Ann Way Johnston
Ann Way Johnston was a former Holistic Nurse Practitioner who knows what it's like to live with chronic pain. She was declared totally disabled at age 40 after 3 back surgeries, 2 fusions, and has had a fourth surgery since then. She has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and advanced arthritis in both knees. But Ann has something else. A strong faith and a belief in God. Christ Jesus is her Savior, Master, Teacher and Healer. She's been praying since she was four years old and today considers herself to be a strong prayer warrior.
God has called Ann into prayer ministry and she has humbly accepted.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Ann wrote this when she was having a difficult day...
Why won’t this pain go away? God can heal me in an instant if he wanted to, so why does he not answer my prayers? No one has more faith than I, so why, dear God, why? No one has the answer. Not theologians. Not my minister. Certainly not I. But ask the question I must. Dwell on it I must not.
For the reasons that I am in pain, that God does not heal my back
must not be for me to know at this time. If it were, God would reveal it to me, of this I am certain. So what to do for now? Continue to pray. Thank God that my situation is not worse because I know it could be so much worse than it is. So, instead of cursing God for the pain in my back and leg, I am thankful that I can feel my leg. Instead of being angry with God because my leg tires easily and I must use a cane, I am thankful to God that I can walk and am not confined to a wheelchair. Instead of wondering why me Lord, I say, why not me?
When I take my eyes off of God, the enemy creeps in and steals my peace. All I have to do is look outside my bedroom windows to see the glory of God. Nature in all of its wonder never asks why. Nature just accepts what God offers, no judgment, no questioning. Should I be more like the majestic trees that bend in the wind? It’s amazing to see them bend without breaking in the strong winds. I want to be that way. I want to bend without breaking.
Instead of praying for God to heal me, I shall pray for strength and unshakable faith. Instead of complaining about my pain, I shall be thankful for the pain I know I do not have. Instead of being upset about walking with a cane, I shall be thankful that I can walk. Instead of feeling sad, I shall be thankful that I can control my thoughts and emotions and be glad.
Instead of asking why, I shall ask why not? Why not me, Lord? Let me be a shining example of your love. Let me be an example of how not to suffer in the midst of pain. Make me an instrument of your grace, your spirit. Make me an instrument of peace. Show me how to be a warrior for peace.
My body may be in pain, but my soul is at peace. My body shall pass away, but my soul lives eternally with you. So is there any doubt as to where to place my attention? No, I should say not. I place my pain with you, Lord. I put my attention on you, the Prince of Peace, the Healer of the world.
"For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11