Heavy Burdens Lifted Away
Li-Zhu Chang
I’m a
woman who was born into an agricultural society. Shortly after I married my
husband, he was possessed by the devil. Ever since then, there was no longer
peace in the house. He often hit people for no reason, or would run away so we
couldn’t find him. Oftentimes he would tell us the paranormal things that
he saw to scare us. Everyday I was troubled by him.,
and was anxious because I had no peace of mind. Moreover, because of my many
chores and farm work, I was unable to take care of him because it was very tiring
both physically and mentally.
My mother-in-law often sought help
from idols and physicians. They provided temporary peace, but the amount of
money and energy that we spent on them was overbearing. While we were
heartbroken and at our rope's end, my sister-in-law returned home. Upon hearing
about her brother's condition, she testified to us her experience of finding
the true God. She was pressed on all sides when her business failed.
Fortunately, her relative was there to guide her through those sad days of her
life. She also told us that money was not required to seek after this true God.
As long as we had faith to rely on Him wholeheartedly, we would receive peace
and grace. His gospel is to save all who believe in Him. My mother-in-law was
very worried about her son's illness, so she sought after the truth first.
Because I was busy and my husband was unable to function normally, I didn’t go
to church.
My sister-in-law often brought
church brothers, sisters, and deacons to visit us and to pray for us.
They testified about God's power and authority hoping that we can rely on Him
to receive healing. Everyone also interceded for us pleading for God's mercy.
Gradually, my irritable husband calmed down and was able to sit. Later, I
removed all deterrents and frequently brought my husband to attend church
services by bus. By then, my mother-in-law had been truth seeking for about two
years. Even though my husband was still unable to sit still, and would hit
people irrationally, through the strength given by God I was able to pray for
God's mercy and healing again and again.
Not long after, the church held an
evangelical convocation. A deacon hoped that we would sign up for baptism for
the remission of our sins to remain under God's care. On the day of baptism, my
husband's illness recurred, and he swam toward the middle of the ocean.
Everyone was astonished by his move, but they couldn't bring him back to the
shore. Therefore, the pastors prayed in one accord to cast out Satan in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Shortly after, he swam back. Then the pastor
baptized him. I knew that baptism has the effect of washing away sins, therefore I wholeheartedly fixed my eyes on God for
salvation. After baptism, even though my husband was not completely healed, and
his illness would return occasionally, he was able take care of himself.
Through our constant reliance on
God, he gradually recovered from his illness, and thus removed the heavy burden
that was on my shoulders. Now, both of us are 80 years old. Due to God's care,
our bodies are still strong. We often bike from Mito
town to GonzsanChurch. Even though the journey
takes about 40 minutes, we haven't ceased from taking the journey. Thank God!
Prophet Isaiah said: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our
sicknesses" (Matthew ). May
all the glory be unto the true God, our Lord Jesus.
Amen!
