March 31, 2006

Healed of chronic illness

By Debbie Patrick

Our youngest daughter, Kaeli, had ear infections since she was a baby. During her illness, her eardrums ruptured seven times and she endured months of long-term antibiotics and steroids, 10 surgeries, strep and staff infections, ear reconstruction and hospitalization.

Kaeli lost all sense of smell and in 2003 started having severe headaches. In September 2004 we were advised to go to Children’s Hospital in Seattle. The week before we went, during devotions one morning, Luke 8:43-48 leaped out at me. It was about the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years.

During the months at Children’s Hospital, I thought of the story often, but never understood the meaning for us. After five months of testing we were told Kaeli might have cystic fibrosis. Because each test came back inconclusive for the disease, doctors were unsure how to treat her. We were told the doctors could do nothing but keep an eye on her.

One morning as I was reading my devotions, I prayed, “God, I feel like I am at the end of my rope.” At that moment, I turned on the radio and heard, “Some of you listening feel like you are at the end of your rope. Let go and watch God do a miracle.” God had heard me.

Three days later our nephew asked if Kaeli could go to a healing service. She was prayed for three different times because she said nothing happened during the first two prayers. However, on the third time she was healed. Kaeli’s healing took place exactly 12 years from the week of her first surgery. Since her healing she has not had any infections. God can heal chronic illness!

The Patricks attend Bethany Christian Assembly of God in Everett, Wash. (Rob Carlson, pastor).