In 2004 I began struggling to walk and had pains in my arms and hands. I was unable to work for 3.5 months until I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and given powerful drugs to mask the symptoms. I had a few further flair ups in the following years. During the worst period I was unable to dress myself due to the pain and stiffness in my hands. In 2007 I had to change medications when it was discovered that I also had Osteoporosis (brittle bones).

I've been a Christian since my late teens and my faith carried me through these painful, uncertain times. I believed strongly that God loved me and wanted to help me. I never gave up hope and chose to concentrate on things to be thankful for, rather than the problems.

In 2009 I started to pray in a different way. I still prayed in the name of Jesus, but I told my immune system and joints to work properly. I quoted Bible verses to my body from a booklet which 2 different friends had encouraged me to try. I thought it was all a bit weird but, when you're in pain, you try things! It could do no harm. My blood counts started to drop badly and I had to come off most of the medications. Gradually the arthritis went into 'clinical remission' and I have reduced the medication to virtually nothing these days. My consultant does not understand what has happened to me. I clearly had arthritis but it has not been active for about 7 years now, despite stressful periods and illnesses (both possible triggers). The Osteoporosis is greatly improved too thanks to prayer and medication.

I am very grateful for the medical help that I've received and have no deformity thanks to it, but I believe that my mental and spiritual health is behind my good physical health these days. I would love to help others to gain freedom from illness and despair. The following Bible verses have been a real source of strength to me for many years.

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'Always be full of  joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything: instead, pray about everything: tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

And now brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing; fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. Keep on putting into practice all you learned from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.'

Philippians 4:4-9 (Living Bible)

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Andy Belsey 2018