First-Hand Experience as a Ministry Counselor
As a seasoned ministry counselor and active member of Couples for Christ, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of spiritual healing. Through my counseling services, I help individuals process their repressed thoughts and emotions for a deeper understanding of their current state of mind.
During my time with Couples for Christ, my husband and I have had the opportunity to serve and witness the growth of individuals in faith and love through CFC-Kids for Christ, Youth for Christ, and other programs for adult individuals, married couples, and families. Within the community, faith sustains members during difficult times, including sickness.
Disclaimer:
This article shares real-life stories and essential scriptures that reveal God’s intervention in difficult times and how faith can help overcome illness. However, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author acknowledges that readers may have different beliefs and encourages open dialogue and mutual respect. Any views or opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Couples for Christ or those of the person involved in the story. The information provided is intended for confidential purposes and the identity of the individual involved has been concealed to protect their privacy. Please exercise discretion and self-care while reading as the following story contains sensitive content that may be triggering or distressing to some readers. If you are currently struggling with any issues discussed in this story, please seek professional help.
On the other hand, if you are currently struggling with any kind of hardship no matter your religious belief, I invite you to join me on this journey of reflection and discovery. Together, we can find comfort, hope, and guidance in the healing power of God.
Understanding Faith in Overcoming Sickness: Insights and Reflections
1. Physical sickness – this is an illness that affects the body and requires physical healing.
Reflection:
Without prayer, faith, and acts of devotion to God, human healers are limited in their ability to provide effective and miraculous healing. It is only through God’s power that true healing can occur, and he chooses to work through those who are faithful to him. Remember, God is the ultimate healer, and his divine touch is available to those who seek it through prayer and faithful service.
Faith in Overcoming Sickness: Helps Us Find Purpose in Our Suffering
As a member of Couples, I have learned from the teachings about spiritual gifts and healing that sickness can be an opportunity for spiritual growth and the deepening of faith. People can experience healing in different ways, and some have even reported experiencing miracles through devotion, prayer, and petitions. As a part of the intercessory ministry and prayer warriors, I have witnessed miraculous healings through prayer and the laying of hands, on patients. Some people have been completely restored to health, while others have found peace with God through their passing. In either case, that is also healing.
Inspirational Story About Faith in Overcoming Sickness:
When we are challenged with sickness or grief, finding hope and strength to move on can be difficult. But through faith, we can find the courage to move forward despite the pain and brokenness.
I experienced this when my faithful ‘Nanay’ recovered from a chronic illness in 2011 after we fervently prayed for her healing. It was a miracle of faith that she had the chance to fulfill the remaining mission items on her bucket list, and we were immensely grateful. However, we also knew that her time on earth was limited, and in 2016, we mourned her passing. Before she died, she even told me, “Wala naman tayong magagawa kung hindi i-surrender lahat kay God lalo na kapag binabawi na niya yung buhay na ipinahiram nya sa atin.” It took some time to heal from grieving yet, we found comfort in the knowledge that Nanay had received the ultimate healing from God. We believe God’s love for her is boundless and she is now at peace, free from pain and suffering. May her story inspire us to hold on to our faith, even amid trials, knowing that God is with us until our last breath.
https://mileslandichocom20171103miracleoffaith.wordpress.com/author/mileslandichocom20171103miracleoffaith/
My imperfect family. We help and support one another in times of need and trouble.
Having supportive family and friends can help us recover faster from sickness or grief because they can give us hope. I feel blessed to have caring siblings who mourned with me and helped me with household chores during my low-energy moments, a loving husband who always hugs me and goes hiking and beach hopping with me, thoughtful in-laws and friends who visit us and bring food, and CFC community who pray for us.
Additionally, I have a mini garden that serves as my nature therapy. Even if we do not understand why things happen, having a support system can make a difference during times of grief. We must trust in God that there is a bigger plan and purpose at work and have faith that we will overcome our challenges.
2. Emotional sickness – I refer to this as an illness that affects a person’s emotions and requires inner healing.
Reflection:
Emotional tiredness is different from physical tiredness. Emotional problems cannot be healed overnight. We might have to cross a bridge with full denials, blessed if repentance, forgiveness, and acceptance find us along the way. It may take a short or long period depending on the depth of the wounds, the impact of the bruises, and the person’s capacity to heal. Also, it may depend on the support group, environment, and the healing process of the wounded person.
Faith in Overcoming Sickness: Provides a Sense of Community and Support:
As CFC Couple Coordinators, my husband and I served with youth (YFC) and kids (KFC) for almost 4 years, and we have had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, including their families. Through this experience, we have seen firsthand the challenges that families face. We were surprised to see how the younger generation is impacted by emotional instability, particularly those who come from broken families or have experienced violence and trauma at home. Over the 10 years we have been in the community, we have also met people who are emotionally distressed due to financial issues or conflicts in their relationships with others, and those who are grieving the loss of loved ones.
Inspirational Story About Faith in Overcoming Sickness:
There was this one brother who sought my professional help because he was suffering from great trouble. He had a problem with his relationship with his wife, and he was not aware that his past trauma was affecting his behavior and was already manifesting at home, hurting his wife and child. All that he was complaining about was his wife ignoring him for a month when she had tantrums. Little did he know that he was always irritable, loud, proud, anxious, competitive, boastful, and emotionally abusive because of his foul language.
As we continued with the therapy session, he confessed that he was a product of a broken family and had witnessed a murder during his teenage years. He recalled that his brother-in-law had been murdered in front of him and his mother. He had tried to save the wounded man by carrying him to the hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival. Left untreated, his life spiraled out of control until he became aware of his need for help and sought out a faith-based therapist. Through the process of acceptance, repentance, and forgiveness, he slowly learned to understand his trauma and manage his behavior. He believed that God had given him the chance to recover and heal.
Eventually, he joined the CFC community, began serving in the church, and made a promise to give back through random acts of kindness. Now, he is experiencing the joy of healing. He has a better relationship with his wife and daughter and is helping inspire others in the community to seek healing from God. This story serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always hope for healing and redemption.
Like any other support group, whether religious or non-religious, CFC can provide a safe space for sharing feelings and problems without fear of judgment. This highlights the importance of having a support system, which can be found in a trusted companion or by joining a community group that suits you. Being part of a community can provide a sense of belonging and purpose, and members can offer prayer and help in their own way. If you are looking for support and love, consider looking within your family, circle of friends, or the community around you. We encourage you to give it a try!
3. Mental and psychological sickness – this requires a more comprehensive understanding of the person and intervention from experts or professionals who are trained in addressing these issues.
“If you’re struggling with mental health issues, you may be considering medication as a treatment option. While medication can be helpful, it’s not the only option. There are many effective alternatives such as therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and lifestyle changes. Remember to seek professional guidance and take it one step at a time”.- Sage Winter, Positive Psychology Resources
Reflection:
Mental illness is an unfortunate reality in our fallen world. It’s a complex condition that affects the whole person, both physically and mentally. Thankfully, we have counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical doctors who can work together to address these aspects of illness. However, sometimes it can be difficult to fully explain or articulate our battles. We might feel like no one is listening, paying attention, or trying to understand us. It’s important to remember that we should not lose hope. Our great God can fully understand and heal our struggles. Through prayer and faith, we can experience healing and miracles in our lives.
Faith in Overcoming Sickness: Offers Comfort and Peace Amidst Pain
As a ministry counselor, I have witnessed how faith can provide comfort and peace to those suffering from illness. Individuals often find relief in prayer, meditation, and religious texts during times of uncertainty and fear.
Inspirational Story About Faith in Overcoming Sickness:
I am compelled to share an inspiring story of a strong woman whom I have been counseling. She is a mother of four beautiful children and the wife of an OFW. Unfortunately, she suffered abuse, resulting in deep emotional trauma. Despite enduring hardship for her children’s sake, she found relief when her husband decided to work abroad. However, her anxiety worsened when she discovered that he has another woman while overseas. Currently, her husband only provides financial support, while his unresolved childhood issues fuel his anger and narcissism, affecting his wife and children and causing them to suffer their own trauma.
Despite all these adversities, the mother and children have found strength in their faith in God, which they learned from their community. The mother sought help from a faith-based counselor. while the children received professional help from medical doctors for their physical illnesses, as well as from psychologists and psychiatrists. They believe that spiritual and professional guidance can help them overcome their struggles.
Today, the family continues on their journey towards healing through various means such as continued counseling, engaging in holistic wellness activities, and receiving support from prayer groups. The Mom and the kids used journaling and group sharing as their platform to advocate for education and family faith in the community.
Through their unwavering faith in God, they have found the courage to persevere through even the toughest of times. I hope this story inspires you to never give up, to seek help when needed, and to trust that God has a plan for each of us, even in our darkest moments.
4. Spiritual Sickness- it is a profound pain that cannot be healed with medications or counseling alone. It is a pain that requires the presence of God in our lives.
Reflection:
Even when we feel lost, empty, and alone in this world, God is always with us, especially during our darkest moments and spiritual dryness. We can find hope and healing in His promises and assurance of love for us. By staying connected to God through prayer, repentance, forgiveness, conversion, a change of heart, reading the Bible, and participating in worship, we can find the strength and guidance we need to heal our wounded souls.
Faith in Overcoming Sickness: Provides Strength to Endure and Overcome
As a counselor and ministry member of the Couples for Christ (CFC), I have seen how faith can provide the strength and determination to endure and overcome sickness.
Inspirational Story About Faith in Overcoming Sickness:
I once counseled a single woman who faced her illness with hope and resilience, drawing inspiration from her faith and the support of her community.
Before, she felt bitterness and heaviness in her heart, complaining about being alone and receiving no love or care from her family. She felt empty, cranky, confused, angry, and ungrateful because of the pain she carried. Seeking love and happiness, she engaged in sinful activities such as pre-marital sex, wrong relationships, drinking alcohol, and pleasing people with bad habits.
But with the help of her community teachings, fellowship, servant-leadership activities, and a faith-based counselor, she learned to forgive herself and others. She also learned to accept her flaws and the imperfection of those around her, becoming grateful for her blessings and family. She began with repentance and forgiveness, opening up, slowly trusting people, non-stop prayer, and accepting leadership roles in the community. Then, slowly but surely, God changed her heart.
Today, she is a renewed and inspiring person who helps her fellow co-servants discover God’s purpose for their lives. Her story shows us that even when we face sickness or hardships, faith can give us the strength and resilience to endure and overcome them. Through repentance, forgiveness, prayer, and acceptance, we can find healing for our wounded hearts and discover our true purpose in life.
Tips About Faith in Overcoming Sickness: From a Faith-Based Counselor Point of View
According to NSW Health, which oversees the largest public health system in Australia, taking a holistic approach to care means addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of a person, not just their mental health needs. This is supported by Wake Forest University, which recognizes that mental and physical health are interconnected. The World Health Organization also emphasizes the importance of treating mental health as an integral part of overall health.
Spiritual Psychology (The Clearing, Alter Your Life)
Spiritual Psychology is a unique blend of science and spirituality that expands on Conventional Psychology. It recognizes that a person has four levels that require therapeutic attention: Physical, which involves what you do; Mental, which involves what you believe; Emotional, which involves what you feel; and Authentic Self, which involves the ability for joy, acceptance, and self-compassion. By addressing all four levels, Spiritual Psychology offers a holistic approach to healing and personal growth, integrating both professional and spiritual guidance to help individuals overcome their struggles and live fulfilling lives.
3 Things We Can Do to Heal Spiritually
At times, we may feel spiritually drained, lost, or alone. This is normal, especially when we face tough challenges that make us question our faith and purpose. But we don’t have to go through this alone. There are small things we can do to heal spiritually and find our purpose in life again.
First, It is important to know that feeling spiritually unwell is a real thing and can cause overwhelming emotions like anger, hopelessness, anxiety, and more.
If you are feeling this way, it is important to reach out for help from someone you trust, like a spiritual leader (priest, nun, pastor, clergy, etc.) or a professional, depending on your specific needs. But don’t forget that spiritual healing can be important too, like through prayer or meditation. These practices can help you feel more peaceful, hopeful, and connected to something bigger than yourself, which can be very healing.
Second, to heal spiritually, we must take care of our bodies and minds.
This means not overeating or drinking too much and doing healthy things like exercising and getting enough rest. We should also pray and be kind to others. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference and help us feel more connected to our faith and purpose.
Third, when we pray every day, we can ask the CFC intercessory ministry for help.
CIM offers prayers for our different needs, such as repentance for our sins, healing for emotional or physical problems, or deliverance from demonic forces. Spiritual healers believe that different types of sicknesses require different prayers. So, the seeker can get the right kind of help for what he is going through.
Through these practices, we can overcome spiritual sickness and rediscover our purpose in life. By nurturing our bodies, minds, and spirits, we can find peace and fulfillment, even in times of difficulty. Remember that you are not alone in your struggles and that there is always hope for healing and renewal.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it is essential to recognize that spiritual healing is a journey that requires patience, faith, and support. We do not have to suffer alone; we should seek help when needed. By taking care of our bodies and minds and nurturing our faith, we can overcome any spiritual sickness and find the joy and meaning we seek in life.
About the Author: 
Miles Landicho is a multi-preneur mom, wife, and soul traveler who loves to reflect and write about anything related to life. She is also a seasoned company & ministry counselor and a passionate HR professional.
Her advocacies focus on the meaningful journey of families beyond their comfort zones, nature stewardship, and the importance of mental health in our lives.
For more information, you may check the ‘About’ page of my website: About – MILES Diaries.
To learn about the services that I offer, please visit the ‘One-on-One Counseling’ page of my website: One-on-One Counseling – MILES Diaries.
If you experience any issues with the comment section, kindly leave a message by clicking on Home – MILES Diaries.
I will receive your comment(s) directly in my email and will also see them in the ‘feedbacks’ section of my dashboard, so please stay in touch! Contact – MILES Diaries
