Category Archives: Healing

Exam Weather

Posted in Cancer, Family, Healing, My thoughts, Prayer by

It is May, the time of the year that college students dread. Exam time. In Ireland there are blue skys and sunshine, typical exam weather. Instead of studying one would prefer to sit in the park and hang out with friends.

Two of my children are studying at St Andrews and Edinburgh. This is their final year and they hope to graduate in June. Abraham finished his last exam this morning. What a relief after five years. He is celebrating. No more lab research, library, exams, reports or lectures. Angela has handed in her dissertation and has three exams to sit. Only a few days to go.

Seven years ago I was suffering from Fourth stage bowel cancer. I was wondering if I would live to see all my children graduate or indeed see any more grandchildren. Nine children have been born since then and I have my outfit ready for two graduations this summer. Praise God, he has kept me alive to enjoy the goodness of God in the land of the living.

I started my treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on July the first in 2010. Each day for five weeks I would attend the City Hospital Cancer Treatment unit in Belfast. I told my husband I wanted to try out a different cafe each day for lunch after my treatment. It would lift my spirits before the long journey back home. Let’s celebrate now, whether I was going to live or die! Brendan didn’t know what to think.

I had been diagnosed with cancer back in April. Since then I was given promises from God that I would be healed. People were praying for me. I was encouraged by this new hope and I began to respond to it. Students from Queen’s University, Belfast graduate In July. Placards outside restaurants advertised places for graduation dinners. I thought I will organize a meal and invite my daughters who were visiting, a step of faith. It will be my graduation from cancer dinner, even though I was just starting my treatment. I had been to a graduation dinner each year for some of my children as they finished university for the previous five years. Three of my daughters joined me for dinner a few days later. They must have thought I was crazy. They were trying to cope with my diagnosis and were hoping the best for me. I had lamb for dinner and remembered another lamb, who was sacrificed for me, Jesus.

Brendan arranged another surprise graduation for me. On the day of my last treatment my daughters Mary and Nora walked into the waiting room of the cancer department with a bunch of flowers and balloons. They presented them to me as Brendan played the song, “Pretty Woman” on his I phone. Music and joy filled the room, a light relief in the somber atmosphere. I was taken by surprise and uplifted with my loving family, another step of faith on my healing journey.

This summer I am seven years cancer free. I’m alive to celebrate my last two children out of fourteen graduate from university. I’m alive to praise God for his touch in my life.

A Walk in The Woods

Posted in Birds, Healing, My thoughts, Nature, Restoration by

The final days of winter have passed.  The time for the singing of birds has come. Often our lives feel as if it is winter all the time. In Narnia, the writer C S Lewis gives the image of all creation living under the spell of  the wicked witch. Every life form was frozen. But Aslan the lion, who is a symbol of Christ, comes and breaks the spell of the winter of a hundred years and all life begins to warm up and live again.

Just as in CS Lewis’ book Narnia we can be trapped by forces over which we have no control, being under the spell of darkness and coldness, or things not working out in our lives. We have free will to make choices and live as we wish. But sometimes life does not work out the way we had planned.

If anyone feels like this Jesus gives us his promise. “I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you.” John 14 v 18. This is a wonderful promise. He will not leave us in the winter of our lives, which happens to us because of circumstances which are beyond our control. There is an evil power that casts a spell on our lives. It is the devil. He has been ruling over the world since Adam and Eve were put out of the garden. But Christ appeared to destroy the works of the devil.

While Jesus was on earth he went about healing the sick and casting out demons that kept the people bound. One woman believed that if she touched the hem of his garment she would be healed.
“And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: Matthew 9 v 20
A man crippled from birth was healed and took up his mat on which he was sleeping and walked. “And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.” John 5 v 5.
Another man who was blind from birth was healed so God was glorified. John 9 v 1.
In these three situations mentioned, the individuals had their condition for a long time, one twelve years, one thirty eight years and the other from birth. Jesus healed them all.

If one is in a situation for a long time when there seems no change, I assure you Jesus will come to you and set you free. There is hope. Spring will come in your life. The singing of birds will come as The Song of Solomon says.
For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone, The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; Song of Solomon 2 v 11.

Brendan and I went for a walk in the woods near our home two weeks ago. The morning sunlight streamed though the trees. Ferns were opening their arms in the warm rays of light. Streams of blue bells flowed down the banks. Doves cooed in the branches. A single bumble bee busyed himself visiting the open blossoms. He had so much work to do, flitting from flower to flower collecting pollen. Three different kinds of butterfly were enjoying the still, warm air. Bird song rejoiced. We were walking in a garden the Lord tended.

The season has changed. The sun is shining. Life is returning to the forest after the final days of winter.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/final/

Begin to Unravel the Problem

Posted in Cancer, Healing, My thoughts by

Police are called to unravel the cause of an accident, or how a thief got access to a home to steal. Lawyers and judges use their skills to find out if a person is guilty of a crime. Doctors can unravel what is causing a certain illness. Something has gone wrong in each situation to cause the failure.

At the moment in our country the UK government are trying to unravel why the talks in Stomont have broken down and are helping the parties to come to an agreement to move forward. Experts are needed in different fields in order to resolve, find an answer to, or disentangle a situation.

It seems in life situations there comes a crisis when one has to look back and see how one came to an impasse. It can be a breakdown in health, in a relationship, in a job, in a company or in government. It can feel like there is no way forward or all hope is gone.

At that juncture there is a need to unravel what has gone wrong and seek for a solution.
I was given a prophetic word many years ago that God was unraveling my life, unraveling the wrong roads I had been down. We are born into an imperfect world with a predisposition to make wrong choices. Woe is me! But God promises to be with us in trouble, Psalm 91. When I called out to God when I faced death with fourth stage cancer he started to unravel the cause of my distress by giving dreams and revelation. Each one’s situation is different. God untangled my feelings and attitudes.

John 10 v 10. The devil is described as “the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus has come that we may have life to the full, “and he undoes the work of the devil. He unravels the work of the devil in our lives and cancels all hold the enemy has on our lives. He says, Stop, no more Killing, Destroying and Stealing. This is what Jesus did for me. His Holy Spirit gave revelations that released me from Cancer. You can read all about this in my book, Staying Alive on Amazon.

My hope is restored as I hope in God to unravel any situation I face. God can do the same for you and restore hope. Call on the name of Jesus. He is alive and hears your cry. He is not deaf. He will unravel your life.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/unravel/

Seven years healed of Cancer

Posted in Healing, My thoughts, Prayer by

“Can anyone heal me of cancer?” I cried when I was diagnosed with malignant cancer.

It will be seven years this Easter Monday since I was diagnosed with Fourth Stage Bowel Cancer. Four months later the Doctor gave me a letter to declare the nine inch tumour in my colon was gone, “a clean bill of health.” I am healed in the name of Jesus. I am like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus garment in Jerusalem 2000 years ago.

Jesus walked through the towns and villages of Israel. He helped those who came to him because God gave him power to cast out demons and heal the sick. He annoyed the religious leaders and rulers of the day because the people followed him. He became a threat to their authority. They planned to kill him.

Jesus willingly faced death.

Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, shared the last supper with him but after, betrayed him to the leaders. They arrested Jesus and condemned him to death. He was abandoned and alone. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter yet he didn’t open his mouth. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering.

The guards mocked him and pierced his head with a crown of thorns, calling him King. They spat on him and crushed the crown of thorns deeper into his head with a staff. His blood flowed down his face and garment. He was pierced for my transgressions. For he bore my sin and made intercession for me. He took the anguish, guilt, fear and despair in my head on his.

They took him and opened up his back with thirty nine lashes from a leather leaded whip. By his wounds I am healed.

He carried a heavy wooden cross to Golgatha. Traces of blood left a trail on the ground. It was poured out for many. Jesus turned to women who were nearby and said “Don’t weep for me but weep for yourselves and your children.” These words echo down through the centuries to me as I pray for my children.

The soldiers hammered nails into Jesus hands and feet and crucified him with two others. He gave up his spirt saying “It is finished.” A soldier came and pierced Jesus side with a spear , bringing a sudden flow of water and blood. They will look on the one that has pierced. He poured his life unto death and was numbered with transgressors.

“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27:51-52, 54‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Easter is celebrated next Sunday throughout the nations. Why is it remembered every year? It is a tradition that has been handed down through generations because Jesus told his disciples to remember his death.

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lordʼs death until he comes.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:23-26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This week I am celebrating that Jesus is alive and he has caused me to stay alive. His is the only grave that is empty. It is there in Jerusalem for all to see. He arose from the grave. He appeared to his disciples and showed them his hands and his feet. “Touch me. A ghost does not have flesh and bones.” After, he was taken up into heaven. There he is seated as he prophesied, “From now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of Almighty God.”

Jesus commissioned his disciples to do the same things he did while he was on earth, forgive sins and heal the sick, using the power of his name, Jesus. Now he can reach to the ends of the earth to forgive sin and heal diseases by his spirit.

I know there is power in the blood that Jesus shed through his suffering. I plead the Blood of Jesus over me and it protects me from all harm.

May The Lord Jesus open your eyes to recognise Jesus in the breaking of Bread and drinking of the Wine this Easter. May he open your mind to understand the Scriptures.

“Can anyone heal me of cancer” I said seven years ago. I thought God wasn’t listening. He heard my cry and today I am healed.

Words in Italics are from Isaiah 53.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/heal/

The Influence of St Patrick is Massive

Posted in Canada, Dreams, Family, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Nations by

There will be massive celebrations tomorrow on St Patrick’s Day throughout the world.

St Patrick’s day is the second most celebrated festival after Christmas in the whole world!

Why is this? Although a small Island with a population of around 5 million today, Ireland has had a big influence in the world down through the ages. Descendants from Ireland have settled all around the world.
Ireland is positioned strategicly on the edge of Europe. There was easy access to the Americas, Britain and Europe by boat in the past. Nowadays Asia and Australia as well can be accessed by air out of Dublin. Two of my own children live in Canada, two in Scotland and one in England.

During the famine of the nineteen hundreds, millions left Ireland by boat for Northern America. In former days some Irish got free passage to the West Indies as slaves when Cromwell invaded Ireland. Again people were sent to Australia as punishment or got cheap passage in order to populate the new continent.

Priests and nuns went as missionaries to Africa and India. The Irish monks saved writings from Europe that could have been destroyed in the unrest in Europe. In 2007 when recession hit, many young men left Ireland searching for work in Canada, the Middle East, and Australia. Then in the 1970s many left Ireland because of the war and religious discrimination in Northern Ireland to settle abroad, whether in England, Australia or America. Many such people have longings to return to Ireland where some of their family may still live or want to see where their ancestors came from.

Ireland is known as a land of saints and scholars. Ancient Christian writings are stored in Libraries. Ancient ruins of cathedrals and Celtic crosses dot the country, leaving a memory of former Christian communities that prospered. We have had famous Irish singers and poets, dancers and musicians in recent times, keeping the Irish spirit alive. The band U2, the poet, Seamus Heaney, Bob Geldof, Sinead O Cannor to mention just a few.

I am writing from Ireland. Brendan and I wanted to leave Ireland in the late eighties. It was oppressive raising our children in an atmosphere of religious war. We wanted to move to Wales. We prayed and thought about it a lot. God directed us to stay. He cares for us. We were vulnerable as a young family and it was best to stay in Ireland rather that move some where we had to start to get to know people. I’m very glad we stayed.

For many reasons people want to celebrate St Patrick’s day. But let me tell you something about St Patrick. He was not Irish, he came as a missionary to preach the gospel to the people then living in Ireland in the fifth century. The same gospel is available to us today through the scriptures. The good news that Jesus died to forgive sins, heal diseases, set us free from captivity, and restore our lives from oppression and slavery and to give us eternal life in heaven. He had dreams and left writings that we can read and find out more about his life.

For fifteen centuries we have that Christian legacy in Ireland. I am a descendant of those people St Patrick first taught about Jesus. Exodus 20 says “those who love God, their children will be blessed to the thousandth generation.” I am one of those blessed, many generations later.

I want to remember our heritage and I pray that Ireland will again be a place where people are free from oppression and slavery, and our people will not submit to laws that will destroy marriage and our children. Ireland has been a good place for Brendan and I to raise our fourteen children. It one of the few countries in the world where abortion is not legal.

Come let us return to the Lord. God is alive and wants to help us in this twenty first century. So when you are celebrating St Patrick’s day remember who he represents. St Patrick is buried in a grave, history tells us in Downpatrick, near where I live. He represents Jesus whose grave is empty. Jesus is alive and lives to help us in our distress. It is good to follow him. Call upon him this St Patrick’s day. .

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/massive/

Jerusalem is Prospering.

Posted in Cancer, Family, Healing, Motherhood, My thoughts, Nature, Travel by

Brendan and I are in Jerusalem. Number seventeen bus pulled up to our stop. The largest Mall in Israel and the Sports arena is nearby. On our thirty minute journey into the centre of Jerusalem we viewed the many houses, towers, blocks of flats and new hotels being built on the hills surrounding the Old City of Jerusalem. There are cranes standing outlined against the sky, signs of new building work going on. New roadways, tram and train tracks are being laid. Nowhere else in all the world is there such expansion. The new houses are being built to accommodate the exiles returning and the growing population
image

“Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem.
Walk around and count the many towers.
Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations.
For that is what God is like.
He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭48:12-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

People from many nations have come to live in Jerusalem. I have met Ethiopians, Americans, Canadians, Russians, Moldovans, Romanians, Columbians, Carribeans, Irish and French people who now live in Israel. Prophesy is being fulfilled before our eyes. In the past the Jewish nation was scattered though out the world and suffered much persecution and rejection. But in these days God is bringing them back to live in Israel again.

““In that day,” says the LORD, “when people are taking an oath, they will no longer say,
‘As surely as the LORD lives, who rescued the people of Israel from the land of Egypt.’
Instead, they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the people of Israel back to their own land from the land of the north and from all the countries to which he had exiled them.’
Then they will live in their own land.””
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23:7-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Brendan and I raised a family of fourteen children. Family is very important in the Jewish tradition. We witnessed this as we sat down in the square of the Jewish quarter. Families were sitting together. One little girl cried out “Abba, Abba!” She wanted her daddy to watch her as she stepped up onto wall. Others walked together holding hands with their father and mother. In one family I noticed four little girls dressed in similar modest outfits. Perhaps the mother made the dresses. I remembered back to when my first three girls were young I made them similar blue dresses. Brendan and I looked at each other. We were reminded of the days when we used to walk hand in hand with our children in the forest or beach on a day out.

image

I feel at home in Jerusalem. I am a mother in Jerusalem today. It is the only place in the western world where you see big families. Other nations promote birth control and abortion to restrict their population. They do not believe children are a blessing from God.

“May the LORD continually bless you from Zion.
May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭128:5-6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is the twenty first century. Knowledge and travel has increased. I am seeing the prosperity of Jerusalem. I have been to Jerusalem four times since I was healed from fourth stage cancer. I have seen seven more grandchildren born. God has fulfilled his promise to me from Psalm 128. God is alive and bringing about his promises to the Jewish people and to my husband and I in these days.

Doubt in God

Posted in Healing, Motherhood, My thoughts, Prayer, Restoration by

Many people doubt that God exists.
Some people seem to think that God is dead. They think God isn’t watching us. He has closed his eyes and won’t even see what we do. These are some words of Psalm 10
But God is alive. He is the God who made the heavens and the earth. He revealed himself to Abrahan, Isaac and Jacob. His son Jesus came on earth to destroy the works of the devil. He forgave people their sins, delivered and healed all who were sick. He told his disciples go go and do likewise in Mark 16.
“And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15, 17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God’s glory is seen in his creation. He is Almighty God. He is alive to help anyone who calls to him.
I believe in God and his son Jesus. I pray for the sick as Jesus said.
I want to tell you some recent news of healings that were done through the name of Jesus.
Last year when Brendan and I were in Israel I gave a lady, called Jackie, my book Staying Alive. She read it and started praying for her cousin in South Africa who had fourth stage breast cancer. She sent her my book. This year I hear from Jackie that her cousin is healed of cancer. Praise God.
One of my daughters is a sister in charge of a unit for expecting mothers who want to have a natural birth. Mid wives deliver their babies. It gives the women the choice how to have their children. They can go to the main hospital where they can get an epidural to ease pain or have a Caesarean section where the doctor operates to deliver the baby. In the midwifery led unit the midwife encourages the mother through her labor until the final push when the mother is fully aware of the delivery of her baby. She will experience pain but the joy of having new life soon makes her forget about all her pain.
My daughter was on night duty some time ago. She helped a mother deliver her baby naturally. Everything went well during the birth but the infant did not breathe after it was born.
My daughter gave the baby mouth to mouth resuscitation and continued working with the baby as the ambulance took the baby to the main hospital. She would have been praying quietly for the baby. When my daughter handed the baby over to the doctor in the hospital he did not give the baby much chance of survival. The baby was not able to breathe on his own. Hannah had to return to speak to the mother and comfort her.
I happened to call my daughter that evening. She was crying. She was sad about the situation with the new born baby. I prayed with her and we agreed in prayer that the child would live and return home with his parents in Jesus name. I bound the spirit of death and prayed that Jesus would touch the baby and give him life. Another daughter had prayed for the situation as well. Three days later the hospital got in touch with Hannah to tell her the baby was doing well and would get home soon. Alleluia.
Last Sunday she was helping in another delivery when the doctor did not expect the baby to live after a difficult delivery. Hannah had to comfort the mother and other mid wives who were involved. The baby was taken to another unit to be looked after. Hannah came home to visit with us that afternoon. She was upset again. I said lets pray again. God helped the other baby, he can help this baby too. We prayed.
The report came back the baby recovered and got home. This time Hannah told her colleagues that her mum prayed for both the children who survived. They have seen the power of prayer. Jesus said “Let the little children come to me.”
So I don’t doubt there is an all power full God. I believe in Jesus.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/doubt/

Craft Work is Creative

Posted in Cancer, Healing, My thoughts, Prayer, Restoration by

imageI am at a Craft Fair today in Belfast, the first of the New Year. All the preparation and activities of Christmas are over and I am emerging into the New Year like the daffodil shoots that are reaching up out of the soil. The freezing temperatures last night would have been trying for new growth and little birds alike. My car was covered in wonderful designs of crystal ice, including the door handle. Brendan kindly defrosted the car and loaded boxes and books while I had breakfast.

The birds were having breakfast as well. A Robin with his feathers puffed up was feeding on some seeds Brendan left out for it. We have a tree of ivy out the front. Blackbirds were diving into it, greedy for the last berries on the stems. I counted six birds. They needed more fuel than usual after the cold night.

I started making mosaics from sea glass I found on the beach eighteen months ago. Sea glass is worn down pieces of broken bottles and glass fashioned by years of tumbling and crashing in the waves, sand, water and rocks. I make something beautiful from disgarded,broken and misshapen pieces of glass.

Life treats us a bit like the waves of storms. We get tossed about, rejected, disgarded and worn down by difficulties, sickness and misfortune, till we are a shadow of our former selves. Then the Lord can pick us up and put us together again into a new creation, his creation. He breathes breathe into us and says “Live dry bones, Live.”

My mosaics are a symbol of restoration. I had cancer seven years ago. I should have died from my condition, but God had mercy on me and healed me completely. I am enjoying new life and strength. I was inspired to start my craft. God is the Creator. He created us in his image. He made us creative. As I start my work with the pieces and polyfilla I get creative ideas. I have made birds, angels, trees, Maps of Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Zante, the World, Irish cottages, shamrock and hearts.

God not only healed me of cancer but he has restored me to good health to enjoy life and and activity.

Psalm 103 says
“Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:1, 3-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Psalm 23 He restores my soul.
God is restoring my soul through my craft work.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/craft/

Recognise. Daily Prompt.

Posted in Cancer, Family, Healing, My thoughts by

Dont I recognise youI” said the doctor to my husband. ” I have seen you before.” My husband just looked at him. Brendan was asked to come join me in the waiting room in the accident and emergency department of the local hospital. The doctor had just examined me. My daughter who is a doctor and my husband thought from my symptoms I must have cancer. They were anxious to hear the doctor’s opinion of my condition.

“Are you the man with the big family?” Brendan wanted to know how I was and not be questioned on another subject.
” I know now. Did you write books for India? There are two books of yours in my mother’s home in Kerala, India. There is a photo of your big family on the front.”
Brendan was perplexed.

Now to the matter of my condition. He discovered a firm mass in my bowel when he examined me. He didn’t mention cancer, but said he would refer me for further tests to the cancer unit in Belfast and request immediate attention. I got an appointment to see a specialist in two weeks time. There is usually a longer waiting time. We got favour because the doctor recognised Brendan.

We left the hospital resigned that I had some serious condition. We went home to tell our family that mummy wasn’t well. I had always been healthy. The only time I was in hospital was to have my children. I felt numb. My husband felt numb. We were weak and began to think of what the future would hold for us. I felt I was dying. I had no strength.

Brendan began to reflect on meeting the India doctor earlier in the hospital. Before the doctor told Brendan any bad news, he reminded Brendan of the books he had written for India. Brendan and I had sacrificed our time and finances to write two books for a Christian ministry, “Christ for India.” The Lord was speaking to his heart and saying “I am here with you in your day of trouble. I remember your sacrifice for the poor.”

Psalm 91 gives me a promise from God’s Word, I will be with you in trouble and deliver you out of it.
Psalm 41 says, he who has regard for the poor The Lord will raise him up from his sick bed.”
Psalm 112 says The man who fears the Lord will have no fear of bad news.

In my day of trouble and weakness God reassured us of his care. He is faithful to keep his promises. Thus began my journey through cancer. Four months later I believed I was healed of fourth stage cancer.
It was good the doctor was on duty that day. He did recognise Brendan, the man with the big family.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/recognize/

Unity

Posted in Cancer, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Nations, Prayer, Restoration, Testimony Tuesday by

There was devastation in my country, Northern Ireland, when Protestants and Cathoilics were at war from 1968 to 1998.

Thirty years of Troubles. Catholics were bombed out of their homes, forced to move away from Protestant neighbours. Protestants were bombed out as well to force families into Ghettos. City centres were bombed to try to disrupt everyday life. Your life was at risk if a Catholic married a Protestant. Hearts were broken over the death of loved ones, and dreams. Men and women were kidnapped and never returned to their families. Many people were forced into exile. Why did this happen? Other nations who don’t believe in Jesus were laughing at us. We were bringing shame to the name of Jesus.

This is Christian Unity week. Around the third week in January each year, Christians are encouraged to gather together to pray. This movement has been encouraged for around ninety years. I think it a great idea. I was inspired to seek for unity many years ago when I read Jesus’ word to his disciples before he went to the crucified.

“Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me.
Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17:11-12, 17, 21-23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It was one of Jesus’ last prayers for us before he died. This prayer is still valid today. When I first came upon this scripture there was war in Northern Ireland; war between Protestants and Catholics.
I was distressed that this situation was definitely the opposite of what Jesus prayed. I determined to look for unity among Christians.

I sought out other Christians in my town. I went along to every Church to meet the people and see what their services were like. I found they had many things in common. The bible was read and explained. They prayed to the same Father in heaven, “Our Father who art in heaven.” They all said that Jesus forgives our sins. They all said there is a heaven and a hell and one can be sure of getting there to heaven if one has faith in Jesus. They all celebrated the breaking of bread to remember Jesus death. Many people turned to God during the troubles and found solace at Church. Congregations were growing. But still I wondered why are there so many churches. Why were there so many different meeting places? Why was there such hatred and bitterness among people outside causing bloodshed in my country?

Here is another verse that inspired me at the time.

““I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:19-22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I wanted God to change my life on the earth. Jesus said “Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” Jesus promises us eternal life in heaven with him and the Father if we believe and trust him. Not only that but he wants us to experience his kingdom life here on earth. There is peace, joy, unity and love in heaven. Why not on earth as well? I wanted heaven to come on earth in my life, home and community.

I wanted to pray, even if it was only one other person, all those thirty eight years ago. I read a book in the library about people in America meeting together to pray for healing and people got healed! I found a group of ladies who prayed. One was a Presbyterian, another a Church of Ireland, a Methodist, a Baptist and myself a Catholic. We met together to pray each week. I felt at home and began to pray. One lady said later, “I was the best wee evangelical prayer she had ever heard.” Yes God was in our midst, as Jesus said “I am there with them.” There may have been war outside, but we had peace in our hearts and in our meetings. Prayers were answered, especially prayers for peace in our country. We would pray that bombs would not go off. Often bombs were found by the police before they did any damage. We prayed for our families. I found these ladies loving and encouraging. I looked forward each week to seeing them.

With any step forward in one’s walk with Jesus, one’s heart gets tested. Immediately after Jesus taught his disciples to agree in prayer, Peter asked “How often have we to forgive?” It is necessary that to be in unity one has to forgive. Each of us is a sinner. If I want my own way and don’t work with the other person then there is disagreement. Our prayer is not answered.

This can be particularly relevant when a husband and wife wish to pray together. You don’t have to leave home or go to Church to pray with someone else if you are married. Statistics show that not many couples pray together. It is easier to pray with a stranger who believes in God than one’s husband. It is God’s plan that a husband and wife are in unity. He wants us to be one! How can this be? Only by God’s power. No amount of reading “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus” will bring about the unity. I know. I have been tried in the furnace of affliction in order for me to agree with my husband. Perhaps you ladies out there can identify with me.

““But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:6-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is the ideal but in the working out of this truth one has to give up one’s own agenda for the sake of the other. It means giving up one’s pride, ambition, and independence for the sake of the other. Am I willing to do this for the sake of the Kingdom of God and unity to come in my marriage, my family and community of believers.

Jesus knew how difficult we would find it to agree. It is difficult for two sinners to live together. Paul fell out with Barnabas, who had been a big encourager to him before. They went their separate ways. Jesus has made provision for us. He died and shed his blood for me for my forgiveness of sins. He wants me to forgive my brother or sister who has done me wrong. Through his blood we can be reconciled and be in unity again, so we can pray. Outside of ourselves we have the evil one, the devil, with whom to contend. He hates when people agree to pray and especially when a couple pray. Satan is defeated when we overcome our disagreements.

I appeal to you, brothers, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, to make up the differences between you, and instead of disagreeing among yourselves, to united again in your belief and practice. It is clear there are serious differences among you.”
God has taken me on a journey to seek an answer to Jesus’ prayer for unity. This has taken me back into my own home. I seek unity with my husband so we can pray and our prayers are not hindered. God has cleared away the serious differences between us. This means being humble, forgiving and not arguing.

Jesus told us to remember his death in Communion. Before we come to Communion in remembering Jesus death on the cross we are encouraged to go to our brother and and sort out any disagreement.
“Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I am beginning to understand why there is bitterness and hatred among Christians. It is deeply rooted in their hearts. Injustices against one another in past generations had grown into devastation of lives and property in our towns. Great offences had festered for generations and grew into deep roots of malice and hatred. Can our land be healed? Can people be healed who have been deeply hurt? Is there any balm to heal the wounds of my people?

God was working. There was hope. Two “Cities of refuge”were opened. Cecil Kerr began a work of Reconciliation in Rostrever Renewal Centre. Protestants and Catholics could find a space to meet together and be accepted. Corrymeela, near Ballycastle, was opened by Ray Davey with a vision to give holidays to people who needed to get out of the war zones. Another city of refuge. Protestants and Catholics were starting on a journey of getting to know one another.

Peace talks were held with the help of other leaders from Britain, Tony Blair, and America, President Clinton. Channels of communication were opened. Political leaders from Northern Ireland, John Hume and David Trimble received the Nobel Peace Prize for their work for peace. Martin Maginess and Paisley who had been enemies, became the First Minister and Deputy Minister in Stormont. They worked together and became known as “The Chuckle Brothers.” The War ceased. The devastation stopped.

There is a Balm to heal the wounds of my people. I found him. He is Jesus. He forgives all sins of the people and their forefathers’ sins through the shedding of his blood. If we have faith that he forgives sins we can be set free. So the devastation, hurt, divorce, cancer and hatred need not continue. It starts with me forgiving another if he hurts me. If I feel wounded I ask Jesus to heal me and not let the wound fester until I want revenge. By his stripes I am healed.

When I was suffering from cancer, I had unforgiveness in my heart. I definitely wasn’t in agreement with my husband and other Christians. I had to ask Jesus to forgive me again and in return I chose to forgive others. My heart was cleansed and at the same moment my cancer disappeared. I sought reconciliation with my husband and others.

The war has ceased. But now so many of our churches, whether they are Catholic, Church of Ireland, Prespyterian, Methodist, Baptist, or new Church having falling numbers in their congregations? Why are so many people suffering from cancer. Has there been fall outs in marriages, divorces, family and church members?

I urge you as Paul says above, to make up the differences between you. Pray together again with one or two. This is how we solve our problems and our nation’s problems. When we are forgiven, healed and restored we are free to pray together and our prayers will be answered. Some people from Northern Ireland now are invited to other war torn nations to help broker peace. What God has done for us he can do for others.

There is restoration after devastation. We need not give up hope.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/devastation/