As soon as I arrived at the hospital, I scanned the signs, searching for a familiar word that would point me in the right direction. Just then, my Muslim friend Manzoor rounded a corner into the lobby.
“Thank you for coming,” he said. “Asra is still paralyzed on one side and can’t speak. But when I told her you wanted to visit, she seemed excited.”
As we made our way through the quiet halls, I remembered all the sweet interactions I’d had with Asra since I arrived in the country. She began working as Manzoor’s house helper long before we moved to the area and prepared multiple meals for my wife and me when we were new to the region, always with a smile and a kind word. I hoped the kind woman would quickly recover from the unknown affliction.
When we reached her room, Asra waved me forward with one hand while the other lay limp at her side. Her son offered me his chair, then shared an update with Manzoor.
I didn’t understand much of what he said except that the doctors needed to run more tests. Asra remained still, but her eyes were filled with fear. It must have been terrifying to not know what had happened.
In times of uncertainty, I tried to lean on Christ. I wished Asra could do the same, but she didn’t know Him.
Manzoor rested a hand on my shoulder. “Do you want to pray for her?”
I nodded. “You know me well, my friend.”
Still learning the local language, I chose to pray in English, boldly asking for Asra’s healing and restoration in Jesus’ name. After I finished, I watched her carefully, but there were no visible signs of improvement. If anything, the lines across her face appeared to deepen in pain. Soon, she began whipping her head from side to side.
Manzoor excused us, and we moved toward the door. But as I followed him, I suddenly sensed that I needed to touch Asra’s face. I didn’t understand it.
In this culture it’s highly inappropriate for a man to touch an unrelated woman. It simply isn’t done. But I could not deny the nudge that seemed to come from the Spirit.
Unsure of what to do, I paused in the threshold to silently pray.
Finally, I looked to Asra’s son and asked permission. At first, he didn’t understand my request. So, I showed him what I meant.
He nodded slowly.
Returning to Asra’s side, I gently cupped her cheek, then began praying again. As I asked for healing and peace in Jesus’ name, her fitful movements immediately stopped.
At first, she looked at me with confusion, but as we continued to stare at each other, tears filled her eyes. I believe she felt the love of Christ.
That night, when I told my wife about the events at the hospital, she said she would go to see Asra the next day.
“You’re not going to believe what happened,” my wife said after her visit. “Asra’s no longer paralyzed. Plus her speech is slowly returning. She says it’s because you touched her face and prayed for her in Jesus’ name. She’s been improving ever since. She’s telling everyone who will listen.”
“Really? That’s amazing!”
“I know, and it gets even better.” A huge smile spread across her face. “I prayed with Asra before I left and explained how Jesus wants to remain with her forever. She’s excited to learn more.”
As my wife continued, I stood in awe.
God did so much more than physically heal Asra. He’s given her a testimony of Jesus’ power and love, drawing her toward a relationship with Himself.
Pray:
- Pray that Asra will continue to learn about Jesus and seek after Him.
- Ask God to reveal His power to Muslim men and women through healings and other miracles.
- Praise the Lord for the wonderful way He works through Frontiers field workers.
**This account comes from a long-term worker. Names and places have been changed for security.**
Main photo on iStock: triloks
Original article: https://frontiersusa.org/blog/the-hand-that-heals/