God’s Nudge, Rue’s Healing
Work of Knowledge (WOK): A Testimony of Healing
In a class for seminary, we had homework to practice praying for physical healing and asking God for words of knowledge (WOK). I took communion and asked Jesus for help, and the red of communion stood out to me. I asked the Lord what to look for, and the thought of “right hip/right knee” faintly popped into my head. Determined to follow this prompting, I went to the mall, searching for someone wearing red with those symptoms.
The first person I asked said no and refused prayer (saying they didn’t need anything). Then, as I walked into a shoe store, an employee with a red lanyard approached me. We chatted about the shoes I was looking for, and after building rapport, I transitioned the conversation. “There is one more thing I’m looking for. I felt like I was supposed to find someone wearing red—like your lanyard—who needed prayer for healing. Do you happen to have pain in your right hip or knee?”
She gasped, “Girl, don’t play with me, that’s totally me!”
The Interview
I asked her name and about her pain. Rue explained she had a condition that caused chronic pain, which came and went. When I asked how long she had suffered, she replied, “At least four years—it’s been a really long time.”
“That’s a long time to be in pain! On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the worst, how bad is it right now?”
She answered, “An 8.”
I wanted to ask more questions, especially since I didn’t catch the name of her condition, but she kept glancing toward the cash register, looking uneasy.
“Would it be okay if I prayed for you right now?” I asked.
“I’m just worried about my boss,” she whispered.
I quickly adjusted. “Oh, are there maybe more on the other side?” I said louder as I casually moved behind a high shoe rack, out of sight. She followed me, and reached out to hold my hand when it was time to pray.
Diagnosis and Prayer Selection
I took Rue’s hand and prayed, “Jesus, thank you for Rue and that you love her. I ask that you would move in her life today. In the name of Jesus, I command whatever is causing this pain to leave. Pain, go in Jesus’ powerful name. Amen.”
Re-Interview and Immediate Results
“Ok, girl,” I said as I moved around my legs and hips, “check in with your body. How are you feeling now?” “Thank you so much, I feel better!” Rue said and moved to walk away. I said, “Now no lying, how much better? You were at an eight before, where are you now?” She replied that she was at a five now, and I replied, “Awesome! Thank you, Jesus! Would it be ok if I prayed one last time very quickly?” She said yes and bowed her head.
I prayed, “God thank you for working in Rue’s body! I ask that you would continue what you’re doing in her. In Jesus’ name we command the pain to go completely away that she would be totally healed.” I asked Rue to check her pain again, “Where are you now? Still a five?” She said yes and while I could have kept going, I knew to stop when she was ready to stop. She thanked me for praying.
Next Steps
I asked her, “Do you ever pray?” Rue said, “All the time! Usually at least at night before I go to bed. And I go to church when I can.” I acted like I was looking at shoes again in case her boss was watching us still. Then I said, “Tonight, when you pray, ask Jesus to heal you completely. I encourage you to keep talking to him! He loves you! If you don’t have a church you love, I would love to invite you to mine!” I gave her my church’s information and offered her a hug. We walked out from behind the shoe rack, and I made a few last dramatic gestures to shoes so she didn’t get in trouble with her boss.
Final Reflection
In praying for Rue, I was operating under my delegated authority in Christ. I know generally it is God’s will to heal and that healing demonstrates his kingdom (Is 53:4-5; Mt 4:23-25; Jn 4:48-54). The WOK was vague, but it generated excited expectation in me to pray for her, and at minimum piqued her curiosity.
Scripture is clear on the authority of those in Christ whose life is no longer their own (Mt 28:18-20; 1 Cor 6:19-20; Eph 3:14-21). Physical healing is not an area where I feel I have a particular gift or grace, but I have seen many people healed when I pray for them. However, despite not having putting a lot of stock in my own gifting, I have great faith in God’s goodness and see him touch people with healing!
Beyond the miracle itself, this testimony serves as a reminder that healing is not reserved for a select few. Many believe only “special” or ultra-holy Christians can see God answer prayers for healing, but that is not true. As Randy Clark teaches, some people are uniquely called as vessels for healing ministry, but all disciples of Jesus are invited to step out in faith (Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 3:14-21).
While not everyone I pray for is instantly healed, I have seen enough to trust that, when I align myself with God’s leading, I get to partner with Him in incredible ways (John 5:19). Healing isn’t about striving—it’s about listening, trusting, and moving when He prompts. And when we do, we witness the extraordinary in the everyday moments of life.
