleep cycles during the night- i always wake up after dreaming in REM instead of cycling back to deeper levels of sleep without waking up. It has been over a year since i woke up feeling refrehsed, and the number of times i have felt refreshed after waking up in the morning in the past ten years is probably less than 10- if that many.

This morning, I don’t feel very well- I have pain between my shoulder blades, and as i sturggle for words to express how i am feeling- the really best i can come up with is that __I just don’t feel good. The debiltiating thing about fm for me is that rest dooesn’t seem to make me feel much better consistently- sometimes yes- sometimes no.

July 23, 2008 at 8:45 am

Christina

Allen,

I hear you on the sleep thing and I too wake up every morning tired and with pain somewhere. There is one morning I can remember that I woke up feeling GOOD. I had been to bible study the night before and we had a guest. He was a chiropractor, a friend of one of the people. He brought some of his equipment with. I had never seen the tool he used for adjusting before, it was kind of like a small machine gun in look and sound. He did a lot of adjustments on me. For the lower spine he adjusted from the front of my body instead of the traditional back. He tested my strength by having me push a limb against his hand in a certain way. I was pathetically weak on every test, but after his adjustments I was so much stronger when he tested for results. It was amazing. I don’t ever remember feeling so good as I did the next few days. The chiropractor was suffering from serious depression and was going bankrupt. I haven’t seen him since, and he quit going to my husband’s bible study. I would really love to thank him and give him a big hug for what he did for me. I don’t have the financial resources to search out the area chiropractors for someone similar, but maybe this can help you find someone and find the relief I found. May God bless you, brother!

Christina

July 23, 2008 at 8:59 am

Teresa

Allen, Thank you again for posting and reposting! I’m with Steve, in that i didn’t find anything offensive in your 1st post, but can honor your desire to re-word sections you may have found needed re-wording.

I very much liked your desire for a 7/days a week corporate worship! I would LOVE that, and feel too, that it would be very beneficial. I also have spent many hours, by myself ‘soaking’ before the Lord-seeking healing, by worshipping, praying, reading aloud His promises from scripture, crying out to God, face down on the floor. I have even wished for my family to be gone somewhere, so I don’t have to be interrupted-even though my family is sometimes the only reason I want to continue living

I’ve found, for me too, the sleep deprivation is really a key element. The lack of quality/quantity sleep alone can wreak havoc on your body. Add all the other symptoms on top-leaves you just a mess! Not only are you more prone to your body hurting, but I find it’s much harder to think straight, concentrate, to ‘take every thought captive’…We’re much more vulnerable to thinking/feeling inapproriate things-or to put it another way-much easier for satan to bait us!

I’m glad you’ve responded to the blog-I look forward to hearing more of your journey with fibromyalgia, and with the Lord. Blessings to you-TK

July 23, 2008 at 12:32 pm

Allen

Christina: The story you tell about the chiropractor reminds me of reading somewhere wrote about FM. They said that as long as posture isn’t good- fibro will remain unresolved and there wasn’t any way to get around it. I don’t know the physiology well enough- but i postulate that God designed the body this way somehow and that bad posture actually sets up physiological processes which perpetuate fm sympotms.

I will pray you can find a good chiropractor and that the money will be there for it. that also seems to be a pattern among fm’ers. They often don’t have the financial resources to get the treatment they need becuase of the long term debilitation that occurs- I myself have been out of work for over ten years due to fm symptoms. If my wife didnd’t have a good job, we would be in deep trouble.

Teresa:

Your comment:

“I have even wished for my family to be gone somewhere, so I don’t have to be interrupted-even though my family is sometimes the only reason I want to continue living”

made me wonder if this is a life theme for you- a recreation of a family of origin event that God wants to also heal you of.

trying to give myself the time alone i need is a very big current issue and also a family of origin issue- it seems to be very linked to the fibro symptoms- it also echoes that nurses who “put their patients first” tend to be highly afflicted with FM from the statistics i have heard about. This family of oriigin tie-in of mine is a very complicated issue and requires much self-kindness.

July 23, 2008 at 1:35 pm

Teresa

Allen, I’m not sure I understand what you mean, could you tell me more, or explain what a recreation of a family of origin is? I was an RN for > 20 yrs, ICU, Rehab, but mostly Hospice/home health. Thanks-TK

July 23, 2008 at 2:21 pm

Allen

Teresa:

example of recreating a family of origin event in my life: I grew up being told tht god came first. others second, and me last. I tend to now recreate that in my adult life by not taking care of my own needs first at times and thinking that if i take care of others- then somehow magically I will be ok-

i also grew up not having a room of mine own and even to this day struggle with how the house is set up and tend to have trouble speaking up for my own needs- ie- i feel guilty for having a home office of my own.

your comment:
“I have even wished for my family to be gone somewhere, so I don’t have to be interrupted-even though my family is sometimes the only reason I want to continue living”

the statement is very rich i think- wanting more privacy from the source of your perceived only happiness at times.

if one grew up in a kind of environment where there wasn’t enough privacy for self-integration ansd at the same time felt like what they wanted privacy from was their only source of happiness- that could cause some internal conflicts within a child which might stay with them a long time and possibly also cause illness- just a long shot hunch- not wanting to be a analyst here- just thought it was a very rich statement that mihgt be applicable for you- it is applicable for me- i grew up in an environment like that.

steve- this is a good example of when i spoke about the complexities of fibromyalgia as it realtes to the conection between mind, body, spirit. I think any minsitry to fibromyalgia needs to incorporate a inner healing approach to be effective- they are intricately intertwined ii think.

This may seem like a departure of the topic- but i really don’t think it is- looking at the tie ins between original trauma and current physical and mental health i think is paramount in finding wholeness for those with FM and its associated cousins.

July 23, 2008 at 2:28 pm

Allen

I wouldn’t say that fibro is always tied into family of origin and/or emotional/physical trauma- but I think it is in my case. And I think it always needs to be investigated into in the ministry to those with fibro- however – it takes just the right approach, and a lot of wisdom- and a lot of compassion. Bedcuase many fm’ers have been to over 20 or so practiioners that really never helped them get well and have been sick a long time.

July 24, 2008 at 9:49 pm

Allen

Hello all:

Today has been a little better day. I am reading Dr. Colbert’s 7 pillars of health book. He is a believer and a MD and has been on Joyce Meiers TV show before. Today I drank more water than usually do- by the end of the day I actually felt a little bit of my “well self” returning. Maybe it is the water, maybe it is you all’s prayers- maybe both- whichever- I am glad I had a small window of feeling a little better today.

I am praying that this blog thread will get some traffic and get visited by those who have experience in getting Christians well who have fibro- ministry team members, pastors, health professionals, etc..

Have been praying for you all and this site today.

July 25, 2008 at 9:56 am

Christina

Thanks so much for your prayers Allen! It’s great to hear that you had a better day yesterday. So drinking enough water is supposed to help? That sounds like an easy enough thing to do. Do you know much about previous injuries and how they can affect FM? When I was about eight years old I got knocked over backwards and hit my head on a water main cap that was sticking out of the ground about six inches or so. As far as I know I didn’t wake up until the next day when my mom woke me up and made me go to school even though I had the worst head ache. She said the doctor told her that I needed to go. I don’t remember ever seeing the doctor again for it. I have a feeling it might be part of the cause of my troubles. Have any knowledge about this subject, please share! Father, I ask in the name of Jesus that you would continue to bless Teresa and Allen, and I ask for more: more strength, more healing, more life into their bodies. In Jesus’ name, thank you Father, amen.

July 25, 2008 at 10:34 am

Allen

Christina:

I really don’t know much about it. Let us know what you find out if you do any research on it.

I had two head inuries before the age of 8- even have a healed cevical fracture that was never treated and wasn’t found until i was an adult. Though I have never had any problem with my neck. I guess I could have been paralyzed or worse, but wasn’t. I am very grateful.

Thanks for the prayers.

July 25, 2008 at 10:48 am

Steve Hickey

Teresa, Christina, Allen – Many thanks for your comments. I too wish more were jumping into this FM discussion – when I post on Bentley I get 500-750 hits PER day just on that and on this FM post my all total hit count for 10 plus days has been only 353 so far. That very much surprises me. I figured the FM post would reach a much larger group. My wife Kristen used the word anorexia in one of her blog posts earlier this year, not even talking about actual anorexia, but just talking about being spiritual malnourished and she instantly got 1000 hits from people googling “anorexia and God.” Maybe there is a way I can repackage this to attract more interest and participation. I’m open to ideas.

Did you notice I did get a FM related comment on one of my earlier controversial posts and I responded to it.

http://stevehickey.wordpress.com/2008/06/06/florida-healing-outpouring-todd-bentley-the-manifestations-of-the-spirit-or-kundalini/#comment-660

I don’t want to fog our FM discussion here with the goods/bads of what is going on in Florida – I’m tired of talking about that stuff – but I did think this gal “Dawn” had an important testimony to share.

July 25, 2008 at 12:19 pm

Allen

Steve:

Your response to Dawn was very compassionate and turhtful i thought. You are indeed right- I also thought she had some good points as well

I have heard nothing about what is going on in Florida- but you don’t need to fill me in- it sounds like you have had your fill of it as well.

your point about 30 days of anything would wear out someone with fm made me chuckle- you are right on target. there is a big control compnent to fm- being still and waitng for the Lord in private without doing much cogintive thinking at all brings me the most relief. That still small voice – finding it and staying with it is what i am learning that gives me the most releif.

However, I still don’t rule out God healing me in a big dramatic one time way- he is in control and historically- the less i try to make come to fruition – the faster big time answers come to me from Him.

Ministry to fm’ers i think is complex- and ideally needs to be done where interpersonal relationships can grow and trust can develop.

Also fm seems to have the rules of phsyics apply to it in a big way- ie– good nutiriton, hydration, exercise, restfulness, etc..

Just being still does me the most good- ministry to fmers i think needs to be done in a still calm way- maybe that is why big tent revival doesn’t do it for a lot of fmers- it stirs up the body’s stress repsonse too much- however there is nothing intrinsically wrong with big tent revival either- God works the way he works- it is his call.

July 26, 2008 at 10:04 am

Christina

Allen,

I found a website you might want to check out.

http://www.erinelster.com/default.aspx

There is a Conditions and Research menu on the right side of the page with a “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia” link. Lots of testimonies. Check it out.

Blessings

Christina

July 27, 2008 at 4:24 pm

Allen

Christina:

Thanks. I am praying to see what God wants me to do- so far- chiropractor really hasn’t come up when i get quiet before him. But I will ask specifically about my neck-thanks for bringing it up.
Please pray that i can get queter before Him. A quiet mind is hard to find sometimes for me.

July 27, 2008 at 7:48 pm

Teresa

Hi, I’d like to thank everyone who responded to this blog. Steve, especially thanks to you for posting on it in the first place. It’s nice to have someone take an interest! Most of us with FM don’t have that-we actually have people avoid us because we can be a real drag!-not much vitality in us anymore. Christina and Allen, I’ll keep praying for both of you. Thanks Christina for the link to chiropracters, unfortunately I’ve had neck surgery and can’t use them anymore. I continue to be in awe of you, as I am with anyone who is raising small children while fighting this. Allen, I’ll pray for all of us to be able to be quieter before Him, fibro sufferers or not-HE is TRULY our only hope. I can give you both a web-site of a fibro-support group. I have used it at times and it’s been helpful, but I warn you too-it can be whiny at times. Steve knows how to reach me. it feels like this blog has run it’s course -I was hoping for more input. Allen, I pray that the medical/spiritual aspects of this are studied, and I pray for HEALING for all of us, and the strength to carry on until then! I want to be a beacon of hope-a ‘crack-pot’ for Jesus , whether I’m healed of this or not! Lord help us on the dark days-to glorify YOUR name. Whether we’re singing a song of sorrow or of joy, help us to remember and be Thankful-that at least we can still sing! Blessings-Teresa

July 27, 2008 at 9:39 pm

Allen

I Watched some of the god tv coverage of the florida revival tonight. I could feel the Holy Spirit and tears came to me and i got some ministry as i wathced the faces of those worshiping- I also felt a hot spot on top of my head that was there for just a second as the ministry began- that was about all-but yet that was more than has happened in awhile- so I am thankful and esxpectantly hopeful. I continue to pray, and I continue to feel exhausted.

Steve, I appreciate the blog and it gives me an outlet that I haven’t had- and felowship that i haven’t had. I am continuing to get quiet befoe the Lord and am asking him to show me what i need to do to feel better and to be cured from fibromyalgia. Please pray for me that i can do that.

Teresa, Christina, Steve: Can y’all pray that I find a church that had elders that can lay hands on me, annoint me with oil and pray for me in faith as James in his book says to when one is sick. I really want that.

Teresa: I think what Steve wants to do with the blog in getting those with ministry experience with fibro to respond is an excellent idea and just needs some time and some priming.

I have tried to stay away from grumbling and whinnig as you and Christian and Steve have- it didn’t do the children of Israel any good and it doesn’t do the church any good either-

Steve: One way to prime it would be to write those that we think may know something about ministry to fibro in conventional methods- ie– email and snail mail and ask them to visit this blog thread and respond as they felt led. What could it hurt to write to other churches, prayer ministers, and Christian Medical providers and invite them to the blog thread? I have a few in mind that i could write to and aks them- but don’t have any leading to do so- but practically it makes sense. Steve- What is the Lord leading you do to with this blog thread?

I am commited to finding healing from this and am seeking the Lord as what he wants me to do next.

July 28, 2008 at 9:46 am

Teresa

Allen, Have you visited OUR church? You can find healing prayer and be annointed with oil there, we do it often-come check us out!

July 28, 2008 at 11:46 am

Allen

I submitted a prayer request on the church’s website. I haven’t visited the church yet- we don’t live in or close to South Dakota-

July 28, 2008 at 5:28 pm

Teri

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after suffering with symptoms for 30 + years. I had been praying, but now that ‘it’ had a ‘name,’ it seemed my prayers were more intense about the situation. I did not want to go on the meds they were recommending, as they were fairly certain I would gain weight, which I did not want to do.

We have attended Charismatic churches / Pentecostal churches for years, so we’re very familiar with trusting God for healing, having the elders anoint us with oil, etc. We used those channels, the Word of God, all of it, and I would get temporary relief, then it seemed the same symptoms would come back.

We had a guest minister come, and I asked for prayer. He layed hands on me, and prayed … that night I experienced something different. There was a cool/tingly sensation running up and down my arms, which is where I would feel the most pain. After leaving the service and arriving at the restaurant we all met at, the pain was completely gone, and I knew it. That was approximately 6 yrs. ago.

Since then, I have had only a few flare-ups, and when I did, I asked the Lord for direction. He’s not an Indian giver, eh? One day, I had a thought to watch my sugar intake. I began paying attention, and I noticed when I would have a flare-up (very seldom), I had been more indulgent in rich foods … sodas, chocolates. I would back off the sugars, and the symptoms would dissipate again. I would say over the past 6 years, I’ve maybe had a total of 4-5 flare-ups bad enough to wear me out. I’ve had a flare-up the past couple of days; however, as I look back at my diet, it has been more excessive again … sodas, quite a few chocolate candies (we’d been on vacation

Whether there is medical proof that sugar has anything to do with this, I have no clue; I just know that there has been a correlation in more recent flare-ups. I wish I had been aware of that thought years back.

All-in-all, since that night I had the strong manifestation of healing, and had immediate relief, the ongoing recovery has been a wonderful one! I can work now, I’m more energetic as long as I eat in moderation and don’t indulge more than I should. I’m thankful to the Lord for His healing power, and for His wisdom.

July 28, 2008 at 7:05 pm

Allen

Teri:

Your tetimony is encouraging. Thanks for sharing. I stay away from all sugar completely it isn’t easy at times- but i don’t think my fibro will ever improve as long as i eat sugar of any kind. I also try to avoid artificial sweetners of any kind. I think what i eat and fibro symptoms are closely connected. I think there are even more trigger foods that i am not aware of yet and am hoping to get allergy tested soon.

July 28, 2008 at 7:28 pm

Allen

Teri:

When the traveling minister prayed for you- did he pray anthing specif or say anything in his prayer for you that you remeber specifically that could give a clue to the underlying cause of fibro for you?

July 28, 2008 at 7:38 pm

Steve Hickey

I really appreciate this conversation – Allen I’ll pray you find a good church. What city are you in – you can email that privately to me it you’d rather – steve@churchatthegate.com. Sometimes I know good churches in other places that I recommend.

Welcome to the conversation Teri – your testimony is encouraging. I, like Allen, want to hear more.
Blessings

July 28, 2008 at 8:10 pm

Teresa

Teri, Thanks for joining in! It’s SO encouraging to hear of someone who has conquered this! I’ve heard before that diet may play a big role in fighting fibro. I put out a feeler on the fibro support board I visit, about sugar and diet, I’ll let you know if I get any feedback.

I too am interested to hear how and what the visiting minister said to you, or, if you remember your own feelings at that time. We’re you feeling more open to the Spirit for some reason? Sometimes-sheer desperation is a GOOD thing-seems like when we’re TOTALLY broken is when He’s the most likely to move.

Teri, I’m sorry you had to live so long with this-but you are a literal LIFELINE for me. You are the 1st person I’ve heard say that they are in control of symptoms! I am SO TIRED of fighting this-day after day, waking up feeling like I’ve been run over. Walking to the bathroom like an 80 year old woman. My mother IS 82 and has more energy than me! I want my LIFE back, I want the will to live back! -Sorry, it’s the end of the day and I’m tired. ANY feedback you can give us would be much appreciated. I’m going to go pray myself to sleep-Praise Him in the storm! Blessings-TK

July 28, 2008 at 8:38 pm

Allen

hi everyone:

There is a woman in Virginia that has made a recovery from symptoms very similar to fibromyalgia- google the keywords- nutrition and 777 if you are interested. Her name is Sharon Graham and she is a spirit filled believer. I have taliked to her once- she is very nice. She may have some insights. There are some good educational things on her blog.

July 29, 2008 at 11:19 am

Allen

ran into this verse today on a UK christian site i get a newsletter from

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4 : 14-16 (NIV

July 29, 2008 at 3:57 pm

Teresa

Thanks Allen, that’s beautiful, and very true!

I just thought I’d let you know about the feedback from my fibro website regarding sugar. The issue was split with some saying they’ve seen a difference with cutting out sugar, others saying not at all. The same was true for caffeine. I guess just good balanced nutrition all around is the safest/best way to go. I’ve tried just about everything I can think of-including cutting out sugar, couldn’t tell the difference.

I spent a good part of the day on Steve’s LIFE blog. If you’re not familiar with it, there’s a link on this GatePost page, left side of the screen, scroll down til you find it. Makes this problem we’re stuck with seem pretty small by comparison. Praying and weeping today-but not for myself. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to get yourself off your mind, by praying for someone else! It’s worked for me countless times before. I just need reminding sometimes. When satan throws stones at you-throw THE ROCK back at him Genesis 49:24 NIV Blessings-TK

July 30, 2008 at 9:53 am

Stephen

Hi – I will be short. Yes He can. My father leads a Bible study and they have had, I believe, 3 women and 1 man, healed of fibromyalgia. One thing to note, and I don’t know you, but search your heart, one of the spiritual roots of this disease is bitterness. The first woman who got healed was very bitter against her ex husband. As soon as she forgave him, the pain went away. So, ask the Lord to reveal to you any deep seeded bitterness or unforgiveness and I believe that you will be healed.

July 30, 2008 at 3:44 pm

Allen

Stephen:

Any chance of you giving the address of this blog thread to your Dad and ask him to enter this conversation? Also, hearing from the four that were healed and being able to ask them questions on this thread would in my mind be optimally beneficial.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge on this.

July 30, 2008 at 4:18 pm

Allen

Stephen:

I’ll do this-

“So, ask the Lord to reveal to you any deep seeded bitterness or unforgiveness and I believe that you will be healed”

please pray for me, the other fmers on this thread, and christians with fibro in general. Thank you!!

August 1, 2008 at 8:13 am

Christina

A very good point on the unforgiveness aspect of diseases. I haven’t heard much preached on Matt. 18:23-35, especially verses 34-35. It’s the parable of the unforgiving servant and verses 34 and 35 say, “And his lord was angry and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due to him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if you from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

A lot of Christians probably don’t believe their heavenly Father would hand them over to be tormented because they choose not to forgive some one, but that is what the word of God says.

One thing I wonder about that passage, in v. 25 the whole family was to be sold to pay off the debt, so does that mean that spouses and children are subject to the tormentors, also?

I was lost when I first was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, so I don’t know how unforgiveness would be the cause of it unless it is because of my parents, who call themselves Christians, have very big trouble with unforgiveness.

Any thoughts?

August 1, 2008 at 10:33 am

Allen

Christina: good point.

John 20:19-23 came to mind- especially v 23. in praying for healing for forgiveness, i think we should in light of thiese verses also pray that those Christians that have not forgiven us would be able to.

I also think the story of King Saul in the OT might be relevant. I know we were to stay away from talking about the philosophy of God sending this- and I thnk fibro is so multicausative- it really takes the Holy Spirit to track down the cause.

But the story of King Saul does talk about God sending a tormenting spirit to King Saul which would only leave when David would play music for him. Saul’s big internal problem was that he didn’t think he was important(poor self esteem), he was a people pleaser, and he was envious of David’s acceptance by the people he ruled.

I also think that the medical consideratons of fibro not be ignored until the spiritual cause if any is found- it is a very hard balance to find- especially for someone who is so fatigued and worn out. Fibro can really bring one to their knees and depend on God in a way they never have before.

But our God is a God who comforts us in all our afflictions and he is a God that gives comfort and endurance. I encourage everyone with fibro not to forget to daily or hourly or every minute when needed to ask God for comfort and endurance and expect him to answer. I have been pleasantly surprised and comforted when i have prayed to be comforted. And I have just started to pray for endurance, but scripture does say directly that God sends both endurance and comfort, and wisdom. All three I desperately need, and i feel that those with fibro need the same.

August 7, 2008 at 10:39 am

Lynda

Hi, very interested to find a Christian site on fibro. I have suffered this insidious complaint since 2001. My daughter and son also have it. I have come to believe that it is trauma of some sort that opens the door to it as my family have had more than our fair share of trauma over the past 10 years. This being said, I can also say that the Lord has looked after us and we are now beginning to see small victories in pushing back the pain of fibro. through prayer and speaking out God’s promises. Fibro. certainly seems to be on the increase and I am now hearing alot of “words of knowledge” concerning fibromyalgia called out at healing meetings. Be encouraged, two ladies at two different meetings I attended have been healed of fibromyalgia and now lead an energetic, normal life. Praise the Lord, nothing is too difficult for Him!

August 7, 2008 at 11:39 am

Allen

Lynda- thanks for joining the conversation. your post made me think about some theories that have been proposed about the cause of fibro. Those have included concerns about environmental toxins and heavy metals. I can see how poisoning could be a trauma that doesn’t seem to have a cause and that illness is produced without any visible cause. If indeed there is truth in the poisioning theory- that I have no idea about- and what is frustrating- is that it wears me out to think about it.

I would be interested to hear more about the words of knowledge that you have heard at meetings- if there is anymore to tell.

Again, welcome to the discussion

August 7, 2008 at 12:15 pm

Allen

I guess past or current infection(s) could also be conceptualized as a trauma, and of course injury as well.

August 10, 2008 at 3:56 am

Lynda

Hi everyone, not alot more to tell about the words of knowledge Allen but I will keep my ears open for anything else that might be helpful. My heart goes out to you all and I and my family will remember you in our times of prayer and worship. I’m in the middle of a “flare up” at the moment which is particularly in my right arm and shoulder. This is the third week so my good resolve at not letting it get me down is beginning to crumble! I’ve decided to try eating lots of raw fruit and veg. and cut back on meat and dairy to see if it helps as I’ve read that it sometimes does. Worth a try I guess, trouble is when I’m in pain I just want comfort and chocolate is a BIG comfort! Love and God Bless, Lynda.

August 14, 2008 at 8:08 pm

Blessed 1

1 Peter 2:24 …By His stripes we were healed. I hadn’t been to church in 32 years and knew nothing about healing when I heard a pastor preaching on the rdio in my vehicle on the way to work. It really is in the Word – all over it! Try a site like the Blue Letter Bible. I quit taking sinus meds that day and it has been amost 4 years. I got the cd’s of the man I heard and kept listening to them every chance I could. I wasn’t even back in church when God healed me of what 5 doctors and 6 months of physical therapy couldn’t. I had been told fibromyocitus, fibromyalgia, myofibrocitus (they were just giving it a name back then) was permant muscle damage caused by stress / trauma. There was a time I couldn’t hold a glass of water and 14 years later there were still nights I cried myself to sleep. Yes, Lynda, God does still heal and He definitely heals fibromyalgia today. I have had also had the awesome mantle of healing placed on my life since then (because I asked to be able to heal others as He had healed me). In the past two months, I have layed hands on two people who He has healed of the affliction. In the natural, amino acids helped me (they are what protein is made of in the body, so your body needs them to build / repair muscle tissue). If you are ready to recieve His Word, then study out healing and know that all affliction / disease/ sickenesses come from the devil and certain things can actually be demons attached to your body. (I know it sounds wierd, but study it out). Pain is a spirit (a demon, or one of satan’s fallen angels) and it has to respond to the name of Jesus, the Name above all names when you take authority and speak it out in faith. You have the right and authority to tell the spirit of pain to leave your body. Find a church in your area that teaches / preaches healing. There are a lot more than there used to be. My church has a web site where you can listen or download several series of sermons on healing. It says download MP3s, but you can just click and listen. GraceLexington.org. I was looking at some entirely different information on the web and don’t even know how I got here, but I saw your question and believe it was a Divine appointment, so you must be ready to recive what He is saying. Don’t dismiss what I have written. Read it again with your spiritual eyes, not what you brain may be telling you. I have been used to command arthritis, fibro-whatever, the beginning stages of MS, tooth pain and some other funky stuff to leave people’s bodies. Ask the Holy Spirit to minister peace to your body and comman the pain to leave in Jesus’ name. Most importantly, always give Him the Glory, He bought and paid the price for your salvation, which includes your healing. Check out the Greek word sozo (saved). Good night and God Bless, Diana

August 15, 2008 at 10:35 am

Teresa

Thank you Diana! I will be looking at the websites/names you provided. I have had hands layed on me for healing many times, and been healed of quite a few things-but the healing of the Fibro eludes me. I too have thoughts that this could be a demon. There is a lot of abuse in my past (and some yet presently), including verbal, emotional and sexual. I am working on getting these things OUT of me, and hope to hear back soon on the question I sent to a Pastor who has preached on and delivered people from demonic strongholds Your post gives me hope anew! Blessings-TK

August 16, 2008 at 10:46 am

Lynda

Thank you Diana, I found your message very encouraging and will check out your Church’s website. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the pain is caused by a demon because it’s such a spiteful pain. I can’t sit at the computer for long because my arm is still very painful. I can’t lift it at the moment. You have given me some things to think and pray about, thank you and God bless. Lynda.

August 23, 2008 at 7:20 pm

Anonymous

Amen! We were already healed and as we learn to walk by faith and not by sight the Lord will manifest the healing.
This is a curse that Jesus bore at the cross. I have been walking in faith, believing for the healing of another “incurable disease” autism. The healing the Lord has done is amazing!!! It is a battle to walk in faith but as you build yourself up in the Word- you will be able to cast down doubt and double-mindedness.
Please check out this website to edify yourself esp the book Sovereign God for Us and through Us. http://www.unleavenedbreadministries.org
Also- unforgiveness hinders deliverance and healing- so ask the Lord to reveal if you have any of that in you….can be a common hindrance to healing- I personally have been delivered of stuff after the Lord showed me unforgiveness.
Be set free in Jesus name- he already bore this at the cross- enter into by grace to His salvation and healing.

Jesus has power over all of the works of Satan. Do a word search on the verb sozo too in the NT. Blessings to you all and peace. It is a mighty struggle but after Job’s trial the Lord restored to him even more than he had lost….His power is made perfect in weakness…

Love in Jesus name and (((HUGS)))). The Lord sees you- cares – and has provided a way out- the ONLY way out.

August 23, 2008 at 7:24 pm

blessedinva

Hi again,
There are many testimonies of healing on this site including MS, cancer, broken bones…Our God is powerful and a great Healer.
Be encouraged!! I’m looking forward to hearing your testimonies. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

http://www.unleavenedbreadministries.org/?page=MultipleSclerosis-Ticer
http://www.unleavenedbreadministries.org/?page=BirthDefects-Baxter

Love,
April

August 23, 2008 at 7:55 pm

Teresa

Thanks for the encouraging word anonymous. I was coming on here myself to share an excellent website I found with Allen and Christina, and anyone else out there who may be interested. It’s long, but here goes chronicfatigue.about.com/od/whatisfibromyalgia/a/understandfibro.htm I have found this site helpful and it has lots of links to related subjects. Blessings all!-TK

September 8, 2008 at 6:39 pm

Allen

I am still struggling with the fibromyalgia. Spending a lot of time waiting on the Lord.

September 9, 2008 at 3:28 pm

Teresa

As we all are Allen. I try to keep my mind and heart busy-praying for others, volunteering where I can, trying to do special things for my family/friends. Keeping busy-even if it’s just in your head and heart-not so much your body-makes the waiting on the Lord time, pass by more quickly, and you tend to think less of your own problems! God only wants the best of what you can give-so I do my best to do that! He won’t ask me for something that I don’t have, to give to Him-so I try not to worry that what I AM giving, isn’t enough! Is that clear? I hope I’m making sense-I’m a little tired Blessings-Keep on keeping on -Teresa

September 9, 2008 at 5:58 pm

Allen

When I said “waiting”- I probably should have said “being still” before the Lord- physically and mentally still- doing nothing but breathing. I maintain that if I could do this 6 hours a day- and not overdo the rest of the time- my fibro symptoms would go away. I can do about 2 before i start to go stir crazy- but i think with practice i can get to 6 hours. I may be way wrong- but nothing else seems to be working- an old bible teacher of mine onece siad that when you get to wits end corner- the best thing to do is to be still and wait for the Lord to tell you what to do. It tkaes a lot of faith to do this- so as i ask you all to pray for me in this- i also ask that you pray that my time in the word be increased so i can have more faith- since faith comes by hearing the word of the Lord.

September 15, 2008 at 7:16 am

icarecafe

the icarecafe would really like your help with a discussion on Fibromyalgia

As you many know the icarecafe has been set up to provide a space for patients, carers and their supporters online.

Some of the members have set up a discussion group on the subject of Fibromyagia. The group has asked lots of questions which are still in the process of being answered. So we thought it appropriate if we invited people from other Fibromyalgia discussion group and blogs to ask if they wished to participate.

To have a look at the discussions so far please have a look at

http://www.icarecafe.com/?page_id=1107&group_id=36

Please do feel free to join in the discussions and to post any information which might be of interest to our members.

If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch. I’m one of the moderators of the icarecafe and I can be contacted by sending and internal email to my profile.

Thanks very much in advance for your help!

Best wishes

Belinda Shale
Moderator – the icarecafe

http://www.icarecafe.com

October 3, 2008 at 7:29 pm

Allen

we’ve had our first bout of cooler weather where I live- and my immune system has taken a dive. It is very frustrating. I am extremely intolerant of cool/damp weather. I don’t feel like the Lord has given me the green light to go to the doctor. I need prayers for patience please, and i need a willing spirit when i do get whatever green light he decides to give me. thanks!

October 5, 2008 at 3:45 am

Deborah

God has completely healed me, physically, and amazingly set me free emotionally, mentally and spiritually!

I have been Christian for 30 years, but 10 years ago I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia (a spirit of infirmity). I suffered extreme exhaustion, joint and muscle pain, to the point where I had to give up my job and trust in God for my finances.

For the last 2 months God has directed me to attend Golden Harvest Fellowship, it is in this house of God that I have begun to hear the Truth of the Word and seen the power of the Holy Spirit in demonstration. My testimony is that God sent 2 women from Golden Harvest Fellowship to my home and they prayed for me with strong authority, and Praise God, I am healed, delivered and set free! I had suffered constant pain for most of the 10 yrs and I was having to take strong pain medication. From the day the ladies prayed for me, I am pain free and have no need of any medication. I feel clean, pure and totally forgiven for the first time in my whole 30 years of being a Christian. What an amazing God we serve!

October 5, 2008 at 4:02 am

Deborah

I had almost given up hope of healing. March this year, I was so ill and mostly bed bound, in constant pain in my muscles and joints, I wanted God to take me home. After suffering for 10 yrs from CFS and Fibromyalgia, I had almost lost all hope for a LIFE.
I was asking God to send someone to me who could not just be a vessel of His healing power, but minister deliverance to areas of dysfunction that were causing me to not have victory in a few area’s of my life.
I was so desperate for some hope and purpose for my life, I cried out to God to give me faith to believe for healing. He gave me Jeremiah 30:17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith Jehovah. Finally he lead me to a church where the Pastors had strong authority and anointing to bring healing and deliverance in my life. From the moment I walked into the church and I heard the Pastor preaching, the power of God was so strong, I felt the fire of God all over my body. I drove home that day with so much peace, and I was so filled with the Glory of God, I laid down in my bed.
It was like I was on God’s operating table.
The pain I had suffered for years, just disappeared, and I had the best night sleep I ever experienced in 10 years.
But it was 2 months later that God really completely healed me and set me free.
Throughout my 30 years as a Christian, I carried tremendous guilt and shame; I could not overcome my sinful habits; I had no power to do so. I now know that Satan had me blinded to the truth of the Word of God. Even though I spent those 10 years reading and meditating on the Scriptures, I still was unable to have any victory over all the dysfunctional behaviour patterns. I spent my life feeling totally unworthy; full of rejection, fear of man, self-hatred, anxiety, stress and I was constantly tormented by the voices of demons: a lifetime of bondages.
My lady pastor and another lady, were led by the Holy Spirit to reveal the root causes of my illness, and were able to pray in authority to break these off my life.
At first I was thinking this sounds strange, but from that day, on I felt like a hundred chains had lifted off my body.
Anyone who has had CFS or Fibromyalgia, understands how sick you can be. Every day for the last month, I am crying with joy, that God finally healed me and set me free.
I remember being so sick most times, it was a battle to go out and do my shopping. I dragged myself around and wondered if I could drive home. I remember sitting at my computer because I was too sick to be social and go out. Sitting at my computer crying and crying asking God please help me, I am so down and almost giving up hope.
Now life is so wonderful, I feel so light, free and know the enemy can no longer tell me I am unworthy. I feel so free and alive, I cannot beleive it even now…
Thank you Lord….I don’t know why I had to suffer for so many years with such a debilitating condition, but I can thank God and give Him all Glory.

October 6, 2008 at 8:21 am

Allen

Deborah- please pray for me to have the same result and the same attitude as you.

October 6, 2008 at 8:22 am

Allen

Please ask your church to pray for me if you don’t mnd.

October 6, 2008 at 10:42 am

Teresa

Thank you for posting Deborah. I feel like your story is my own story. Such a battle, everyday-just to go get groceries, or vacuum the house, or some days-even to get dressed! Crying out to God, 0ver and over-knowing that He hears, wondering why He stays His hand of deliverance, but trusting His purpose. But also wondering if my hope will last long enough. I am sometimes frightened that I will not last. No one understands, friends get tired of you never feeling good enough to go do things, so they stop inviting. You end up isolated, feeling rejected. The times you do pull up all your efforts-go out, paste on a smile-they do not understand how much it costs you. Everyone says you look great! They do not know it’s a lie Even family pulls away, because they too, are weary of the road they are forced to walk with me-they resent me, for not being the wife, mother , daughter, that I’m SUPPOSED to be. The world mocks too-employers get rid of you, Drs don’t know how to help so they blame the illness on you, insurance companies balk at all the bills and pills. The only SAFE place there is, is with God. So again we isolate-just to be with HIM. The guilt and shame are tremendous, we feel worthless, unlovable, rejected, but it’s easier to take it from yourself than always waiting for the stinging remark from someone else, whether it be from friend, family, medical practitioner-whoever! It always does come though-you just never know from where-so it’s easier to isolate. I currently have new hope for deliverance. I am afraid, but ready to do this. I too am longing for a life I’ve NEVER known. A life full of love and freedom!-where I KNOW I am loved (without restriction or qualification), and WORTHY to be loved. Please pray that I can find this and DO this without it killing me in the process! Allen and Christina, I continue to pray for you. Christina, I know you have my e-mail-I’ve lost yours-so please contact me anytime. Blessings to you all, and Deborah, thank you again for sharing!-Teresa

October 6, 2008 at 11:13 am

Allen

Teresa:

I hear you. I am there too.

Lord, please help us on this thread who are sick with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome- come through for us in a mighty way- in Jesus name- Amen

October 6, 2008 at 8:46 pm

Allen

I agree, Deborah’s story is wonderful and she tells it very well.

Teresa- I have been praying for you especailly this evening. I am starting to feel worse- I have a feeling that I might be getting closer to getting well. I told god today that if he wanted not to heal me- that would be ok- but he would have to keep holding me up- but that i was really wanting to be well.

I guess I got to a little deeper place of surrender today with all of it including the frustration I feel over being sick- which I believe is very valid.

I still don’t feel that well and am heading off to bed. I have been trying to tape record an account of the dreams I have- I feel like god is giving me dreams that are meant to help me- sometimes they are very hard to understand though- but as i have the energy- i try to tape them and then to write them down.

I may or may not have the faith to get well- that is such a hard topic for me- and with no energy- it is very hard to figure out- but i do have faith and know for certain that god gives endurance and comfort when asked. I think too many Christians fail to pray often enough for comfort- and endurance. But I am certain that God gives them- 100% when asked.

October 8, 2008 at 6:26 am

Deborah

Dear Allen and Teresa.
When I read your messages, I was crying so much because I think I understand your desperation and I think much about the suffering of these conditions. I have put you both in my prayer journel to pray and ask God to bring you both complete healing and restoration. I also pray that God bring along some Godly people to lay hands on you and pray for a Miracle healing like I have received.
I cannot fully understand why God did not answer my prayer for many years for healing, but in the time I was very sick and unable to work or have a normal life, I learned much about really trusting and standing in His word. Everybody and even Christians seemed to have all the answers and suggestions of why I was sick and how I could get well. I had so many people telling me to buy this and that new product, which would cost me more than I could afford on a social security payment. I tried them all, and also spent lots of money on special doctors only to end up sicker and full of more toxins from the so called medications or health products.
I had Christian friends who suggested I go to anxiety groups, and counselling, and do this or that. But deep in my heart, I just knew I had to keep hanging onto God, praying to Him, and crying out in my struggle and desperation. I kept reading the Word and when I was going through periods of depression or condemnation, I read the Psalms. I would write them down in a daily journel and read and read, and believe with all my heart, even when I felt so sick and was ready for God to take my life.
One day I said to God, give me the faith to beleive for my healing, and that is when He gave me the Rhema Word, Jeremiah 30:17.
I typed that Word out in Big letters and put it around my house, and within a couple months my Miracle finally came. My Pastor Lady herself had an amazing miracle of healing. She had cancer for 4 yrs right through her body, she was given 3 weeks to live. She had tumours growing in her feet,and they kept cutting them out, and in the end they were about to amputate her feet.
She had pastors praying for her, but not really with much faith. So for 4 yrs she basically ate the Word of God, and told God that if He could heal all those people He could heal her. And she stood on it, and then God healed her. Now she is laying hands on people and they are being healed and set free.
I have never seen so many Miracles in all the years I have been a Christian.
So I will also get my church to pray for you both when we have our prayer meetings, Friday nights, and Friday and Sunday mornings before Church. The whole church pray together, as we believe God honors our coroporate prayers….
Please keep in touch and let me know how you both are..
Much love in Christ,
Deborah.
I have enclose my church Web site for you to look at.

October 8, 2008 at 7:05 am

Deborah

http://www.goldenharvestfellowship.org.au

October 8, 2008 at 9:57 am

Teresa

Thank you Deborah, Your kind words and efforts on our behalf mean a lot. Yes, I’ve done all that you mentioned you’ve done in your e-mail, and more. I’ve had people lay hands on me for healing many times, I’ve been so deep in the Word-especially Psalms, for a while I couldn’t tolerate the TV even being on! I could not let anything worldly come near me, all I could do was play Christian music on the radio, read scripture, or lay face down on the floor begging God to help me. I even prayed to die if no one (including God) was going to help me. I started reading in Job because he was the only one i could relate too.

And yes, I’ve had all sorts of advice, from all sorts of people, telling me what my problem was, why I was sick, and why I wasn’t healed, what I should and shouldn’t be doing-most of them meant well, but it was just more condemnation. No one has ever held my hand and just grieved with me. Everyone wants you to ‘suck it up’ and fight. They do not understand that we’ve been drained dry, beaten down so badly that we cannot arise on our own anymore. That’s where Jesus TRULY meets us, and He is the ONLY reason I have strength to get up everyday. Thank you for giving us hope anew.

I’m facing another surgery next week, not that I’m scared of that. I’m more frightened of how I’ll be treated by, and looked at by the medical professionals. I used to be one of them, and now I can hardly get one of them to take me seriously-I’ve been “labeled” in my chart. This week I am isolating and internalizing for the battle. Blessings to you-TK

October 9, 2008 at 4:27 am

Deborah

Hi again Teresa and Allen,
I have been praying much for you both this morning, inteceding and asking God to be there with you both and for your healing.
Like you I found Job to be a great comfort to me. I like how honest he was and how he even told his friends they were poor comforters. He was real and I like that.
I can see your heart for the Lord, and I truly relate to all you have posted.
I remember saying to God if I am going to be sick like this for the rest of my life, then please take me as I cannot be of no use to you Lord in this condition too weak and sick to Go out and be a witness for you.
Many people had no idea of how much one suffers with these conditions. Many thought I was just lazy or even stupid.
It affects memory and concentration too, and many times I could not read much. So at my worst in the middle of the brain fog, I would just say Jesus HELP!
Like you say Teresa, we look okay on the outside, and I was really good at bluffing my way into making people think I was okay.
It was just no use complaining as most people did not know what CFS was.
I remember going to church and so much wanting friendship, but by the time I got home from church, I was too weak and exhausted to maintain a friendship. People used to think I was isolating myself or just unfriendly. I had to learn to say NO to people and I lost many friends because I was just not able to do the things friends do anymore.
I will not take myhealing for granted, I have promised the Lord to serve Him in whatever way he asks. My mother and cousin still suffer these conditions. My Mother has Chemical Sensitivity Disorder. My cousin wants healing too, but she is heavily into New Age and reading her starts. She said she is not prepared to give that up to fully serve God. My dear Mum may need some time to believe I have really been healed and I pray she will come to get prayed for too.
I will be praying for you both each day, I have your names down in my special prayer journel.
Bless u both,
Deborah.

October 9, 2008 at 7:14 am

Allen

Deborah:

Thanks for your prayers. I woke up this morning feeling a little better. You write very well. Has the Lord ever given you any prmoting about ministrring to others through writing about your experience?

Have been praying for you Teresa. You write well too.

October 9, 2008 at 5:44 pm

Deborah

Hi Allen,
I remember back in March when I was at my worst. I was at the point where I was thinking, God, I cannot take this illness anymore. I have done all I can to improve my health, and searched high and low for others who are going through this same suffering. I remember going on the internet to see if I could find others who had been healed of these conditions. I needed some type of hope, as after standing in faith all these years, I was beginning to think healing was not for today. I found people who were advertising health products and how if you buy such and such, you will get well. But deep inside I knew God would give me a Miracle. I have tried all the healthy eating diets and all the health suppliments to the expense of my small budget.
For many years God had always planted a seed in me about the effects on Generational iniquities and how they can still be strongholds in Christians lives. I studied much the Word of God over these years with a constant hunger to eat His word.
In my own life I could see patterns of dysfunction that even as a Christian I was not able to overcome. I prayed many prayers for myself, of repentance and renouncing etc.
But I never had full complete victory.
But this is why I believe strongly in the gifts of the spirit that each member of the body of Christ is gifted with for the building up, equipping and edifciation of the Saints.
I wonder why now, I have not been able to find someone in all the 30yrs I have been a believer in the churches etc, who could pray for me and have such a strong anointing and authority to set me free so completely as I was over a month ago?
Why did it take me about 10 yrs to find a church with people where were truly on fire for God and prepared to take up their cross to follow the Lord. I am telling you, I have never experienced such a strong anointing and presence of God that I did that first time I walked into that church a few months ago.
I had been praying in the wildnerness for years and years asking God to help me find a true genuine church with people who had a hunger for all His truth, and who understood and moved in the Holy Spirit.
Wow, never beleived I would find that, but as well as finally getting kindred fellowship, I got my physical body healed and my emotions and mind healed with the deal. I knew it was out there, but I had to wait on the Lord for His timing. If I had never walked the road myself, how could I relate to the suffering of others who are now walking in this deep place of struggle. But now I can say that Jesus does heal and wants to heal us.
I just want to bring that hope and healing to others. I have made a committment to God to pray for both you and Teresa. You are permantly in my little prayer book…
Hey I never did find anyone online who had been healed of CFS except a young lady in the UK.
I live in Australia.
Keep in touch, my heart goes out to you both, and much thanks for Steve Hickey for putting this post up in the first place.
God bless,
Deborah.

October 9, 2008 at 7:16 pm

Deborah

I really related to these comments of Pat:
“The Lord does heal chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia!! She shared that after her inner healing with us, she underwent some additional deliverance type ministry and the result has been total freedom for her.”
This was my experience, and I praise God every day for the faithful servants He sent my way.

October 10, 2008 at 3:03 am

Deborah

Could I recommend an excellent book, that a Christian brother sent to me a month before my healing. “A More Excellent Way”, by Henry W. Wright (Spiritual Roots of Disease Pathways to Wholeness) One of the best books I have read on this subject. Worth getting a copy if you can. Can purchase from: http://www.pleasantvalleychurch.net/

October 10, 2008 at 4:15 am

Renton

[...] But signs keep emerging that all is still not well within the ranks of the self-appointed Elder’s of the Charismatic Movement. Robert Ricciardelli (Charsima Magazine Author and card carrying member of the Wagner International Constipation….errr…I mean Coalition of Apostles) recently made an appearance on Jason Clark’s Blog where he left the following comment (Thanks to Dan-O for sleuthing this out): Truth is there are very few people being healed in Lakeland. I have worked with Charisma Magazine editor Lee Grady in discovering how many false reports have been released as facts. These are our brothers and sister involved in this, but this move of God has been a move of men with God still touching some who come to seek Him… Robert Ricciardelli (Jason Clark Blog) “… The reporting of claims are being reported as fact and I am not talking about claims from Lakeland, these are claims from emails and phone calls. None of these claims happened from Lakeland, but there was an ownership of them, because someone sent them in. In some cases the person never even mentioned Lakeland, but wanted to just share what God has done. Charisma reporters and a few others like myself have tried to get these verified and cannot. At one point, I was told that is God’s job and not the ones reporting these invalidated and now some have been found out to be fraudulent claims. We actually had offered to help, because any news of a resurrection in my opinion is world news if it can be validated. But then when the totals continued to mount which led to hype and embellishment, they began to ask us to stop asking questions. Hmmmm? Friday night, Todd said that God said there were 1000 people that were to give $1000, and they were to receive a 1000 fold blessing. The one hour drama on this giving subject was so deceptively evident that it was embarrasing to watch. On top of that, those that would give that money were able to come to the platform to be recognized….” (Robert Ricciadelli: Stevehickey Blog) [...]

October 10, 2008 at 9:24 am

Teresa

Deborah, Thank you again for being so faithful, in praying for us, and for letting us know it, and for letting us see some of your own journey. As I stated in an earlier post, I am spending the week internalizing , preparing for surgery.

What really helps me right now is in knowing that a Pastor in Fla., who is a great friend of my own Pastor has done many deliverances. I’ve had a short phone interview with him and he has agreed to do a deliverance for me. He has laid hands on me before-the first time I ever heard him speak, when he had an altar call after his sermon. I felt hope that night, and the beginning of healing. The church was new to us at that time, we came out of a mainstream denominational church-but were searching for more, especially in light of my illness When he laid his hand on my head that night, I felt something-I don’t know how to describe. I don’t know if he felt it or not, MANY women had come forward for prayer, as it was a service directed at healing women. I’ve heard him speak again a few times since then, although I don’t REALLY know him, or him me, but I am SO THANKFUL that he has agreed to try and help me get RID of this.

I am praying he is able to come soon-I’ll need a little time to heal from surgery-but God’s timing is always perfect. I am so very weary right now, so broken down inside I don’t even want to leave the house-but I force myself, knowing I must. My mind is scattered, my prayers again reduced to groanings I don’t know how to express. The days alone are good because I can be myself before God, and let Him nurture me. When my son or husband arrive home-all traces of tears must be gone, I don’t want to add to their burdens by having them worry about me. God is GOOD, and has allowed me much comfort and rest recently, so when I DO need to go out, I’m able, despite the way I’ve been bombarded recently with illness & infections on top of the fibro. Renton, I’m not sure what to say to you-this isn’t really a blog about Todd Bentley. This is, as Steve put it “one beggar telling another where to find bread”. I’m Thankful for all people who have posted on here. Allen & Christina, you are on my prayer list. Deborah, I am especially thankful for YOU this week! May God bless you richly 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.

October 11, 2008 at 11:48 pm

Deborah

Dear Teresa and Allen,
I had sent a email during the week letting my lady pastor know of your plight. Today when I went to church, all the brethren come together to pray, and Pastor Geraldine had us all lift you both up in prayer. She prayed that the Lord would bring a servants of God to you both that could minister healing and deliverance. Someone who had the proper God anointed authority to deal with the condition you both have. We all agreed in prayer for you. Just remember that even though you are over there in the USA, a group of your fellow beleivers are thinking of you and praying for you.
Let me know the day you are having your operation, so I can particiularly pray on that day concerning that.
Your Aussie sister in Christ,
Deborah.
My dear Teresa, I know of your anguish, and so does God. He see’s your struggle and your faithfulness in trusting him.
My Pastor, Geraldine also suffered CFS and Fibromyalgia along with the cancer. She is completely healed in Jesus Name.

October 12, 2008 at 8:29 am

Teresa

Deborah, You have touched me so, that i am crying. Thank you so much for your prayer and intercession. I am heading off to church soon. I don’t know the exact time difference between us, but last night, as I lay awake (I rarely sleep well), God told me someone was praying for me, and I took great comfort in that. I often pray, or sing in my spirit during my awake times.

My surgery is tomorrow morning 10:00 am CDT. I have no idea what time that is there-but again, Thank you for your faithfulness to God and to Allen and myself. I know God is pulling lots of things out of me now-I asked for a Mary year, and I surely got it! I know too that God can heal me, and will, in His own good time. Blessings to all of you!

October 12, 2008 at 11:03 am

Allen

I just woke up from a nap where I had a dream that I was having a spiritual breakthrough and that the Lord was starting to heal me and restore me–then I got up from my nap, went to the compiuter and I read the last two postings.

October 12, 2008 at 7:48 pm

Allen

I believe where Deborah’s church is located is approximately 15 hours ahead of the US Central Daylight savings timezone and 14 hours ahead of US Eastern Dayllight savings timezone.

The central US is 15 hours behind the time where Deborah and her church is.

For example if it is 10am on a Monday in the central timezone in the US, it is 1:00 AM in the early morning on Tuesday where Deborah and her church is.

And for example if it is 11pm on a Monday in the part of Australia where they are- it is 7am earlier in the day on that same monday in the central US.

October 12, 2008 at 9:23 pm

Deborah

Dear Teresa and Allen,
I cried and cried when I read both your postings today.
When I went to church yesterday, and we were having our prayer meeting, Pastor Gerladine started praying for you both. It was about 9.20am my time Sunday.
God is such a gracious loving God and He wants so much to heal His children. I know He hears the prayers of the saints as they pray for one another. God reminded me today of the 10 yrs of suffering I endured, but like you are both doing now I hung onto My God and stood on His promises in His word.
Teresa, thanks to Allen I will know the time here when you will have your operation. I will spend some time in prayer for you before I go to sleep tonight.
And I will continue to pray for you both as the Lord does His wonderful work in your lives.
Your Aussie sister in Christ,
Deborah.
http://www.goldenharvestfellowship.org.au

October 18, 2008 at 12:22 am

Anonymous

weather is chaning here with autumn arriving- so far my immune system is holding up this time- but the last tinge of fall air that came made my immune system crash in fibro /cfids fashion.

still in a waiting on the Lord mode- but as psalm 40 says- he hears us as we wait for him and then he will turn, hear our prayers, and things will change.

October 18, 2008 at 3:02 pm

Teresa

Anonymous, Glad to hear from you, and, you don’t need to hide from us-if that’s what you’re doing-this is a safe place. I’ll be sure to add you to my prayer list. Yes, the cooler weather brings on worse symptoms, doesn’t it? But I still LOVE autumn, my favorite time of year.

Deborah, Allen-anyone else who may be following, thanks for the prayers-they saw me through! Surgery went well, the only pain I’ve had is in my neck/shoulders/back and ribs-really nothing from my surgical site! I would ask for prayer that this pain goes away-(permanently and quickly is fine by me! ) I’m guessing it’s fibro and surgical positional related, but it has been horrible-slowly getting less and less each day. Blessings to all of you.

October 19, 2008 at 2:07 pm

Allen

Teresa- glad to see a post by you- glad surgery went well.

anonymous is actually me- accidentaly forgot to put my name on it and after i sent it , i couldn’t edit it.

will pray for your pain- glad it is lessening.

October 20, 2008 at 8:14 am

Teresa

Allen, I’m sure sorry you can’t come to our church! Even if I’m having a bad day-it’s worth the trip. I only miss on REALLY BAD days, or days I may be infectious to others. It truly is SO much help, if I do have to skip a week-I almost need to drop in midweek for a fellowship fix !

I’m sorry too that the cooler weather is getting your system to go haywire! Seems like that’s all we do sometimes, is adjusting to the changes of that day-and it starts again the next day! “One day at a time Sweet Jesus-that’s all I’m asking from you”-That song really fits, doesn’t it?

I cried in church yesterday-during worship. I usually do, but we sang a song called “BEAUTIFUL” and when we got to the third verse, of Him hanging on the tree-I completely crumbled. That and the ‘no more tears’ part-well, we’ll just keep on longing til we see Him I guess, and keep calling Him in the meantime. We can lift eachother up along the way. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5-my life verse, I’ve probably mentioned it before.

I am getting much more back to ‘normal’ (tee hee), thanks to all your prayers and our Faithful Father in Heaven. I know I have more work to do to be whole again (body, mind & spirit), and am setting my mind toward that goal. Thank you so much for helping, Deborah-you too! You were and are an answered prayer! Just when I needed that boost, God sent you. Thank you to you and all of your church who helped pray me through a very difficult time. (I’m not usually one to be scared of medical things , since I was a nurse for 20 years). I have had SUCH an emotional summer though with my dau graduating,leaving for college, my parents poor health and having to uproot and move them, and God having me deal with things from my past I never dealt with. Even our church-struggling through changes/battles. I wonder why it is it’s so easy to be vulnerable to others, we don’t even know, through a computer screen, than it is to be vulnerable with our own friends/church family? It doesn’t make sense. But, I suppose that is all part of our enemy’s grand scheme. I only know that everything he throws at me only serves to draw me closer to Jesus.

Allen, Christina, Deborah-I will continue to thank God for you, and to pray for your needs. Steve, again, thank you for starting this discussion on your blog! I continue to thank God for YOU, your family, our family at CATG every day! I would probably not have survived without you all. Blessings to everyone!

October 21, 2008 at 10:19 pm

Deborah

Hi Teresa and Allen,
So good to hear from both of you. Praise the Lord you are home and you have come through your operation, Teresa. It is awesome, Teresa that you have a good church, and it sounds like the Worship is also very healing. You both are very special to me and have a special place in my prayer book and my heart. I will continue to pray for you, that God will more and more show Himself and comfort you through the hard days and give you continuing hope for your healing.
We had our Ladies group today in my home, and each week the Holy Spirit just seems to pinpoint on different area’s He is dealing with and cleaning out of our lives. It seems at times that we are being hard pressed and going through a furnace, but after a while, of being in a hard place, there comes a great release and a new level the Lord has us on.
I beleive the Lord is really doing a new thing in this day and age, and He is really cleansing and healing His church so we can be pure whole vessels to carry His glory to this dark world. Isaiah 60:1-3.
I know that for many years Christians have been sitting in church never overcoming years of dysfunctional patterns that have really held us back from walking in the full anointing and victory of our Lord Jesus.
Now I am seeing a Revival of Fire coming through the churches, and people are being healed and set free in ways we have never seen the Western Countries. God is humbling us and calling us to Repentance, and a live of holiness and purity. As He refines us and cleans out the dross from our lives, we can walk in more power and the enemy has less legal ground to attack us. The Word of God is our foundation and Sword.
I am going to keep praying for your full recovery, and I know you will both be used in ministering to others because you both know the suffering of these terrible conditions and what it has been to cling to the Lord and His promises in the Word of God.
Will write again in the next couple days…
Love you both…
Deborah.

October 22, 2008 at 9:36 am

Teresa

AMEN to that missive Deborah! You too, have found a special place in my heart. Look how God has used technology to bless us! I never dreamed I would have people in Australia praying for me, whom I could also pray for in return. We can also see how God is moving throughout the EARTH, through speaking with one another! I also have a girlfriend of MANY years, in Sweden, praying for me, and I for her. She has for the past several years, been going through something horrible in her own life. We lift eachother up-through the thousands of miles! I can now truthfully say I have people around the world praying for me!-and I for them! What a JOY! Yes, God is moving, like never before I think. I pray we can clear the way for Him! Much Love to you as well-Teresa
Allen, I haven’t forgotten you, though I didn’t mention you today. Lets pray together today, for ALL suffering people to be healed, not just those of us with fibromyalgia. Perhaps we should do this daily, or weekly? Pick a cause,or topic, or group of people to pray for together!? We can exchange e-mails through Steve. Are you game?-

October 26, 2008 at 5:38 pm

Allen

Teresa- give me a week or so to think about it.

I have run into some new health problems regarding my vision-whether or not it is fibro related–??

sort of struggling with lots of stuff right now- but i think i will be ok soon.

blessings to both you and Deborah and all others who read this thread.

It indeed is cool to have someone praying for me in another country across the globe., and in another state in the us. thanks to both of you for your prayers for me.

October 28, 2008 at 7:43 am

Connie

I suffered from Fibromyalgia, Lupus, MS, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, arthritis, and everything that goes along with them for over five years. I spent several months in a wheelchair and part of the time with a cane. The medical doctors told me they couldn’t do anything but relieve the pain. The medication they gave me didn’t even do that.

I continued to pray and attend church. I went through many emotions over the years not understanding why i was not being healed.
I came to a point that i personally couldn’t take anymore. I broke down and cried out to God one night when I had to stay home in bed while my family went to the church. It was at that time that I received an answer.

God said that I was now ready and He had something he wanted me to do. I didn’t understand but waited. About three weeks later we had a special speaker at the church. On Saturday before, Naturopathic doctors were holding health consultations, I went but didn’t hold much hope.
On Sunday The Doctor spoke, he spoke of the dietary laws of the Bible. When he started speaking, i knew it was what God had spoken to me about. I listened.
I spoke to my husband and told him i needed to do this. He said ok.
I went to the store and found everything I could that was organic and natural, dropped pork, shellfish etc from my diet. I followed the Lord’s recommendation for all my foods.
This i started on Monday, on Saturday I woke up not even realizing what was different for several hours. I had no pain!!!! Five Days!!!!!!!!!

I have been released from my doctor as healed and he stated he didn’t do it. I said I know- God did.
That was over three years ago and i remain pain free and symptom free and healed to this day.

October 28, 2008 at 12:47 pm

Allen

Connie:

That is great- I am glad you are feeling better. Can you explain more of what nutritional changes were made?

October 30, 2008 at 8:48 pm

Allen

Teresa- it is a great idea to pray and email through Steve- but I won’t be able to do it. Hope you are feeling ok.

I still just don’t feel very well.

October 31, 2008 at 9:00 am

Teresa

Thanks Allen, I am OK. I will continue to pray for you Blessings

November 3, 2008 at 6:33 pm

Teresa

Allen & Deborah, I have 2 great hopes on the horizon! One, a deliverance from a spirit of rejection. Two, an evaluation by a neurosurgeon and endocrinologist in Denver in Dec. God removed many roadblocks for this-to the point that insurance will cover and my husbands schedule was clear on the only day that I could see both Drs and have an MRI! God is so GOOD! Blessings to you!

November 4, 2008 at 2:06 am

Deborah

Dear Teresa, Allen, and Connie,
How wonderful to come here and see what God is doing. Teresa, I will continue to pray that God continues to reveal His keys of healing for you. Please keep us informed of how all is going. Praise God that your insurance covered these two appointments and that your husband was free to take you there.
Connie, I was also excited and inspired by your testimony. The biblical dietry Laws are truly Godly wisdom. Hope you come back to share more to us all so we can maybe learn some more keys to our healing and maintainence.
Allen, my dear brother in Christ, will be joining with Teresa and others to continue praying for you and for the Lord to reveal His keys of healing for you.
Love you all,
Deborah.

November 20, 2008 at 10:31 am

Allen

Deborah,

What present characteristics of fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue are you still experiencing?

November 21, 2008 at 1:49 pm

Allen

Deborah:

I apologize for the above comment- while it may look innocent enough- it was written out of frustration about my own health and it was written to cast doubt about your testimony of healing for yourself- which is none of my business. I apologize. I am sorry

November 21, 2008 at 6:27 pm

Teresa

Allen, I’m sorry, I don’t understand, but I guess it doesn’t matter. I am praying for you. I DO understand what this can do to your thought processes, and your heart at times, to feel SO alone. In our family, there was another suicide this week. This is the 3rd in 22 years, one of my cousins-his name was Ron. I would ask for prayer for his wife, mother, and sister (& family). His wife is alone now-no siblings, her parents are dead-a real tragedy for her especially. Life gives us so much grief, but also so much to be thankful for. I am sorry you are struggling so right now. please remember God loves you. Blessings-TK

November 26, 2008 at 1:53 am

Deborah

Hi Teresa and Allen,
Allen don’t feel bad about your comment. I was frustrated with wondering why God had not healed me sooner with the Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. But it seemed that there was nobody in the churches I attended for 30 years that could be a vessel of God to bring healing not just to my body but also to my mind and emotions. After suffering so much for 10 yrs I was really wanting God to take me home, back in March this year. But I kept pressing into the Word of God and something I had read by Marie Etter Woodsworth, seemed to raise up my faith for my own healing:
This is an extract from her book, “A Diary of Signs & Times.”
“In all my sickness and trouble the ministers and people came from the different churches in the town and had prayer meetings in my room. They prayed in the churches for my recovery. I was willing to die and leave my little girl and boy, feeling that God would care for them, but the Work , God was calling me to do loomed up before me. All these years God had been preparing me for I was not willing. I felt like a worm in His sight. I PROMISED GOD THAT IF HE WOULD RESTORE MY HEALTH AND PREPARE ME, AND SHOW ME THE WORK, I would try to do it. I began to get better Immediately.

She was healed and then able to go out and serve God.

Some great books on the Healing Revivalists by Roberst Liardon are well worth getting from any Christian book store.

About what symptoms I have now. Well all the pain of the Fibromyagia went instantly from the moment my Pastor and Elder prayed for me. And the extreme fatigue of the Fibromyalgia has gone too. I am just a normal person needed to take my normal 8 hours rest. I also had my emotions and mind healed too. Can share more later.

I have been praying for both you and Teresa each day asking God to send laboureres accross your path who are anointed in this healing and deliverance ministry. If you can somehow give me your email addresses I could send some CDs and testimonies to you both.
I love you both in the Lord and I know God is going to honor your heart cry for healing and wholeness in your lives.

November 26, 2008 at 1:59 am

Deborah

Dear Teresa,
I will be praying for you and your family members affected by this tragic suicide in the family. My dear sister, may God comfort and strenghten you and the family members as you come to terms with this tragedy. My dear sister in Christ, I thank God for the awesome blessing you are going to be to thousands….Praise God for the great church fellowship, He has placed you in. Hope one day to meet you. I know I have had a prophesy confirmed twice that I will be coming to Americia with a Ministry team to bring healing and wholeness to the sick and brokenhearted. I pray that on our travels I will get to meet you too.

November 26, 2008 at 9:33 am

Teresa

Deborah-Thank you! I will pray for that too! Marie Etter Woodsworth really knows what she’s talking about-I feel just the same as she did-wanting to go home, being willing to leave my children-foregoing the joy of holding my someday grandchildren. I cannot believe sometimes, that I’ve been reduced to that kind of thinking-it sickens me! I am to joyfully and willingly be suffering for whatever purpose He has for me-not understanding why my cousin, (and sister) would want to take their own lives! But I know too they didn’t really want to die-they just wanted the pain to stop, and saw no other way out. They were both Christians, and I know in my sisters case, for sure being a TRUE Christian, having accepted the gift of salvation.

Thank you so much for keeping us in your prayers so faithfully, and for letting us know! It helps me tremendously to know that people are praying. The people I see day to day, or week to week grow weary of me-always asking for prayer, and never being healed. I see it in their eyes, hear it in their tone of voice. I know they do not understand-and how can they? It is not their fault they grow tired of me. I imagine Allen has the same problem-so sooner or later, you just quit asking and try to get by on your own. Yes, knowing you are praying is a great gift! Many Blessings to you and yours during this Holiday Season! I have my appt with a Pituitary specialist in Denver on Dec 11th (about a 12 hr drive) Please pray for safe travel, good road and weather conditions, and a cure!

November 26, 2008 at 9:37 am

Teresa

Deborah, I look forward to hearing more on your healing! and i will pray just as Marie Etter Woodsworth did-for full healing-that i may finish the work set before me in Jesus name! Steve has my e-mail-I will ask him to forward it to you via email.

November 26, 2008 at 9:06 pm

Allen

Deborah:

I will pray this:

If he will show me the work, prepare me, and give me his strength to do it and enable me to keep this promise- I will do whatever He calls me to do. I will even do it without the healing.

Please continue to pray for my wife and for me

Thank you for your encouragement.

November 26, 2008 at 9:22 pm

Allen

Teresa:

You continue to be in my prayers- I have also been praying for your cousin’s wife and family. I am sorry for you all’s loss.
I know it has got to be tough- especially given your family’s history.

Will be praying for your trip to Denver.

I have been getting some insight about fibro in my dreams- but I need wisdom in applying what i dream about to everyday life. I dream about going to specifc doctors or taking specifc supplements, etc.. but don’t know how much i should apply from my dreams to everyday life.

November 26, 2008 at 9:27 pm

Allen

Teresa:

In regards to isolating from others- you are right on target- but I still leave it open to what God wants- so in my pulling away I feel like it is ok becuase I haven’t made a vow to stay away from people and am still open to God’s leading- however I really don’t feel led to be around many- though I am still wanting to be- you are right- most don’t understand- but many probably do- they just are in the same boat and don’t feel safe in opening up either.

Thre has to be a good reason for what God is doing in the lives of those suffering with fibro/chronic fatigue- especially for the Christian- all things work together for good

December 10, 2008 at 12:09 pm

Allen

Teresa:

Praying for you and your husband today as you go to the docs in Denver. May the Lord bless you all and the docs as you see them. May the Lord bring you wisdom and healing from this disease and to others and myself as well.

December 13, 2008 at 2:32 am

Deborah

Hi Teresa and Allen,
Thinking of you both and will be praying for you tonight.
Have either of you read the book, “The Bible Cure”. I found it an awesome book and very encouraging asking God for your unique Bible cure.
Keep in touch,
Bless u all,
Deborah.

December 13, 2008 at 10:07 am

Teresa

Allen & Deborah, Thank you for your prayers! Things went well in Denver, the Drs were very nice, helpful and caring. The trip itself gave me renewal of mind and Spirit. I was in a BAD way spiritually speaking, before we left-God is so good and I had TIME, on the road, alone with my husband-to talk, listen to many sermons and Christian teachings. I feel like I’m WORTH something again, and hope is renewed.

Allen, I will continue to hold you up in prayer, I hope you can find the hope and renewal I found. I will continue to look for a healing, but my main goal now is to SHINE for Jesus, ill or not! Blessings to you

Deborah, Thank you again for your faithfulness! You are an inspiration.-TK

December 15, 2008 at 1:40 pm

Allen

I think that is a great goal- “to shine for Jesus, ill or not”

I was convicted last night while reading in Romans about not being “patient in affliction”

I am getting some direction about heading in the direction of working with fibromyalgia as a career.. I need a lot more clarity about it and ask for you all’s prayers in this.

December 16, 2008 at 8:35 am

Teresa

Ok Allen, will do, keep us posted on how it’s going. Have a Blessed Christmas and New Years!-TK

December 16, 2008 at 7:08 pm

Allen

Deborah: who is the aurhor of the book that you mentiioned– The Bible Cure?

Hope all is well in Australia with you as well.

Blessings

December 22, 2008 at 6:36 am

Allen

I am not feeling all that great- and my sleep is very fragmented- well, it has been for a long time- can you all pray for me please?

December 22, 2008 at 10:12 am

Teresa

Sure Allen. Have a Blessed Christmas and New Year!

December 22, 2008 at 7:14 pm

Allen

You too – Teresa- I pray 2009 will be a year of healing for us. Thanks for your prayers- I still feel lousy, I am hopeful, but still feel lousy,but I appreciate you praying.

December 23, 2008 at 5:55 pm

Allen

feeling better today- went to a very laid back water exercise class

December 27, 2008 at 6:36 pm

drtim

Hi. I’m a chiropractor and a Christian. I attend a Pentecostal church and believe absolutely in God’s healing miracles. Having said that, though, I honeslty believe the biggest healing miracle is that folks actually allow it to happen.

Over the years, I’ve seen many cases of fibromyalgia. And, I’ve seen them treated with drugs, physical therapy, psychotherapy and almost every modality under the sun. Of course, I’ve taken care of folks with fibromyalgia with some significant success. But, the biggest success I’ve seen in helping folks with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and a host of other chronic illnesses with unknown origins is in the area of a living faith.

When folks really ACCEPT God’s perfect design for their health and life and start LIVING the health and life they WANT and KNOW is His design for them, their symptoms begin to diminish and even disappear. I’ve seen comments here on symptoms improving when an exercising program is started. And THAT is the point I want to make. No, not that lifting weights or even chiropractic is the cure. INSTEAD the cure is accepting in full faith that you are SUPPOSED to be HEALTHY and start LIVING that way.

Most chronic health problems have a neurological component to it. And eventually, they ALL have a neurological compnonent. But wait. There’s more! There is a new branch of medicine called “psychoneuroimmunology” that studies the link between your thoughts and eventual disease. In other words, just as the Word tells us, what we think about comes about.

The sickest people I see (even Christians) are hurt, angry and/or scared. They reside in that state of mind. They are haunted and tortured by sometimes mysterious illnesses and conditions, yet they won’t let go.

The healthiest folks I see, are the ones with the best faith life. They fear neither death nor disease. In other words, they are truly FREE from fear! This attitude is revealed in the way they live their life, too. The exercise because they enjoy it. They drink water because it’s good for them. They go to a chiropractor because it helps them function better. When they pray, it’s in giving thanks and not begging for a miracle. They’re always smiling. Their joy KILLS their suffering.

In closing, FAITH in God’s design for health, happiness and peace of mind is essential to one’s healing and health. Just as God’s Grace is a miracle, faith in His desire for you to be healthy and whole is also miraculous.

I appreciate your addressing fibromyalgia (and other chronic health conditions) in your ministry. I just encourage others to thank God for His Grace and to begin putting action to their faith as James so eloquently told us, “Faith without action is dead”.

God bless you, Steve.

December 27, 2008 at 7:58 pm

Allen

I am confused! I still don’t feel well. I don’t know what to do to get better. I don’t deny anything that Dr. Tim said- but it didnt’ help much- does that mean i don’t have enough faith to be well- who knows- as Paul says- I don’t judge myself- it is the Lord that judges me.

Trying to get encouragement from the internet is spotty at best.

December 27, 2008 at 9:44 pm

drtim

No Allen. That doesn’t mean you lack faith. And, I don’t think God judges and punishes people. Jesus came to set us free from that judgement. I honestly believe that it is US judging ourselves that makes us sick.

Healing and health is a process. WHEN we finally , and really, ACCEPT God’s Grace and forgiveness, we are able to just let go. While my own life has not been an easy one, that “letting go” has enabled me to live outside that whole judgment thing. It’s really quite remarkable how much better my life has been EVEN with the stuff that life has brought my way.

I DO want to encourage you, Allen. My life is about encouraging folks, about helping them see the joy that’s available to them. I try to encourage folks to realize the potential they have for health and every other good thing God desires for them. I honestly believe that God would not have given you the ability to WANT to be healthy without also giving you the ABILITY to BE healthy.

Our’s is a loving God who wants only good for you and me. I want you to be encouraged. Best wishes. God bless.

December 28, 2008 at 1:36 am

Allen

For example–So, if one of the probelms I am having is that I am having symptoms of low magnesuium levels- do i take magnesium suppelments and investigate with a medical provider the reason for the altered blood chemistry or do I just work on my faith issues and thnking processes until my magnesium levels rise on their own? Or do I do both at the same time?– I would feel more comfortable doing both, or even more cofrtable getting my blood levels normal first as mcuh as i can with medical help.

December 28, 2008 at 8:32 am

drtim

Do what YOU think is best.

Sometimes, though, we take one measure (like low magnesium levels) and supplement to achieve the “ideal” level with little regard as to what might have caused it.

If I’m not mistaken, the original question was whether we thought God could cure fibromyalgia. You’ve apparently been dealing with this a long time. Has Medicine cured it? I just offered my perspective and my observation.

December 28, 2008 at 10:55 am

Allen

my perception is that–You are not helping me.

Meidicine has not cured it- but that is becuase I think I haven’t been to a doctor that knew how to deal wtih fibro. There are those out there who seem like they might. However, i am finding that I feel like I am going outside God’s plan if I seek out a doctor that has a proven track record of fixing fibro.

If you really want to see my perspective- read The Ultramind Solution, by Dr. Mark Hyman and read it thoghtfully and prayerfully twice- then get back on here and tell me that medicine will never cure me.

I am not feeling much love in your responses to me.

December 28, 2008 at 11:19 am

Allen

combine what works from the mediical approach with what works from the faith healing approach and in my opinion fibro people will get well-

I agree wiith you- traditional medical approaches iaren’t working for most christians with fibro. However, stragiht faith approaches aren’t either-

you are right- the cuase has to be looked at– but if the cause indeed is mercury fillings in one mouth- i don’t think prayer will fix it until the mercury comes out- and not many medical or dentalpractitioerns know how to do that. and mercury may just be one of many cuases to fibro- i don’t think there is just one and fibro differs from person to person.

I spend hours in pryaer asking God what he wants me to do to get well- I know Teresa and others do too- if Christain faith healing and non-christian functional mediicne could come togetehr- i think many would be healed.

I am just getting tired of being told I have a dmeon, or not enough faith , etc..

Read Hyman- he isn’t a Christian- but he is a different type of doctor and he may know what he is talking about- he is getting fibor people well it seems.

December 28, 2008 at 12:19 pm

drtim

I think I mentioned doing what YOU thought was right for YOU. If that is traditional Medicine, then I have no problem with that. I know that lots of folks are getting relief with chiropractic and other alternatives. And because so many things are lumped together in a fibromyalgia diagnosis, there may be no single cause or cure.

We do ingest lots of neurotoxins, including mercury. That mercury can come from lots of sources, including dental fillings and vaccinations, ie. flu vaccines. There’s also neurotoxins in many artificial sweeteners.

I don’t think it’s my sympathy you want or need. I do what I do because I love people and want them to live fuller, healthier lives. Most of the folks I see with chronic health issues with unknown origins focus acutely on their problem giving it ever-increasing power over their thoughts and their lives.

My guess is that the answer is outside the box, IOW something that has yet to be tried or even discovered. Maybe even something Divinely inspired.

December 29, 2008 at 4:58 pm

Michele

Hello all…..I also have fibro and another very rare condition called Hereditary Angio Edema…..like many of you I suffered for years before diagnosis – and then spent the last four years trying to find a cure……

For many years I have studied scripture on healing – because of the HAE – I have had to have a great trust in the Lord to heal me, as there is no cure for it – and it can lead to death…..

What the Lord has done for me is bring things into my life at the exact right time that I was able to accept them….things like certain doctors, certain treatments…things of that nature.

I believe that all of our walks are very different, and God uses things in our lives to get our attention in different ways – there is no right or wrong way – and no one is going to have the same experience as another – and some of us will never be healed – but that is not a reflection of us being “good or bad”…

Dr. Tim, I respect what you have written – you have a beautiful spirit, and I commend you for what you are doing with your life….living in the service of others.

With that being said – I believe that I have been healed by the Lord – I wake up every morning and thank him for healing me – I may still have HAE and fibromyalgia – but they are being mangaged….it has been a long road – and I have backtracked many times…but when I ask – the Lord reveals the road to me again. He has literally put books in front of my face, used comments from doctors and people and even the internet – including some of the things Dr. Tim mentioned in my process of healing. For me – this works well….I know when I stumble across something, it is the exact right time…there have been times when I thought – why did I not find this sooner – and usually it is because I would not have been ready for it any sooner than the present….

The Lord is the only one who knows my heart….he knows how much I can handle – and he knows what it is going to take to change my heart – he also gives me the choice – and there have been times when I chose the wrong path with much detriment – but when I choose the right path – I am truly rewarded – for me my reward is my health – I am thankful for this relationship that has grown between me and Jesus because of my health problems – I have experienced good health without the Lord – and bad health with the Lord – I would choose the bad with the Lord anyday – over the good without – because of my health probs I have discovered a passion for life that few ever get to experience – I appreciate myself and am very thankful for what God has given me…in addition I know more about my body than most people ever will…..I also understand know that not only do I need to nourish my soul – but I need to continue to nourish my physical being – and it is okay to take care of myself…having these illnesses almost gives me permission to take care of myself –

Also, Pastor Steve asked if Fibro was new – No it is not – there are documented cases in the US way back in the 1800′s – it was just called a different name. As if it is only a US phenomen – No as well – just visit forums – there are many people from other countries that post – also my acupuncturist says it is in Chinese Medical Literature dating back at least 1000 years – only they call it something different as well…..for it affecting women more than men – probably, but I know men who have it, and it has also been said that many men do not seek treatment – I really think my dad has it….

You can check my blog out at http://www.fighting-hae-fibro.blogspot.com/ to see all of the things I have tried or am trying – I am not on medication – I do take hyrdrocodone – low dose and Thyroid – but none of the other meds – I use food as my medicine – and a few other things – Like amino acids – If you want to sleep again – you should try L-Tryptophen – amino acid….Also D-Ribose – look it up – it has made it possible for me to exercise – I am doing a 5K in February – and a half marathon in May – I plan on running a 5K in 2009 – and by 2012 – I plan on finishing a triathalon – How is that for faith!!!!

December 30, 2008 at 12:48 am

drtim

Bless you. I would say that you are truly “healed”. And, God is using you to help others “heal”, as well. Thanks for a wonderful post.

December 30, 2008 at 10:31 am

Teresa

Thanks for the inspirational post Michele! I recently experienced a renewal of mind and Spirit by the grace of the Lord. It helps so much! I do all the things physically that I am supposed to do to fight this, including the walking (outside or on the elyptical), stretching exercises given to me by PT, watching my diet and drinking lots of water. I also take supplements, some of which you mentioned, others that work for ME, and I’ll for sure be checking into the L-Tryptophen (sleep is a real trial!). Have you tried Vit D? My husband, while at a trade show, spoke to someone who’d had fibro, started taking large doses of Vit D and was cured! I have been taking it for about 6 weekd now-and it has helped. I had a level checked with my Dr, (you need to work WITH them-or you could do more damage to yourself) I have other health issues as well Michele, but don’t need to go into them here.

I’ve had laying on of hands and healing prayer many times, and continue to believe I am being healed, whether in time or in eternity remains to be seen. My worst trouble is backsliding in my thoughts. I continue to struggle with ‘taking every thought captive to the obedience to Christ’ and I have just recently realized I am going to have to deal with the abuse in my past-and the abuse that has carried over and still continues today-to be fully healed. I’m not quite sure how to go about that, and am trusting in God to lead the way. As Dr Tim put it, I need to let go-very hard to do when the abuse is an ongoing thing that I am confronted with regularly. I cry a LOT, especially this last year. But I think that’s good-it’s a release and a mourning. One friend actually gave me portable packets of Kleenex in a gift she gave me!-as a joke because I am always crying at church! I often cry when reading scripture too, most of the time I don’t really know where they come from-but that’s okay too. I think it’s part of healing. How do you get people to just let you cry?-for it to be okay for you to cry-without everyone worrying because you are crying? If I could get people to let it be normal for me to cry, it would be much easier I think. I always get so self-conscious when I cry, and trying NOT to cry doesn’t work well, it’s just stuffing things back down (which I think is part of why I got sick in the first place)-a lifetime of stuffing, so I could survive the moment, ends up nearly killing me in the end anyway!

I see I am rambling here. Michele, thanks for the post! YOU GO GIRL! (I’ve always wanted to say that! ) Dr Tim, thanks for weighing in. I don’t agree with everything you said, but appreciate your post. Allen, I continue to pray for you, for healing for your body, mind and spirit. Each one of us are unique, and must walk their own road to healing, following where the LORD leads them. Blessings

December 30, 2008 at 11:43 am

Michele

Dr Tim….thanks – I totally agree!!!!

Teresa – Yes I do take Vitamin D….my levels are checked every two months….mine were so low I had to take a prescription….now I take an over the counter liquid – One of my doctors checks every patient she has…I live in Oregon, and it is very common to have low Vit D here, and most people do have low levels here…..My other doctor actually believes that Fibro is caused by low Vitamin D……I am sure there is a connection……

There is so much more to Vitamin D….many nutrional specialist believe that is why African Americans have a higher level of cancer, heart disease and diabetes….because of there natural sunscreen – they have much lower levels of Vitamin D…but like you said, you need to have a blood test to see if they are low….but even if they are in the “levels” you want it at the high end……

The other thing that is very common in people with autoimmume disorders is low levels of DHEA…..mine were very low as well…..these are all things that I have been able to correct – but it has taken me some time – and I have to be very proactive EVERY DAY….I start feeling better and it is difficult to stay with my program – this is where I rely on the Lord to get me through – it is almost more difficult to feel better – because I tend to overdo it and then backslide – I am getting better at not doing this….but it has taken a lot of practice…..and failures…..and I am sure I will have many more trials throughout my life, but isn’t that what life is all about…….

Teresa, as far as your crying….I read recently that your body does not know the difference between crying and laughing…..you release large amounts of endorphins, when you cry that are good for you…you can correct me if I am wrong here Dr. Tim but that is what my understanding is…..so go ahead and cry, and then watch a funny movie and laugh!!!! Because laughter is the best medicine and we have a tendency to take life way to serious!!!!

God Bless – and here is to another great year!!!!

December 30, 2008 at 2:17 pm

Teresa

Thanks Michele, Yes, I take DHEA too, as a prescription. It helps. I’m with you on the overdoing when feeling good too! It’s all about balance, keeping everything balanced, from diet, to sleep, to activity. Balancing the unexpected stress is the hardest of course, that’s why holidays, vacations, etc tend to deplete us rather than relax us. We have to obedient and do what we know we NEED to do, and not what we WANT to do. You running a marathon is truly inspiring! I am wondering too, about your age. I’m just entering my 50′s (sshhh!-that’s a secret ), and while I don’t think I’ll be trying and marathons soon, I do a LOT of walking, and have found that’s the best for me…lifting wt’s is out, although I used to do that too. I am wondering too, do you have these up & down periods?-or rather remissions and exacerbations? Battling to be STEADY is daily. Blessings!

December 30, 2008 at 2:45 pm

Allen

Teresa- thanks for your prayers. I really need them. I don’t feel well. I continue to pray that the Lord will show me what I need to do to get well. I covet you all’s prayers for me and for my wife who has a BMI of over 48. Our both being sick is tough..

December 30, 2008 at 6:18 pm

drtim

Hey Michelle. Thanks for the note. I do believe that releasing emotions, whether through laughter or tears, is much more productive than holding them in. Sometimes, in our effort to be strong for ourselves and those around us, we hold on to that “stiff upper lip” when our Spirit is crying out. There are physical reasons for all that, but may physical symptoms and conditions have mental & emotional roots.

I honestly believe that defiance is a much better approach than acceptance. So, keep laughing AND crying, whichever the Spirit moves you. As it says “Tears may last the night, but joy comes in the morning”. As we focus on what brings us joy, our body releases its healing properties.

Oh, on vitamin D. Remember the SUN is the greatest source of Vitamin D.

December 30, 2008 at 7:04 pm

Teresa

Does that mean I should try and convince my husband to move to Oahu like I want? Just think, the relatives are all a 10 hr plane ride away~sounds like Heaven to me!

December 30, 2008 at 11:13 pm

drtim

Getting all that sun AND getting your relatives 10 hours away will DEFINITELY help your fibromyalgia. Well, at least it would reduce your stress.

December 31, 2008 at 10:58 am

Allen

What do you all think about the best type of Vit D to take- what do you all know about Vit D2 and Vit D3? How much vit D do you all take?

How much fish oil do you all take? If you eat fish that day, do you still take it that day?

How much vit A do you all take? How much do you think is too much per day?

I liked Hawaii when I visited several years ago. I think it is a nice place.

December 31, 2008 at 2:00 pm

Teresa

Allen, I take 2000 iu per day, I just started about 6 weeks ago, and started with about 6000 a day for the first week. Fish oil 1000mg/day. This can help lower cholesterol, and thin your blood, I take it everyday, no matter if i eat fish or not, and i eat a lot of fish. Vit A I get from a multivit, but also take Magnesium, selenium and zinc daily. You need to check with your Dr before you start taking all these supplements though, sometimes they can mix with your Rx’s and mess you up, and the fat soluble vitamins can build up in your system, causing more harm than good! Start things one at a time, so you know what’s working, and what’s not . I also drink a gallon of water per day, and have done so for years. No caffeine, very little alcohol, and walking help me. Some of the stress, I can do very little about (short of actually moving to Oahu!), it takes time, diligence and practice to find what works for you-remember to work WITH your Dr. All this doesn’t always work either, sometimes the fibro is what it is, and it wears you down, or somebody dies or something happens and you get depressed, you know all this! Then somebody like Michele or Deborah comes along and helps inspire us, encourage us, get us thinking straight again, and hopefully we can pass that on to someone else. Keep the faith, keep on praying, and thank God daily. We may not be where we want to be, but we’re much better off than others are, and we need to remember that! I have a cousin 52 y/o, fighting for his life against leukemia, he’s been in the hospital, suffering terribly, for months. I bet he’d trade with me in a minute! Have a Blessed New Year, thanks for the prayers everyone.

December 31, 2008 at 4:44 pm

Allen

I agree with Teresa. I started on this thread in late July and i am on a better road now than i was then.

I will be praying for your cousin, Teresa, who has leukemia. I too am thankful for everyone’s optimism.

What do you all think about the “leaky gut” theories and what do you all do about it?

Teresa- fyi- I don’t have a doc and i don’t take any meds- I was on them for over 7 years and have been off now for 21 months – I am exploring other options other than meds and am doing well off of them.I really want a good doc that i can work with- but nothing has opened up yet- I ask almost daily for it and it hasn’t come yet.

December 31, 2008 at 4:48 pm

Allen

Michele- I checked your blog out- and went to the doc’s site that does the diet that you mention- lots of good info.

Dr. Tim: been praying for you- hope you have a good new year.

Happy New Year to everyone- God is good and I am learning to be patient in affliction- fibro affliction.

Thanks to Steve for starting and keeping this site up- I apprecaite it, and the prayer that is lifted up for it as well by you and your church.

January 1, 2009 at 11:32 am

Allen

Teresa-can you give me an example of your daily schedule for drinking a gallon of water- ie.. what times and how much each time- also do you do anything special to compromise for any possible loss of electrolytes when drinking a gallon a day? that would be very helpful for me. thanks.

January 1, 2009 at 1:53 pm

Teresa

Allen, I don;t have a schedule, I just have a refillable 32 oz water bottle I refill 4-5x a day, and am constantly drinking from it. I got in the habit when I was nursing my babies-nearly 20 yrs ago now!, and just kept it up. I don’t drink pop/soda, had to give up tea (from kidney stones), caffeine makes me sick, so it’s just water, water, water. After a while, you don’t get thirsty for anything else-except maybe milk once in a while. It helps with lots of health issues, and keeps skin soft, keeps wrinkles at bay etc.. You don’t have to start at a gallon a day, just work your way up to that gradually, you’ll be glad you did!

January 1, 2009 at 5:39 pm

Allen

I already only drink water and only spring water- but have had trouble getting the kind of volume in that you do each day- but i did better today- probably about 3 quarts. I may measure it tomorrow to see how i am doing. I feel much better when i keep hydrated.

January 2, 2009 at 9:22 am

drtim

Allen, Thanks for your prayers. I need an appreciate all I can get. I appreciate what you all are going through and how you’re dealing with it. THAT is the essential healing that really does God’s work in that regard.

I am thinking (not asking) God for your healing. All of y’all. I’m also thanking God for bringing me hundreds of folks looking for help, hope and healing who have not responded to traditional approaches.

And, thank you Steve for starting this thread. It’s been helpful and informative to me, as well.

January 5, 2009 at 8:31 pm

Michele

Maui is where my husband and I have planned on getting all of our Vitamin D from….but for now – have to get it liquid form – as Eugene has no sun………

Allen….so excited that you checked out my blog….always feel very humbled when someone tells me that….I really have a strong desire to tell my story…..God has been so great – and I love to share!!!

Teresa……..I am 36 – and I am planning on walking my first half marathon….you could do it….I have been reading tons of books – like Marathons for Mortals – it is so encouraging. I love to hear other peoples reasons for completing a marathon, it is so encouraging…we all have difficulties and struggles that we face everyday – that is what makes us human…hearing how other people face them is what makes us compassionate – and facing adversity ourselves is what makes us humanitarians……..

You also mentioned your cousin – My best friend passed away when she was 21 from a heart condition – that changed me – I actually had 5 good friends die before I was 21….I think between that and my faith – I am able to face these illnesses head on – I am stubborn – and that helps as well….but I do have to say – that in many ways it has made it difficult for me to have deep relationships with other people – I have my close family – but other than that – I have a very hard time, because I am so deep – So many people I meet these days are so shallow and superficial – it is hard for me to want to waste my precious time getting to know them – I feel like my time is so limited – as I have a family – work full time (my husband is laid off right now – so I am the only source of income) mom – PTO – NAWIC – by the time the day is over – I have no time for relationships – Most of my friends stopped being my friends when I went through some really difficult time on different medications – they just could not understand these dreadful illnesses……

I wonder sometimes how we can live on a planet with so many people – but seem to be almost completly alone – If I did not have my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ – I would really not have anyone to really share my heart with – Even though I am married – and have a beautiful child – we share – don’t get my wrong – but sometimes it is just not the same – I had a best friend – she went home way before her time – and I have never really found anyone like her again –

So I guess I went off a little on a tangent here – must be the New Year – Purge……..Just kind of wondering how many other people feel this way – of if it is just me??????

Take Care and Happy New Year

January 6, 2009 at 10:02 am

Teresa

No, You’re not alone in that. My younger sister died at age 25, of suicide. We’ve lost 2 more cousins to suicide since (on my dad’s side), and 2 cousins (on my mom’s side) to cancer and accidents. We’ve lost more of our young people, than parents aunts and uncles. My older sister and mother are the main source of abuse, and my father-well, he just never had the backbone to do anything about it. I never had any GOOD friends. Sometimes, when you’re hurt so bad, so long, you retreat to living internally, and yes you go deep, and not to many people are willing to look deep inside to try and find you, the REAL you. Not even your husband. That’s why we get sick, it’s a soul-sickness that ultimately attacks the body! We look normal, the lab tests are (mostly) normal, so no one ever thinks you are really sick, or tries to take time to understand, so we again retreat. So we live alone-that’s where Jesus comes in! When you are flat out broken and alone, He comes in and pumps new life and love into you. Loves you wholly, and completely, and He understands being alone and in pain, rejected by the rest of the world-even by those who should have loved Him the most! He saves you in a whole new way from how salvation saves you! He saves you again and again and again in that deep, secret place where the real you lives. He IS our ONLY HOPE! SEE how we need each other?

When you talked about a marathon, I thought you meant running. Yes I could probably walk a marathon-a pretty short one at this point!-but I could maybe do a 5k. I hadn’t really thought about it-but now I will. Again, thanks for posting! Blessings on your new year, may God’s hand cover you and yours with safety and prosperity.

January 6, 2009 at 1:16 pm

Michele

Figured you must have thought running – someday!! I literally could only walk 2 minutes back in August – Now I am walking over an hour easily…..Acutally, I can run now the distance I only could walk before….I do plan on running a marathon before I am 40 though – that and a triathalon…..It is such a great time of reflection I get everyday – I walk – Listen to Air 1 – and pray………It has been truly a God Send for me to clear my head and spend time with the Lord everyday….

So sorry about your losses….Suicide is such a horrible tragedy – I have a friend who has lost two children to suicide – there are really no words to say – except I am truly sorry.

I forgot to ask if anyone listens to Air 1 or Klove….they are both on the internet if you can not receive them in your area. In addition, they have prayer requests online – I use them all the time – they pray 4 times a day for people sending in prayer requests. They also have sent me personal messages, and even called before and asked if I needed prayer that day – I did……Check them out – it is awesome how the Lord uses technology to comfort us……..

January 6, 2009 at 1:55 pm

Teresa

I’ve never listened to Air 1 or Klove, that I know of. We have a Christian station here that I listen to all the time. I could be hearing these bands, and not know it. I like SCC, Third Day, Mercy Me, MWS, also listen to cd’s by Misty Edwards. She’s out of Ihop (International House of Prayer) in KC, where my daughter attends college. Awesome worship and/or quiet time music. I’ll check the one’s you mentioned out on-line. Thanks

January 6, 2009 at 5:45 pm

Michele

Sorry – should have said Christian Radio Stations –

Air 1 – http://www.air1.com/

Klove – http://www.klove.com/

January 8, 2009 at 3:30 pm

Allen

I know I continue to be bothersome about this- but could you all please pray for me- and for my marriage. The financial stress of being sick and the mental problems i have from my illness are effecting my marriage and my health. I really need some miracles. My wife’s health isn’t good either. We have no church, no fellwowship, i have no job- and my marriage isn’t doing well right now. I have found a doctor that i think can help me- but we have no money for me to go and he doesn’t take insurance. I am really scared about my marriage

January 8, 2009 at 4:09 pm

Teresa

I’m sorry Allen, that you’re having so much trouble. I’ll pray for you-and it’s not a bother to pray, it’s what we’re supposed to do! I pray God does a work in your life. That you know your value as one of His children. That He heals you, and you find a job you can do. That you have the courage and strength to seek out His will for your life, that you and your wife honor your wedding vows. God will make a way if you ask, but you need to follow His precepts-and thats sometimes the hardest part! Satan wants you to take the easy way, but that is the path of destruction and pain. God will carry your load if you let Him, but you must follow His way of doing things. Do you have a Pastor you can contact? If not, just call any church in your neighborhood. You need help with this.

January 12, 2009 at 6:12 pm

Transparent Eye » Can Faith Heal Fibromyalgia?

[...] Steve Hickey, who apparently practices faith healing, says yes, at least in theory, but not so easily in practice. The answer to the question – can God heal Fibromyalgia? – is YES! [...]

January 26, 2009 at 3:55 pm

Michele

Hi Allen –

I will pray – and I will post your prayers at Air One and K Love – Check them out – there is prayer requests on there – I made 2 today – and I already received an e-mail back from Pastor Jeff – this is what he said –

Hi this is Pastor Jeff just wanted you to know that we prayed for you today. Life sometimes is hard and we often wonder why these things are happing to us. These things happen to help us grow in him. In 1Cor. 10:13 it says “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.” (The Message Bible)

Col.1:11-14 “We are praying, too, that you will be fill with his mighty glorious strength so that you can keep going no matter what happens-always full of the joy of the Lord, and always thankful to the Father who has made us fit to share all the wonderful things that belong to those who live in the Kingdom of light. For he has rescued us out of the darkness and gloom of Satan’s kingdom and brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who brought our freedom with his blood and forgave us all our sins.” We will keep praying that God will bless you and cause you to grow in him.

I thought this was very fitting – sometimes there responses are a little copy and paste – but many times they are personal to what I actually prayed – they have helped me through so many difficult times – and I am free to be myself without worry of gossip or judgement…….

Good Luck Allen – and there is hope God is a Great God of Miracles and Mercy – He loves us – I know he loves me and he continues to help me grow by using circumstances in my life to help me become more like him…..I change everyday…and I need to change – some of the things that come out of my mouth even amaze me at times – I am so thankful for a forgiving God who is willing to forgive me – because of I was God – I don’t think anyone would recieve forgivenes……Anyway I am sure you understand what I am trying to say…..May God Bless all your days……….

Michele

January 26, 2009 at 4:10 pm

Michele

I know that this seems a little off topic – but I promise it is not….I am not really sure who else I could ask about this…and felt this was an appropriate place…..

I get email messages from – Elisha – http://www.firesprings.com/

I love the messages of hope and prayer that I get from this site. And it has helped me very much in my prayer life. However – it is kind of like a hook-line-and sinker site – They want money – and he boasts about people who have had there prayers answered…I do not see God as a Sugar Daddy – and feel that sometimes the message is – as long as you know how to pray – God will give you whatever you want.

The thing is, I do pray, and I pray often, and the messages I receive or inspirational on how to pray – but Elisha says there are certain ways to pray – and if you pray the right way then your prayers will be answered – I don’t know what to think about all of this – If someone has time, maybe they could check out the site – and let me know….or maybe there is other places to get this type of information……I receive may verse of the days – which I love all of them – but this Elisha one is different – as it is on how to pray????

So the reason I think it is not off topic – is because I think that God has truly used the internet for me personally to heal my fibromyalgia……and Fire Springs is one of those sites – I have used many of the prayer strategies from Elisha – sometimes though it seems a little sleazy – however – I grew up in a church that the pastor asked for money CONSTANTLY – and would even yell from his platform at us for not tithing enough money…….so not sure what the difference is………

January 26, 2009 at 6:03 pm

Teresa

Michele, Thanks for praying for Allen. He hasn’t been on for a while and I was getting a little worried about him. it’s nice to know others are praying too. I checked out the link briefly, and it sort of looks like a ‘prosperity ministry’ type thing. I usually steer clear of those types of ministries as I don’t think they are what Jesus had in mind. There is usually no talk of what we can do for Christ,no talk of living by Christ’s precepts as laid out in Scripture, but about what we will GET from God if we will only plant our ‘seed of faith’ with their ministry. I’ll look a little deeper tomorrow, as right now I’m tired, and not concentrating well. I’m also in a flare as of last week, and fighting fatigue. I checked out your blog and like what I see, I’ll be sure to keep checking in! Allen, let us know how you’re doing. I think of you everyday, and wonder how it’s going, or if you found someone to talk to. Blessings

January 27, 2009 at 8:32 pm

Michele

Thanks Teresa – I like the way you spelled it out for me….so I think that as long as I don’t use it like God is my sugar daddy – I think that the blessings and prayers are great……Hope you are feeling better – and I will continue to pray – it keeps me humble when I pray for others……..

February 1, 2009 at 7:10 pm

Allen

Don’t fret- Allen is ok.

I don’t like the guy’s approach- Paul said he preached the gospel for free. God isn’t short changing you so that you have to pay someone to tell you how to pray effectively. That is what the Holy Spirit does for us and we have the mind of Christ- so I suggest you conntinue doing what the Lord leads you to do, seek Him and continue to search the scriptures for yourself with the Holy Spirit’s help, and save your money.

Thanks for your prayers. We are ok.

February 2, 2009 at 8:46 am

Teresa

Thanks for letting us know Allen, and btw, nice post!

February 13, 2009 at 1:50 pm

Allen

having trouble with a foot injury. still really having trouble getting much clarity, direction or peace from the Lord. It comes, but I have to really work hard to get it. Waiting on the Lord is not easy, but I also think it isn’t preached enough. Still have no church and little or no fellowship. Fibro is better physically, but mental symptoms just won’t break free. have been on crutches for 4 weeks- start physical therapy next week- having trouble with doctor- he gets defensive when i make any hint that i am not getting the care i think i need. i continue to pray, continue in the word- but the opression doens’;t seem to want to lift and i can’t get much clarity about anything. I really want to be back in fellowship, but the Lord isn’t giving me the green light to do anything about it and he doesn’t seem to be bringing much my way- some- but very very little. I am not grumbling- I just don’t understand what i am doing wrong. my marriage is better, but my wife is stll very fatigued and resentful towards the Lord for past hurts.

February 13, 2009 at 7:47 pm

Teresa

I’m sorry Allen. I wish I had answers for you. I check this site everyday, usually in the am & pm, looking for posts-from you, from people that are needing help, or people that are offering help. I cannot explain why God does things the way he does. I only know that His thoughts are so high above our own, that even if He showed us, we probably couldn’t understand. I take comfort in that He is in control, and knows what He is doing. See Jeremiah 29:11. When I was at my most lost, I took God at His Word, and started praising Him-no matter what happened! A book, by Stormie O’Martian-”The Prayer That Changes Everything-the Hidden Power of Praising God”-helped me tremendously. I recommend you to get it, read it, give it to your wife to read too. I didn’t read it in order, I took the chapters that I needed most, one at a time, and read them. They lead you to Scriptures that you can hold onto in the dark night. Things that don’t make sense now WILL make sense someday, we just need to stay the course. I KNOW it’s hard-somedays I still just wish I could die. It’s hard when people don’t understand how chronic pain can break you down. But we have to remember that God DOES understand, and He is with us and for us and will NEVER forsake us-even when we may not FEEL it. He CANNOT break His promises, because that is who He IS. Faithful and Just, Neverchanging, the ONE thing we can depend upon. I will continue to pray for you, and your wife. I hope you get the book, and try what it suggests. You don’t have to wait til you get it to start praising Him either-you can do THAT right now! Blessings

February 14, 2009 at 9:02 pm

allen

Teresa– Amen– well said! thank you. you are right on.

26 years ago I memorized Psalm 34- I was quoting it to myself this morning.—
I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise will continually be in my mouth.

…Who is it that loves life and wants to see length of days that he may see good: Let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him depart from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it.

..many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all.

You are right on target about praisng God even when it is hard– Paul says that it is God’s will that we do that very thing- praise Him in all circumstances. Please pray for me that I can really turn the praise on. As for my wife- she is going to have to see me do it in order to do it herself. She is a great emulator. As I turn my attitude around- that will get her attention. and with God’s strength I will turn my attitude around.

I am finally starting to understand what Paul meant when he said he had learned the secret of contentment– that secret being: I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength- I am praying for more fo God’s strenght and am praying less that my circumstances be changed.

I appreciate your prayers for us- I pray often for you and your husband as well.

The Lord brought Psalm 103 to mind today– ..bless the Lord O. my soul and forget not all his benefits.

I will pray about if I should read the book. It sounds like it really helped you and I know it will help me– but I am learning to pray first before i do things.

I am really wnating more quietness in my soul. Scripture says to study to be quiet–please pray specifically that I can increase my scripture study and also the times that I get quiet before Him and wait for Him.

February 20, 2009 at 12:24 pm

Allen

Can you all pray for me- I am not feeling well and can’t seem to find much i peace or joy right now.

February 20, 2009 at 1:47 pm

Allen

about 2 hours ago, I asked for prayer- someone is praying- I am feeling better- thank you

February 21, 2009 at 12:35 am

Allen

I still am not feeling very good- not sleeping well- havent for years- I know I am probably off topic- but I don’t have any contacts with christians much at all. god just isn’t giving me the green light to go to church. I ask for you all’s continued prayers. thanks

February 21, 2009 at 9:15 am

Teresa

I’m praying Allen, I’m pretty sure we’re the only 2 who ever check in here anymore, but I’m praying. Hold fast and continue seeking His face. Blessings!

February 21, 2009 at 10:38 am

Steve Hickey

Allen and Teresa,

You aren’t the only ones following this string, of course I am as well, and I can tell others are. If you can believe it, I’m still getting an average of 26 hits A DAY specifically on the Fibromialgia post even after all these months. I’m delighted this has been a place to communicate on this topic and get people praying at key points. I pray frequently for you both and read the comments. They go right to my Blackberry and I can’t reply back to here from there (and usually have not much to contribute) I just follow along and/or pray.

Teresa knows I’m on a little getaway myself asking God to restore some things in me that were shredded due to a very hard end to 08. Sorry the blog here is in mothboths for now – it’s part of my need to slow down and regroup. So pray for me too.

But I will pass along a great book that was given to me and I’ve been reading here and thought numerous times about you both. It’s called “The Gospel According to Job.” It was written in 1994 and is inexpensive and in paperpack.

http://www.amazon.com/Gospel-According-Job-Honest-Everything/dp/158134449X

It is VERY long (450 pages) but each chapter is only two pages long, I think meant to be a daily devotional read. His insights into Job’s life are spectacular. He wrote the book on napkins and scraps of paper during a long season of incredible pain in his own life – he says the chapters were written not with ink but with his own blood and admits that sounds overdramatic but that’s how bad he hurts. He wasn’t intending to write the book, many of his thoughts on Job came literally in the night at dark and he talks about how he learned to write in the dark. He says “This writing was not done in an ivory tower but in an ebody hole. It records every inch of a tunnel that was dug with a teaspoon from barbed wire to freedom, and for that reason I hope and pray that it will speak to others who may be tunneling… I hope the message will be clear that there are no easy answers to suffering – that there is, for example, no such thing as getting a grip on oneself or pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. The only bootstep in the Christian life is the cross.”

He says even that is hard, to pick up the cross, sometimes that it is comforting to him, other times it’s like picking up a snake. He talks about anger with God and well-meaning friends who give all the wrong answers.

“Month after month – crying out to God – but somehow prayer did not ‘work.’ Usually nothing at all worked, except lying low and gritting my teeth until, for reasons entirely obscure to me, the straightjacket of oppression began to loosen a little – at least enough for me to get on with my life for another day or so before the screws tightened again…”

I don’t think he’s graduated the suffering season on his life in that he’s now pain free, he admits his sanguine personality, and the book isn’t at all about fixing anything. More about understanding and going into deeper places with God and victory with God. I recommend it to you. He even says he doesn’t expect people to read the whole thing…

“I make no apology for the length because Job itself seems to us too long a book. Suffering is a long subject, insufferably long. Besides I do not expect everyone to read my book cover to cover. People who are suffering do not (or at least should not) read that way. Rather, in weakness, we learn to be gentle with ourselves, and we accept the freedom to read any book desultoriily, pausing here and there as the mood may strike… so when the message strikes home, lay the book aside…”

Anyway, hows that for a book recommendation?? Blessings to you both today!!

Pastor Steve

February 22, 2009 at 6:52 pm

allen

thanks Steve for the encouragement and also letting down your guard and sharing that you are struggling as well- will be praying for you as well as Teresa. Thanks for allowing the thread to continue and for starting it in the first place.

Today, I was praying an Amy Grant CD while I was drivng for 2 hours. I put it on repeat and “joyful joyful, we adore thee” kept playing over and over. I forced myself to praise- there was no joy there- I just as a matter of my will kept praiising though the burden never did seem to lift much.

I am using this time to spend time with the Lord doing nothign other than lying still and breathing- I will set my cell phone alarm for a set period of time- i often fall asleep- and when i do- I record the dream that i wake with- somtimes i wake feeling better. sometimes worse- but psalm 40 says that it works- so i am taking it literally and trying very hard to just wait. It is very hard to do- but I think that is where my victory will come from- from God in the times of silence– “BE still before the Lord and wait patiently for him”-ideally I think if I could be still and wait 6-8 hours a day- I would be a new man- but that takes some fatih to do- I try to intersperse my waiting with listening to audio cd of the bible or praise music.

He will never leave us or forsake us and He is coming back soon!!!

Steve, thanks for your prayers, I hope you feel better soon. Teresa- thanks for your prayers- I am praying for you as well. I do most every day.

February 24, 2009 at 12:34 pm

allen

update- not feeling very well at all, but continuing to pray and accept the hardship as discipline

February 28, 2009 at 3:30 am

Allen

I would like to continue to ask for prayer. Thanks!

February 28, 2009 at 8:37 am

Teresa

OK You’ve got it Allen. I pray for you often, and hope you are doing well, both physically and spiritually. Pray for me this week too?-I’ve been handed a gift from God-a chance for reconciliation and healing. One I never expected to receive. pray that I use it well and for His Glory! Also for physical and emotional strength-as this will be challenging. Blessings

March 3, 2009 at 3:41 pm

Allen

Teresa- I am praying.

March 9, 2009 at 10:24 pm

Anonymous

Teresa- how did your “chance for reconciliation and healing” go?

Steave and Teresa- can you all keep praying for me – I just don’t feel well. I read the word and just can’t get comfort from it- things like the book of hebrews seems condemning. My helmet of salvation keeps slipping off.

March 10, 2009 at 7:31 am

Allen

oops- the last post was from me- I forgot to put my name on it. woke up feeling a little better today, but not a whole lot better. I am going to focus on being quiet before the Lord today. I am really needing a quieter mind- especially with all the economic stuff that is going on. Can you all pray for me to have a quieter mind- thanks. I have been praying for you all too today.

March 12, 2009 at 8:51 am

Teresa

Allen, Some healing, some reconciliation. Not nearly as far as I’d have liked to see it go but…I planted seeds of truth as often as I could, and watered them as I could. Now it’s The Holy Spirits job to see to their growth. I have to let go and trust His power to see it done. It is a GIGANTIC mountain to climb-one that I cannot do alone. So I did my part and trust He will do His. I am world weary. I wish I could take a vacation just with God-maybe go to a nunnery or something -away from everything and everybody, just rest in the Lord, find peace for my soul. Thank you for praying.

March 12, 2009 at 4:44 pm

Allen

Teresa:

I think I probably pray for you and Steve everyday. I pray that the Lord will give you that peace that can’t be explained that only comes from Him. I am praying that you get all the seclusiion that you need.

I really need His peace too and wisodm about to how to lead my family through what is going on in the world. I ask you to continue to pray that I can get quiet enough to hear that still small voice of His – the one that says, “this is the way, walk in it”

Paul siad that he had learned the secret of contentment– “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

I wish my wife and I were members of a body- we are not- we need to be- but I am just not getting enough clarity from the Lord yet to move on it. I feel like I am getting a lot of [peices from the Lord, and some very well may be propetic and relevant- but I have no direction on who to submit them to or who to be under authority of as far as church leadership- but I knkow that I need it- however, I don’t feel like it would be walking in faith to go seek out a body of believers without getting some direction first. It is a very tough place to be in.

My health still isn’t all that great, and my sleep is still really off.

May the Lord bless you today, sister.

Allen

March 12, 2009 at 6:38 pm

Teresa

Allen, I say this from experience. You’ll NEVER get clarity until you step out in faith! Just as God didn’t part the waters until the Israelites stepped in and got their feet wet. Take the step brother-what have you got to lose?

March 19, 2009 at 2:36 pm

allen

it takes quietness for me to have enough faith to step- that is why i keep asking for prayers for quietness- for me- it is a prerequisite to action. If I step out without quietness in my heart- I am not walking in faith.

March 20, 2009 at 6:16 pm

Teresa

Waiting on the Lord is often the hardest part of going through trials. But Allen, sometimes stepping out to help ourselves is the one thing God waits for us to do, It’s a step of obedience, to be sure that we will cooperate with His plan for us! I think you’ve waited long enough for quietness. Just pray for God to direct your steps-and STEP OUT in faith that He is! You can’t wait forever-maybe the fact that you’ve asked repeatedly for quietness, and not received it, is that He has a different path for you!-or that the quietness won’t come until you are obedient. Search your heart-ask HIM to search your heart and show you things you haven’t surrendered to Him, and when He does-repent and surrender them to His obedience. He’s laid them out clearly enough for us in the 10 commandments-or as I like to think of them-the 10 promises! If you do the first 2, love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself-the other 8 follow naturally. You can pray forever and ignore the answer because maybe it’s not the answer you wanted-and then accuse God of not listening. Think about it. Blessings-TK

March 24, 2009 at 5:35 am

allen

thanks for your comments Teresa- I am thinking about what you said.

April 3, 2009 at 5:55 am

Christian Healing

Amen, God CAN heal today!!

Sometimes there is a root behind the fruit though so we will need to let the Holy Spirit guide us as to what exactly to pray for and to listen to Him in case there is something in our lives that He wants to deal with.

April 6, 2009 at 1:56 pm

Teresa

Hi Allen, I have been thinking about you. How are you doing?-any breakthrough’s? Just wanted to let you know I’m still praying. Life continues..:)

April 7, 2009 at 10:16 am

Christian Healing

Yes, please do give us an update…

April 12, 2009 at 6:33 pm

allen

Teresa- thanks for continuing to pray. I still keep lifting you and Steve up as well. I also find myself praying a lot for Deborah in Australia.

I am feeling some better at times- continue to read Hebrews and am seeing fibro as God’s hand of loving discipline on my life to make me more like jesus and prepare me for heaven.

I continue to seek his wisdom about what kind of health promotion acitvities to engage in and who I should go see if anyone. Right now, i still feel like I am on hold and am continuing to try to stay in the word as much as i can.

bought a small ipod today so i can listen to audio bible while i walk.

April 13, 2009 at 10:25 am

Teresa

Hi Allen, Glad to hear from you. I thought I’d let you know I won’t be visiting this site anymore, it is time for me to move on. I’ve spent too much time worrying about having this and why, and not enough time seeking God on HIS will for me, and just BELIEVING in what He tells me in His Word. I’m stepping out. I hope you someday find what you need/want. Know that JESUS is all the fulfillment you’ll ever need. Blessings to you:)

April 13, 2009 at 3:04 pm

Steve Hickey

Allen – I’m still around and happy to pray for you as needed. Hope you had a blessed Easter! One of these days I jump back on to regular blogging here. Stay tuned

April 16, 2009 at 6:28 pm

allen

Steve- please let Teresa know that she will continue to be in my prayers. Seeking God’s will, listening to his word and the Holy Spirit is paramount.

I appreciate you keeping this blog going and I will continue to pray that God will guide you in its leadership.

April 20, 2009 at 1:57 pm

Joy

Hi steve I have recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have been searching for help I have been suffering for at least 5 years. A friend asked me to go to a 1 day seminar on healing. It was a very eye opening
experience I learned alot on how our body works along with how the enemy works alot of testamonies on healing and saw people healed. I plan to follow up with information I recieved also to attend a 5 day class. The name of the web site is Be in health. The book I purchased is a more excellent way. If anyone has testamony about this i would love to hear from you. Thank you In gods Love Joy

April 20, 2009 at 2:58 pm

Teresa

Allen, I wanted to amend my earlier good-bye! I didn’t mean to sound like I was abandoning you just because I’m choosing to ‘move on’. I still pray for you, and others that have posted here, and I will continue to do so. We both know that fibromyalgia is something that is new and different everyday-as well as the same everyday. You don’t forget people that you can relate to! If you ever need prayer for something specific, or just want to talk-email me. You can get my address from Steve Blessings-TK

April 20, 2009 at 3:07 pm

Teresa

Joy-I’m glad you’ve found this blog site. Hopefully you’ll find something useful in the posts already written. I’ve been a ‘regular’ on here since it’s beginning, but have chosen now to stop checking in so frequently. Blessings on your journey, I’ll keep you in my prayers. As I told Allen earlier-if you ever want to talk, or have specific prayer requests, Steve has my e-mail address. Deborah-if you’re still out there, I lost your e-mail address when our computer crashed. Hope you are well-thanks for all the encouragement and prayer. You too can go through Steve if you’d like to contact me. Sorry Steve-I know you are not my personal secretary but it’s the only way I know to keep in touch with these people. Blessings-TK

May 6, 2009 at 5:08 pm

allen

I think I understand a little of what Teresa may feel-waiting on the Lord for healing is very hard.

May 13, 2009 at 2:07 am

allen

I am doing some better. I continue to stay in the word and continue to seek the Lord and a personal revivial and more fire in my heart for Him. It seems slow, but it is coming.

My wife fell yesterday and shattered her ankle, the surgery went well and I ask for you all to pray for her please as she has a fairly long recovery ahead of her. She apparently missed a step as she was down the steps in our home. I was asleep at the time and woke up to the crash, and went downstairs to find her in pain on the floor. She is ok and will be able to walk again. I am very grateful.

I am focusing on stirring up the Lord in my own life and at least at present am doing better with turning over my health conditions to Him and have gotten some peace and a small taste of more joy in my life despite my chornic health conditions.

I recently got an ipod as a present, and lI had loaded some audio bible and some praise music onto it- I had it with me yesterday as I waited alone in the waiting room while my wife’s surgery was going on. The Lord misnistered to me- it was breif, but certainly a good sign that joy is still available- even though at times- I have to really persevere in prayer, study of the word and worship to get joy and feel the Lord’s presence.

May 15, 2009 at 6:31 am

Teresa

Sorry about your wife Allen, and glad she’ll be okay. You’ve just received a gift of ‘togetherness’ from God. With both of you unwell at present, you’ll have lots of time to talk, minister to oneanother, perhaps share the word together. I know in earlier posts you were a little worried about your marriage, may this be a time that you allow God to heal any wounds or rifts from the past that, as of yet may be undealt with. May you also take advantage of the chance to be the hands and feet of Christ to her! Sometimes these unfortunate accidents can be blessings in disguise. I’ll continue to pray for you both. Blessings-Teresa

May 15, 2009 at 6:57 pm

allen

Thanks Teresa for your prayers and your words of encouragement and admonition

I continue to pray for you and Steve as well.

May 26, 2009 at 9:43 pm

allen

having trouble with eating well- craving lots of sugar and lots of evening hunger and carb cravings.

getting tired taking care of all the household duties involved with my wife and her leg fracture.

having trouble not letting her negative attitude affect my attitude

still feeling very isolated from the body of Christ and no green light or direction so far that i can tell of getting back to church- though i am keeping my ears open as much as i can and trying to stay in the word- though i am getting discouraged some- still continuing to get into the word as much as possible, and turning everything over to Him.

no breakthrough on career direction or money increase- though we are ok- things are very tight.

May 27, 2009 at 2:01 am

joy

allen find a church that has a program called celebrate recovery it is a great program to work through problems you can find it on a search it will tell you the closes program to your area i think you and your wife would find friends and mentors to help you. your friend in christ Joy

May 29, 2009 at 9:00 pm

allen

joy- if the Lord gives me a green light to go to celebrate recovery- i committ to you- i will go.

Steve- I still need prayer- my wife needs it too. I need wisdom to know how to love a deep feeler the way Christ loves the church- and i need the strength to do it.

Deborah and Teresa- continuing to pray for you all

I really need the Lord to help me- I don;’t feel well.

June 4, 2009 at 4:02 pm

Teresa

Allen, I continue to pray for you as often as the Lord prompts me. I KNOW what it’s like to be in the pit, to want to just give up, to rather die than go on because you don’t have any strength left. But I also stand by my earlier post about taking a step-out in Faith! This is where you NEED to step out-regardless of how you FEEL. You’ll NEVER be able to rely on His strength if you don’t TAKE THE FIRST STEP! Life is hard for everybody, each of us have been given burdens to bear. They say if you threw all the world’s peoples problems into a pile, and had to choose-most of us would grab our own back-realizing that MANY MANY are worse off than we are! I don’t mean to berate you, but you’ve got to get over this ‘victim’ mentality. You’ll never move from where you are if you don’t. God WANTS to help you! While you’re ‘waiting on the Lord’ He’s waiting on YOU-to trust Him enough to TRY. You’re probably angry-and that’s ok, at least it’ll get your mind off of yourself and your problems, and onto something else. I want nothing but the best for you! A WHOLE life, regardless of the troubles. You need to want it too. Blessings-Teresa

June 6, 2009 at 5:32 pm

allen

Teresa- I am committed to taking the first step- but only from a place of inner quietness, being centered in Him, and trust- otherwise it is just me tryng to do it in my own strength- and we know He doesn’t want that.

I ask that you pray for quietness of heart and mind for me- the rest will come very easily if I work to get that.

I appreciate your empathy, but I think you are misunderstanding what I am trying to say.

June 7, 2009 at 12:28 am

allen

You are right on target, Teresa, and I appreciate you urging me forward.
You are right- I get into the victim role easily. Seeing hardship as God’s loving discipline like Hebrews talks about is helping me with that.

All I am trying to say is that- for me- quietenss has to come first- sometimes it takes ten minutes- sometimes it takes 3 days- but it is a spiritual fight that I seem to have to fight first- then after i get guidance- I get the opportunity to do what you are saying- I think we are both right.

When I get in the battle for quietness- that i when I really need prayer from others. I am in one of those times now.

I don’t like to speak negatively in public- I only think praise should be public, not criticism- so I apologize if my post hurt your feelings- it wasn’t my intent.

You are on target- actually I think we both are.

September 10, 2009 at 9:14 am

Fibromyalgia Cured Forever

[...] Can God heal Fibromyalgia or is it indeed incurable? [...]

November 15, 2011 at 3:07 pm

Robert Ricciardelli bog comments: Goldmine Media

[...] October 10, 2008 at 4:15 am [...]

Can God heal Fibromyalgia or is it indeed incurable?

a

Blogroll

Blogs from others at CATG

Life-giving Churches

Links

Visitors to this Blog

Meta

Archives

201 comments

Follow “Gate Post”

Can God heal Fibromyalgia or is it indeed incurable?

Share this:

Like this:

a

Blogroll

Blogs from others at CATG

Life-giving Churches

Links

Visitors to this Blog

Meta

Archives

201 comments

Follow “Gate Post”