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Some believe there are limits to what God can do in a person’s life. Some believe we are stuck with the scars of damage. But I am learning that there is no limit to God’s healing power.
I was very afraid to go. As I listened to my prayer partner, Jason*, tell me what was happening, I couldn’t help but think of the movie, The Exorcist. His wife, Kate*, suffers from Multiple Personality Disorder, and was suddenly having gaps of time when she didn’t know where she was or what had happened. Out of nowhere, Jason found himself talking to another personality than his wife. One who called himself Simon.
“You have to come,” he said,”we need to pray for her!” He then explained that Simon was considered dangerous by Kate’s psychiatrist.
I knew her history. As a very small child she was abused by several of the neighbourhood boys. Her little psyche coped with this by fragmenting into different parts or personalities. Later in life she began slashing herself repeatedly. When we first met it was hard not to stare at the scars all the way up her arms.
Sometimes reality is too much for us frail human beings. There are psychiatric terms to explain all this. But let me tell you about the “God” part.
Even though I was confused and nervous, I knew that I couldn’t let Kate down, I agreed to come and pray for her. She is special to me. Before meeting her, I had prayed for her many times when Jason would tell me that she was back in the psychiatric hospital. One day I went with him to visit her there, and we were able to take her to the chapel and pray for her. I felt so totally helpless. How should we pray? It just kept happening over and over again; and one day I was afraid that she would really kill herself.
I found myself weeping for her, but then an unusual thought came into my mind. “Ask her if she wants me to come into her life?” It was not my thinking - it was God. I’ve learned that when God speaks it is always gentle and patient - there is no force. It is always up to us whether we will listen and obey.
Gently, I asked her, “Do you want to ask God into your life to help you, Kate? “I want to,” she said ever so softly, “but I don’t know how!” I knew how; and with great joy, Jason and I led her through the simple prayer of confession and invitation that has changed people’s lives for centuries.
That was several years ago, and since then she has not been back in hospital. But now this new threat.
As I knocked on their door, I reassured myself that Kate belongs to God who would give us wisdom to deal with this. Still, I prayed a silent prayer for protection from evil and for my own fear.
I was surprised to find Kate the same as she always is - with her beautific smile and quiet speech. And there was a peace in their home. It didn’t seem the least bit strange when we began to talk about Simon, after a supper of Swiss Chalet. Jason explained it later when he said, “Simon is part of Kate - so I can love him.” But when Jason spoke of Jesus Christ, Simon would disappear.
Though Simon is definitely a threat, he is also the part of Kate that needs integration.
We prayed together, confident that God is more than able to bring this about. Psalm 27 came to my mind while praying and we read it together. Verse 10 leapt of the page as a special promise: “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.”
Kate was abused as a helpless little girl. Her parents were unable to protect her. Things happen in this world that are terrible to think about. Yet God is able to turn them around. God heals today and God transforms. God can take our damaged souls and make us whole. Jesus Christ died to make this possible. The Holy Spirit makes it true.
Simon never showed up while I was there, but I know he was listening. And I’m trusting God with the rest.
* not their real names
Memorizing Scripture is a powerful way to hear God Speak to you personally. If you would like this verse in Hide-it form so that you can memorize and be reminded of God’s transforming power contact info@hiders.ca and ask for Psalm 27:10.
