Every time I read or hear the Bible story about the nobleman's...

Joyce E. Gibbs

Every time I read or hear the Bible story about the nobleman's son who was healed of a fever "at the same hour" that Christ Jesus spoke to the nobleman (John 4:46–53), I am reminded of a healing I had when I first began studying Christian Science about nine years ago.

I was suffering from a cold. The symptoms lasted for several weeks and included what seemed to be a severe sinus infection. I was beginning to think I would never be rid of this difficulty. As a new student of Christian Science, I was unsure how to pray for myself. I felt I needed help, but I was reluctant to call a Christian Science practitioner. I had never talked to a practitioner before, and I didn't quite know what to say.

At the time this occurred, I was living with my parents. One morning before I left the house for work, I asked my mother, who is a Christian Scientist, if she would call a practitioner for me. She assured me she would, and I left the house for my job. When I arrived at work about eight o'clock, I had difficulty concentrating because I felt so ill. I remember that all I wanted to do was put my head down on my desk, which I did for a short time. All of a sudden, there was a dramatic change. My head cleared and I could breathe easily. I sat up straight in my chair and looked at my watch. It was eight fifteen. I felt great the rest of the day and was able to complete all of the work required. That was the end of the cold.

I couldn't wait to get home that night to tell my mother what had happened. When I returned home and shared the news with her, I asked her what time she had called the practitioner. She replied, "It was shortly after eight o'clock this morning." This healing made a lasting impression on me. It proved to me that healing through prayer to God is possible today, just as it was in Jesus' day. It showed me that the effects of prayer are powerful and immediate.

In the past nine years I have had many other healings, including healings of burns, a digestive disorder, and undesirable character traits. I am so grateful to have learned about Christian Science from my mother and to be a member of The Mother Church.

Joyce E. Gibbs
Sidney, Ohio

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