Health Testimony; Karen Smith

Health Testimony Audio:Karen Smith
This is a personal health testimony by Karen Smith. We hope that you are encouraged by Karen's words. Karen's hope is that sharing her testimony on this site will share Christ's love with people and to bring Glory to God.

Karen & Tia.


Interview with Karen Smith

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Below is Karen's written testimony.

My name is Karen Smith; I am a believer in Jesus Christ. And I am a child of God. I am here before you as a product of 'God's Grace'. As I remember It was many years ago that I found myself having to take inventory of my life. I lacked inner peace and purpose, and the loneliness and emptiness I felt was more than I could bare. I had been in an extremely abusive marriage, which ended in divorce; my children were growing up and going their own ways; my health was detonating with no hope of recovery. And I was forced into early retirement going on disability at the age of 39.

All of these things left me feeling abandoned and unloved. As an abused person I had put up walls around my heart that kept me from being happy. My soul was empty and unsatisfied. So, I began searching for ways to become fulfilled. I finally reached a point where I just knew that there had to be more to life than what I was experiencing. I felt that the right kind of love was my answer so I tried attending church. And there is where I found Jesus Christ. I prayed and asked Jesus into my heart, receiving salvation, God's greatest gift of grace. It wasn't until I made the choice to develop a personal relationship with Jesus that I was able to experience God's grace in my life. Now Jesus makes me feel whole and I feel the acceptance of God's love for me. My love relationship with Jesus fills all the voids in my life that I tried to fill by myself. It is only through knowing, loving, serving, and embracing the word of God in my life, that I am able to draw on God's strength, power and grace to deal with my current chronic illness. And it wasn’t until I met Jesus and developed a personal relationship with Him, that I felt whole. I never knew I could experience joy in my suffering until I started to live for Jesus.

I want you to know that there have been happy times in my life; my husband Dennis, my children, grandchildren, a loving family, but on the whole, my life has been filled with suffering and pain in one form or another, for as far back as I can remember. Over the years, I have had to deal with many difficult issues; health problems, abandonment by my real father, a dysfunctional marriage, divorce, being a single parent, empty nest syndrome, rape, physical abuse and more.

It is my hope that by sharing some of my health history that you can see just how wonderful God's grace is. That no matter what the problems are His grace is truly sufficient for every need. I praise God and give Him all the glory.

As I reflect back over my past, it has been a life full of hard knocks. I had more than just the 'normal' childhood illnesses, as I was growing up. At age 1 ½ I received 3rd degree burns on my hands and feet. At age 8 I was hit by a speeding car spending about a week in the hospital. At age 10, I was paralyzed by the deadly polio virus and at the same time I developed paralytic scoliosis. My body was left paralyzed and deformed and my breathing was severely restricted. After about a year I was able to learn how to walk again, for the third time in my young life. During the next 8 years I was to have many surgeries, corrective shoes, braces and months of physical therapy.

I was never able to take part in the normal physical activities of a young person. I spent a lot of time in and out of the hospitals. Because of the scoliosis, the curve in my spine was so severe that I had to have almost a complete spinal fusion from C6 through L3 vertebra. During which time I had to be in a complete body cast for 9 months.

As an adult my health stabilized from the polio problems for a few years. During which time I was married, raised a family and then divorced. During my first marriage I suffered great emotional and physical trauma. I don't need to go into the details of that marriage, but that sick relationship left me with severe scars that only Jesus Christ has been able to heal. God’s grace is again sufficient.

In order to support my family as a divorced-single parent I worked 6 years at a physically challenging job that damaged my body. At this point, I was forced into early retirement on disability. During this time I was made aware just how severe my health was and how fragile my body would become.

My medical records read that I have spinal stenosis, scoliosis, heart disease, that I will take medication for the rest of my life. I have acute degenerative arthritis in most of my lower spine and my cervical spine. From having degenerative disc disease the disc in my neck are virtually gone. It is bone on bone. I was recently diagnosed with spondolosis, which is the slipping of your vertebrae. , also I have acute degenerative disc disease in 3 of my lumbar vertebrae. I have lung disease that was caused by the polio, which requires that I use a breathing machine nightly. I only have 50% or less of the use of my lungs. I have had to have a full hip replacement. I have arthritis or joint disorders in most of my other joints, plus I live in chronic pain. And if that isn’t enough there is more. I am not supposed to bend, lift, twist stoop or go up and down stairs. I have Post Polio Syndrome (the late affects of polio, which include muscle and nerve atrophy accompanied by chronic pain). And I use a wheel chair to save on energy, because the more I do the less I can do. In 2004 I was diagnosed with cancer (cutaneous –T Cell lymphoma) but all of the test were inconclusive. When they did the final test they discover I had sarcoidosis which is an immune disease. There are many side effects of this disease which I have to deal with on a daily basis, but with Christ’s help I make it through each day. One more thing I developed diabetes three years ago. Since then I have lost over 30 pounds and maintained that weight loss. I have also been able to maintain my blood levels fairly well.

At the present time I am losing the use of my arms and hands. My worst scenario physically is to be completely paralyzed, as I was when I first was attacked by the polio virus. But if that happens I have been told that it will be a slow gradual and painful decline.

You might ask yourself how any one person could deal with all of these problems? Well, they can’t. It is because of Jesus Christ alone that I make it through each and every day. I am not saying it is easy, because it isn’t. Sometimes things become more that I can bear, but Jesus always comes to my rescue. Sometimes it is through a helping hand, a person’s kindness, my prayers and my meditation on His word, where He soothes my heart. But most often it's through my tears. God’s grace comes in many forms.

As a child of God, Jesus gives me His supernatural strength and power to face each day. What comfort that brings me, knowing that I have to live with chronic pain and chronic fatigue day in and day out. Jesus gives me an inner peace that is always with me, no matter what my circumstances are. I have found that by developing a close dependent and personal relationship with Christ, that I experience His joy in and through my suffering.

I have learned that God uses chronic pain and weakness, along with other afflictions, as a chisel for sculpting our lives. My felt weakness deepens my dependence on Christ for strength each day. The weaker I feel, the harder I lean, and the harder I lean the stronger I grow spiritually, even while my body waste away. A quote by J. I. Packer reads that 'To live with our 'thorn' uncomplainingly-that is sweet, patient, and free in our heart to love and help others, even though everyday, you feel weak- is true sanctification. It is true healing for the spirit. It is a supreme victory of grace. The healing of our sinful person thus goes forward, even though the healing of your mortal body does not.

God does His part, He extends His grace, the desire and power to do His will. What we choose to do with His gift is left up to us. My hope will continue in the Lord, He is my everything. I know that someday I’ll have a pain free life in eternity, but until then my time here on earth is short and I choose to focus on Jesus no matter what my circumstances are. I choose to be productive for as long as I can, to be joyful and full of faith knowing that my real joy comes through knowing and pursuing Christ.

Today, I personally, am striving to let Christ control all of my life. He has given me a whole new set of priorities to live by, as well as a purpose for living. With God's gift of grace I will continue in His strength to walk my talk and live for Christ. Using the failures and struggles in my life as stepping stones, not as stumbling blocks. And knowing that my hope is in being with Christ in eternity.

Hint's For Developing Your Personal Testimony!

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Each of us has a story; an attestation of personal events in our lives. There are things that happen over our lifetime that quite often define who we are. For the Christian it’s their personal encounter with Jesus Christ. In fact every human being on earth's encounter with Jesus Christ is a defining moment. Some choose to reject Him and some choose to follow Him. As followers of Jesus Christ we have a special story to tell. All are all different and unique but all are regarding the same event. Spiritually speaking it’s the most important event in a Christian’s life. Sharing ones testimony on how they came to saving faith in Jesus Christ is something that can be extremely powerful. It’s not something that should be hidden away and kept secret. Nor should we be ashamed of it in the least. At its essence, your personal testimony tells of what your life was like before Christ, how it happened, and after you came to know Jesus as Savior.

2 Timothy 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

One popular excuse some Christian’s come up with not to share their story is that they say they aren’t worthy to share their story. Many times Christians use this as a cop-out. In reality they are believing Satan’s lie. He is the accuser of the brethren. He tells them they aren’t good enough to be used by God. However there is some truth to the feeling behind the lie. Meaning that we all have fallen short. We all are guilty of sin. But it doesn't mean our story can't be used by God. The point I’m trying to make is that the best testimony is a life lived for Jesus Christ and not so much in what we say but in what we do. Actions speak louder than words right? Of course this is true. But if we believe the lie then none of us would even be able to share our story. This is the whole point of the testimony. We can shout to the world what Christ did for us. He forgives us. He died for us. He stood in our place and took our iniquity upon Himself. We are justified through Christ. If it were up to our own righteousness then yes, our testimony would mean nothing. Integrity is important. We don’t want to live a hypocritical life. But if we are following Christ we are constantly being sanctified. We are all works in progress. We cannot and should not believe the enemies lies of feelings in inadequacy or guilt. These are not from God. That we are saved should be manifest in how we live our lives and what we share about our faith in Jesus Christ. This is what we call our "Testimony." Besides our focus should be on Christ; not ourselves.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Why do we need a testimony?

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

1. We can overcome the enemy.

Revelation 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

2. We always need to be prepared to give and answer for the hope that we have.

1Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

3. We should care about those souls who are lost without Jesus.

Our eternal destination is important and so it is with others. Jesus came and died for all people. So by sharing your testimony you are sharing the “Good News” or gospel; which means good news. Our Father in heaven is not willing that any should be lost.

Mat 18:10-14 See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

4. Several places in the Bible we are told to witness to others.

• Mark 16:15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

• 2 Corinthians 5:19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Now that you know why we need to develop our personal testimony, let’s take a look at how we can go about doing it. These are just some suggestions that hopefully will help.

It is a good idea to have a short 5 minute or less testimony as well as a longer version about 10-20 minutes that can be shared more in depth. Both are valuable and can be used in many different circumstances. Both also have highlights, main points you want to cover.

The longer one just has more details which may be helpful in a small group setting or to a family member of friend. Maybe they can relate to some experience you went through that affected you in a certain way.

When people hear your story some will say I went through something very similar. Don’t assume that your stories aren’t important or can’t be used by God. Your story is exactly what it is for a specific reason. To be used by God. Don’t listen to the lies of the devil that our story doesn’t matter. God says it does.

Start with an outline. Answer these three questions.

• BEFORE: Describe what your life was like before Christ
• HOW: Describe how you came to know Christ as savior.
• AFTER: Describe what your life is like now after you accepted Christ.

If you are having troubles try separating each topic out on an individual sheet of paper. Just write down the highlights, the main things that stand out.

For your 5 minute testimony you can refine these main points down into a one or two sentence summary for each point. So after you are done you will be able to put your testimony on a 3x5 card. And eventually memorize it. It’s not hard to do since it is already your story.

For your longer testimony just expand a little bit on each highlighted point you wrote down.

There really is no special formula in writing your testimony. Just be yourself. Be honest and open. It shouldn’t contain overly detailed accounts of things but a brief overview. Also be prayerful. Ask God to give you the words and the accounts that He wants you to share. Be mindful of others. You don’t want to do damage to others in bringing up hurtful events. This should be a witnessing tool. Sometimes there are things that shouldn’t be brought up if they will be damaging to others who might have been involved in something in your past.

Generalize where you can. Remember this story is meant to be heard by non Christians as well as an encouragement to other believers. Don’t sound too preachy or use overly religious talk. Your story is meant to be a door opener to relate to people, not a final convincing argument to lead them to Christ. Let them think on it. Don’t try to play the part of the Holy Spirit. Make it personal, don’t preach. Just be you and let God be God.

Testimonies are powerful! Your story is powerful. God wants to use it. Here is just one example in scripture.

Jesus heals the blind man.

John 9:1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some claimed that he was.

Others said, "No, he only looks like him."
But he himself insisted, "I am the man."

"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded.

He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see."

"Where is this man?" they asked him.
"I don't know," he said.

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath. 15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see."

Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath."
But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were divided.

Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened."
The man replied, "He is a prophet."

The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents. "Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?"

"We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself." His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."

A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God,” they said. "We know this man is a sinner."

He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"

Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"

He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"

Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from."

The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."

To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out.

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."

Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."

Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.

Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."

The blind mans testimony was powerful! He simply told people what Jesus did for him. He said “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" How can anyone argue with that? That’s what we are to do with our own personal testimony. We are to simply tell people what Jesus did for us. Our lives, whether full of calamity or not, are to be used to bring God glory and to manifest His good works! What a privilege.