The Healing Power Of Faith

Ben’s Story

The Healing Power of Faith

In the Fall of 2021 Ben was one week into his freshman year of college.  He was excited to start training with the track team, and had joined CRU.

CRU is a Christian community that provides an opportunity for college kids to learn about faith; explore how faith can be part of a college experience; and create meaningful purposeful relationships.

Exercise and faith are bedrocks of Ben’s character.  In high school Ben played basketball, football and soccer; and ran track.  His senior year he participated in the state track tournament.  Ben’s spiritual life and his trust in God and God’s plan were also essential to his high school experience.

Ben is a grounded, compassionate young adult who took post secondary college courses in high school so he could enter college as a second semester sophomore with hopes of graduating with a degree in exercise science.

All of his plans and intentions changed in September of 2021 9 hours after his second vaccine.  Ben was at a Bible study meeting when he went into a “seizure like” state.  He was struggling to stand; his body started shaking uncontrollably, he had the chills; and tremors were running from his head to his toes.  He was rushed to the ER and given a sedative to calm his symptoms.

The very next day he felt extremely ill and was fatigued.  He developed intense sternum pain, brain fog, a loss of balance, was dizzy, and had a squeezing pain around his chest.

10 days later while in his dorm room with his roommate he had a second “seizure like episode” and again was taken to the ER.

The doctors did not know what was causing these life altering symptoms.

Ben’s physical life had taken a 180.  He could not exercise at all let alone walk up the big hill to class without becoming out of breath; feeling that intense squeeze on his heart; and needing to nap each day due to exhaustion.  He had numerous appointments and tests with cardiologists, rheumatologists and immunologists.  His doctors administered ultrasounds, MRI’s, EKG’s and an EMG.

Ben wanted to stay on campus.  He wanted to be a normal college kid-eating meals at the “caf” with his roommate; playing pick-up basketball with his new friends; and watching Sunday night football.  His mom, Donna, was terrified.  She kept checking the “find my iphone” app to see if he had made it to class, home from class and to dinner.  Donna desperately wanted to have him home, but knew how important it was to him to feel normal.

In November of that same year “something broke” inside of Ben.  He had his worst, most extreme seizure in the cafeteria on his college campus.  This time Ben was bedridden and struggled to make it across the hallway to the bathroom.  He felt incoherent and, “just focused on staying alive”.

Ben came home for the holidays and J-term and chose to dedicate his time and energy to God.

All throughout this time, Ben completely leaned on his faith in God and the healing power of Christ.  Even with limited physical energy he kept praying, reading scripture, and attending church.  Six years before his injury Ben had found himself at a similar crossroads when his dad passed away from cancer. Ben prayed and asked God to help him through his grieving process. His faith gave him the courage to get up each day and face his new normal. 

While at a church service during J-term Ben felt this awakening inside of him.  He felt lighter and less burdened.  Ben poured out all of his struggles and fears to God through intentional prayer; and breakthrough healing began to flourish. God had been there for him 6 years ago, had helped him find a new path, and an internal peace despite the giant boulder of grief and loss that felt crushing. 

Ben’s sternum started to feel lighter, less heavy as if a weight was being lifted off of him.  He listened to God’s instruction; and decided he wasn’t going to focus on what he couldn’t do but focus on what he could do.

Through prayer and a positive mindset Ben was going to start his healing journey.  He began to exercise with a 20 minute yoga session at home.  Yes this exhausted him, but at least he was moving, exercising, and telling his body it could heal.

Ben’s favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:18.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

He used this verse to focus on the future and not the day to day struggles-the pain, fear, the worry about tomorrow. Ben continually immersed himself into this verse, knowing that the eternal hope in Christ forever outmatched the debilitating circumstances. 

Ben knew that God had plans for him.  “To help people understand that in times of depression and despair a relationship with God can bring you hope, peace and joy.  To show people the healing power of faith.”

As of November this year, 14 months after his injury, Ben chose not to pursue running track in college.  This was not an easy decision.  Ben struggled to cope with the exercise-induced symptoms, but knew that he had to lean into his faith and find peace with his new way of living.

Ben is a testament to the power of HOPE.

HOPE heals.

HOPE sees the invisible.

HOPE feels the intangible.

HOPE achieves the impossible.

Ben found this HOPE through his faith.

At Team Humanity this is one of our goals-to spread HOPE.  In the midst of pain, despair, darkness, ignorance, unacceptance and struggle Team Humanity will be there to lift you up, share your story and provide HOPE.

Ben is continuing to heal.  He has had a few setbacks and some new symptoms, but he can occasionally go for a run and lift weights.  Ben is focusing on graduating from college and potentially going into cardiac rehab.

Please add Ben to your prayers, your positive thoughts, and your compassionate hearts.  Let’s help him on his journey.  Team Humanity believes in all forms of intercession, meditation, and reflection that brings positive change.

All stories are edited and approved by the participant before the story is published.