Touched by the Hand of God

By Hannah Edwards

    In February of 2016, I went to the doctor for a checkup.  While I was there, she told me that my thyroid was enlarged.  She asked me about some symptoms, and told me she was pretty sure my thyroid was causing me issues.  Over time, I noticed that I was exhausted all of the time, my skin was dry, I had brain fog, and my stomach was upset every day.  I also realized that a lot of these things had been going on for a long time.

   In April of 2016, the South Crysler Restoration Branch Women’s Department decided to go to Kirtland, Ohio, for a weekend retreat.  We spent all of Saturday touring places in Ohio: the John Johnson Farm in Hiram, the Kirtland Temple, and Old Kirtland.  We were able to eat lunch at the Mormon Visitors’ Center at Old Kirtland before taking a tour of the little town.  While we were eating lunch, I became so exhausted that I almost fell asleep eating.  I decided to ask for administration. 

     I prayed a lot about the administration before I received it.  I told the Lord that if He wanted to heal me, I would love that…and if He wanted to use my trial for His glory, that would be okay with me, too.  It was hard for me to say that, but I knew that His ways are always best.

     The next morning, just before we left Ohio, I was administered to.  During the administration, one of the elders prayed that I would feel God’s love for me.  As he did so, I felt the Heavenly Father’s love in a way I seldom have before.  I knew that, insignificant little creature as I am, the Lord loved me so much that He did indeed send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for me. 

    I closed my eyes, and I experienced something quite beautiful.  I don’t know how to describe it, because I could see it, but I couldn’t see the details.  I could feel it, but I also knew I was still sitting in a chair in a hotel, with the elders’ hands on my head. 

    I was kneeling, with the two elders on either side of me, kneeling as well.  We were bowing down in front of a large, magnificent throne, which I perceived to be the Throne of the Almighty God.  I remember that I looked up, and a shadow in the shape of a hand reached out.  I saw it touch my shoulder. 

    I felt a surge of joy and energy rush through me.  I had been praying for forgiveness for some sins, too, and in the administration, I was told that I was forgiven.

    On the bus ride home that afternoon and evening, I realized that I felt more energy than I had in a very long time.  It has continued.  I believe I was healed by the Hand of God that day, not physically, but spiritually.  I have had joy, love, faith, and forgiveness on my heart since that day.  I will forever be grateful for this testimony!