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Jesus still heals today

In our lives, we experience not only good times but also bad ones. Sometimes they are announced, sometimes they come without warning in various ways. It could be persecution, illness, or some other hardship. But suddenly, things become difficult. I, too, was unexpectedly struck by such a time.

How it all began…

Everything seemed normal – my wife and I were about to go to bed around eleven o'clock that evening. As I was closing the window, however, I suddenly noticed that the left side of my body felt ice cold. I lost my balance and began to fall. Panicked thoughts raced through my mind. Could this be a stroke?

After being admitted to the hospital, we received the shocking diagnosis that same night – brain tumor! We were paralyzed with shock. I hadn't had any symptoms before. I was doing quite well for my age. My mind was racing with questions. But no matter what thoughts swirled in my head, my prayer and most fervent plea was constant: "God, have mercy on me!"

Strength through prayer

After the MRI scan, I was allowed to go home for a few days. Due to the size of the tumor, it was clear that it could only be removed surgically. The operation had to be performed as soon as possible because the tumor was pressing on my brain.

Christmas and New Year's were just around the corner, so I planned to go to the hospital in January. My health deteriorated rapidly during this time.

My chances of survival were only 50 percent. Because the tumor was located in such an unfavorable position, my entire head had to be opened up to perform the necessary surgery. The tumor damaged many nerves and blood cells, making blindness or hemorrhage possible and even very likely. From a medical perspective, the situation seemed hopeless. If I survived the operation, the doctors estimated that recovery would take nine months.

During this time, I received a phone call. The caller reminded me of my own words, which I had preached as a youth leader. God longs for complete surrender. Joseph sat innocently in prison for years. The three men in the fiery furnace or Daniel in the lions' den—these, too, were hopeless and life-threatening situations.

At the very point where human science and wisdom reach their limits, humanity is entirely dependent on God's grace. Psalm 107, verse 1, came to mind: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." No matter how hard we try, God is ultimately gracious to us!

After agreeing to the operation, I took four days to find peace with God in silence and solitude. I wanted to be completely at peace with God. No one knew how the operation would go. I was especially afraid of the thought of not being mentally sound after the operation. I asked many people to include me in their prayers.

Faith and discipline

I had surgery on December 9th. I woke up after a four-hour operation and couldn't feel my entire left side. It was numb, stiff, and completely immobile. I lay there in excruciating pain.

The days passed. Worries and pain weighed heavily on me. But right into the midst of my oppressive thoughts, a ray of sunshine shone. God reminded me of His word: “The Lord is gracious and righteous; indeed, our God is merciful” (Psalm 116:5).

I was overcome with deep joy and waited to see what the Lord would do. I became increasingly aware that God's powerful and authoritative word is a treasure we are privileged to possess in our lives.

The effects of the anesthesia slowly wore off. Since I couldn't tolerate any light, I lay alone in the dark room, trying in vain to sleep. I remembered the story in which Jesus healed a withered hand (cf. Luke 6).

I looked at my hand. My fist had opened, but it was still stiff. I wished I could at least regain the use of my arm so I could pull myself up on my own. Sometimes I lacked the strength to pray and asked the Lord for help. I had never felt such helplessness before in my life. But then God put this Bible passage in my mind, even though I had never thought about healing before.

It was a Saturday, and I was listening to a voice message from my grandchildren: "Grandpa, we're praying for you." At that moment, a thought came to me: "Lord, I am your child too. I want to stand in faith beside this man with the withered hand and stretch out my hand. Allow me to raise my left hand with my healthy hand. Heal me!"

I lifted my left arm with my right hand and let it drop. It fell with such force that I almost lost consciousness. How naive I was, I thought. But something spoke to me: "Try again." I tried again and realized I was crying like a child. I don't know how many times I tried. Suddenly, I felt my hand become light. Something was happening. Carefully, I removed my good arm and discovered that my left arm stayed up.

Full of joy, I prayed, “Lord, please allow me to raise my arm five times. I truly want to be convinced that You have healed me.” I actually managed to raise my arm five times without help. I was so happy that I prayed, “Lord, please don’t hold it against me. Please let me do it ten times now.” I succeeded and was about to pray, “Lord, now let me raise it fifteen times,” when I remembered Abraham praying for Lot. I wanted to give up, not put God to the test.

I was filled with joy at my answered prayer and could hardly believe that God had actually done it. I still can't understand it, but I cried and thanked God until four in the morning – with both hands. Eventually, I fell asleep, exhausted.

It was the first time I'd had to be woken up in the morning. During the doctor's rounds, he asked if I could move my fingers at all. I cautiously replied that my entire hand was functioning. The doctor looked at me in surprise and asked how that was possible. I answered that it was possible with faith and discipline.

By God's grace, I was then able to testify to the doctor that God had healed me, just like the people in the Bible. God strengthened my faith and was thus able to bring about this miracle. Furthermore, God continually gave me the strength and perseverance to diligently try further exercises with my arm.

Your treasure chamber

In our lives, we've made it a habit to pray regularly. We so often say, "We just need to say a quick prayer." But what if the need is great – then we can suddenly pray for longer?

My appeal: Take time to pray to your Lord. Take time to read the Bible. Not just when your conscience reminds you, but of your own free will and out of love for your Lord.

When difficult times come, this will be your comfort. God can only remind you of what you have accumulated as spiritual treasure through your personal fellowship with Him.

I've now completed five weeks of rehabilitation. I arrived there in a wheelchair – but I was allowed to walk without it. During rehab, I saw people who had suffered the same or similar fates as me. But through God's grace, my healing process is progressing much faster than others'. Here, too, I was able to witness God's mercy.

I had to spend Christmas in the hospital. Although I longed for church services, God filled my heart with perfect peace. I understood what a blessing it is to be a child of God. It is important to entrust our lives to God's hands and to know, even in difficult times, that He will carry us through.

God hears our prayers. He doesn't answer immediately, but at the latest in time. When I prayed for my arm, the healing didn't happen instantly, but the inner voice of God encouraged me to keep going.

Never give up, be strong and steadfast. God bless you all.

Waldemar Rutz

Municipality of Venne