‘Thanks for Encouraging Us to BELIEVE!’: A Healing Testimony of Faith and Prayer

Doctors said 93-year-old Natalina was near death. Then came an answered prayer, a remarkable healing, and her testimony that she saw Jesus.

When William’s 93-year-old mother-in-law, Natalina, became critically ill with pneumonia, doctors gave the family little reason to hope. Her condition was rapidly deteriorating, and they were told she was nearing the end of her life.

But William and his family chose to pray and believe God.

What followed became a healing testimony they would never forget.

When Doctors Said There Was Little Hope

William shared his family’s story with Inspiration Ministries:

“Dear Inspiration Ministries,

“Last year, my 93-year-old mother-in-law, Natalina, suddenly became ill. She was hospitalized and semiconscious, with a severe case of pneumonia.

“Doctors told us that even if Natalina regained consciousness, it would just be a matter of time before she passed. Her aorta was constricted to the size of a soda straw, causing her organs to lose their needed blood supply. Also, paralysis in her throat made her unable to swallow. As Natalina’s condition rapidly deteriorated, the doctors recommended putting her on a morphine drip and letting her die peacefully.

Believing God in an Impossible Situation

“Around this time, I received an email from Inspiration Ministries and decided to sow a financial seed. I did this as a step of faith, because the email said God can do whatever we pray for—if we really believe. As I sowed my seed and requested prayer for Natalina’s healing, I believed God’s promises and expected Him to faithfully answer.

“The day after I sent you my seed and prayer request, my wife went to the hospital to visit her mother again. But she nearly fainted when she saw her! Amazingly, Natalina was sitting up in a chair, even though she had been near death for more than a week!

“Natalina’s doctors were astonished at her remarkable recovery. They put in a stomach tube to feed her. They said she would need this the rest of her life, because she would never again be able to eat solid food.

‘Jesus Says I Don’t Need This Tube Anymore!’

“But to everyone’s shock, Natalina woke up suddenly one night and pulled out the stomach tube. She declared that she had just seen Jesus, and He told her she didn’t need the tube any longer! Alarmed, we called the nurse, and she reinserted the feeding tube—only to have Natalina pull it out again the next day. She adamantly repeated, ‘I told you, Jesus says I don’t need this tube anymore!’

“Ever since that day, more than a year ago, Natalina has been able to eat anything and everything she wants, including bowls of pasta, which she loves. We’re constantly amazed by her hearty appetite, wit, mental sharpness, and mobility—especially since she’s almost 94 now.

“What a miracle of God and testament of His faithfulness! Thanks for encouraging us to step out in faith and believe Him with great expectation!” – William, Vermont

God Is Still Able

Natalina’s testimony points us back to a truth found throughout Scripture: Nothing is too difficult for God.

When a desperate father brought his suffering son to Jesus, the Lord told him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately, the father cried out, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23–24 NKJV).

What a deeply human picture of faith. This father did not come to Jesus with perfect words or without fear—he came knowing that Jesus was his only hope. He believed, even while asking the Lord to strengthen the places where his faith felt weak.

Like this father, we can bring our deepest needs to Jesus and say, “Lord, I believe.” And when doubt tries to rise, we can ask Him to strengthen our faith as we trust His power, His goodness, and His faithfulness.

James writes, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him” (James 5:14). He continues, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16).

Scripture never calls us to measure God’s power by what seems humanly possible. Again and again, His Word shows Him moving in ways no person could manufacture.

The Lord parted the Red Sea when Israel had nowhere to go. He provided food in the wilderness. Jesus opened blind eyes, caused the lame to walk, healed the sick, raised the dead, and conquered death through His own resurrection.

We do not determine how God must move. Our part is to seek Him, pray, trust His Word, and believe that He is able.

What Are You Believing God For?

Maybe you are facing your own impossible situation today.

The diagnosis may look final. The relationship may appear beyond repair. The need may seem greater than the resources available. Perhaps you have prayed for a long time and still have not seen the answer you are seeking.

Do not allow what you see to become greater in your heart than the God you serve.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Bring your need to Him. Ask Him. Seek Him. Believe His Word. And keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

If you need someone to agree with you in prayer, the prayer ministers at Inspiration Ministries’ International Prayer Center would be honored to pray with you.

And to every Inspiration Partner who faithfully helps carry the Gospel and the ministry of prayer to people around the world—thank you. Your partnership helps people hear about Jesus, encounter the truth of God’s Word, and be encouraged to believe Him.

Natalina’s story is one family’s testimony.

And all the glory belongs to God.