When Healing Came in the Quiet
My Encounter with Jehovah Rapha in Israel
Even now, as I sit and reflect on everything that happened during my time in Israel, one truth remains clear and deeply amplified in my heart: He is seated powerfully on His throne, and nothing, absolutely nothing catches Him by surprise.
With the loving gaze of the Lord, I came to Israel ready physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. In the months leading up to the trip, I committed to setting aside days of prayer and fasting. Along with that, I also formed a prayer circle of women close to my heart- sisters in the faith whom I trusted. I kept them updated and asked them to be my prayer shield while I was on the mission field. Their intercession covered me in ways I would only fully realize once I was there, facing unexpected challenges and breakthroughs. I packed comfortable clothes, took vitamins, got my flu booster shots. I thought I had prepared myself well for the rigors of ministry, travel, and long days ahead. But I quickly learned that physical preparation is never enough for spiritual battles. As Scripture says in Ephesians 6:12, “We are not fighting against flesh and blood…” and it felt heavy in my heart.
The Unexpected Illness
What most people didn’t know is that I tested positive for COVID-19 on my fifth day in Israel, my family just learned about it when I return in Manila. I kept it because I do not want them to worry about me. It was my first time testing positive for COVID. So, I honestly didn’t know what to do. My heart sank when I was told by our ministry leader to stay in my room and rest to regain my strength. While the rest of the Feast Team was in the Pais Arena, serving, worshiping, and experiencing God's presence together on the third night of the event.
At first, I was heartbroken. I couldn’t understand why God would allow this to me right now, "Lord, I came to serve You here, I maybe weak. But you know that it won't stop me to serve and minister to your people." I felt frustrated, saddened, and left out. I had come with full intentions to give everything I had, but I was forced to stillness.
A Room Turned Sanctuary
But then, in the quiet of my hotel room, everything changed.
I slept for an hour and woke up with a burden to seek God. I opened my Bible, began to pray, and then started worshiping. My cough was bad, my voice was raspy, but I sang anyway. I sing worship songs while sitting on my bed, and in the next hour, I cried non-stop “Hallelujah (הַלְלוּיָהּ)” and momentarily speak the name of Jesus! I only paused to sip water so I wouldn't dry out my throat. And something miraculous happened.
As I worshiped, I began to sweat. My coughing slowed. My chest loosened. And by the end of that worship time, my raspy voice had disappeared. Gradually I hear that my normal speaking voice returned. I couldn’t explain it, but I felt physically lighter and spiritually lifted.
In that moment, I heard the whisper of the Lord in my spirit:
I can meet you anywhere—even in the most unexpected moments. That is where My glory shines brightest. You thought My presence was strongest in the Arena, but I chose to reveal My power right here in your room, you and Me, in your raspy-weak voice and a heart bowed in humility. And in that simplicity, I rejoiced. I am pleased.
So, meet Me now, your Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals you. I heal you tonight.”
Healing and Hope
Later that night, my sweet, loving- roommates Simoune and Abigail called me. Their faith deeply encouraged mine.
“Ariane, how are you? We’re praying for you. Don’t worry. You are healed by the blood of Jesus. We’re staying in the room with you tonight. Abi and I resolved not to move out because we believe you’re healed already...”
Their words were confirmation! That night, I cried not in pain, but in awe. I thanked God not only for His healing, but also for the faith He stirred in the hearts with those around me.
The next morning, one of our marshals brought me a COVID test kit. I took the test and there it was: only one red line showed up. Negative! I learned that in Israel, COVID was already being treated as a normal illness - not as strictly as before. So even though I had just recovered, I was allowed to go out, as long as I wore a face mask. It felt a bit unusual at first, but I was grateful. I could rejoin the team and slowly return to serve.
I was filled with gratitude, renewed faith, and a loud voice to shout and testify what God has done to me in the quiet.
Final Reflection: Ministry Is More Than We Expect
This trip taught me that ministry is not about performance or perspective it’s about His presence. Not ours, but His.
In the end, I sensed that God wasn’t concerned with whether I can serve Him in Israel, in the Philippines or wherever I go. What mattered to Him was that I was willing- ready for whatever He asks of me, even if it means breaking my expectations completely. For in those situations, He would reveal more about His character and power in us and through us.
What amazed me the most was that I expected to feel God’s Spirit the most during ministerial work, or through the preaching and worship, or while I'm visiting the holy sites I had long dreamed of. And while those moments were meaningful, the God who once walked these very places, chose to meet me in the quiet, not at my best self. I had nothing left to offer but a broken voice and a frustrated heart, still He embraced me. He spoke to me. He healed me. And He reminded me that I serve not just a powerful King - but also a personal God.
What a gift that My God reigns in royalty but at the same time seats in the stillness and simplicity. He made His presence known to me in the most intimate and faithful way.
So, even when you're giving your best in the ministry, there will still be moments when you feel tired, inadequate, or even discouraged. But remember this: God sees you. God hears you.
And sometimes, it's in those very moments, when you feel the weakest, that He is doing His greatest work.
Jehovah Rapha, my healer, You are faithful. You are near. And I will never forget how You met me, in the quiet.
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