I had major temporary set-back on April 9th. I was doing great, and took my eyes off the Lord for a moment and as Peter did; I began to sink to. "The thought came to me " what if all of this doesn't work out". By that I meant the ministry that God had prepared me for went nowhere. That no one would listen or be interested in what I had to say or offer in regards to divine healing, etc.
As soon as I uttered those words of unbelief, I got hit by all of the pain symptoms that I had before along with the inability to sleep. The enemy tried to attack my mind relentlessly for two months. This made what I went through before look like a picnic. Fortunately, it was short-lived about three months total. On July 1st, I could only walk to the end of the driveway. I couldn't work for three weeks. It was very, very difficult as you can well imagine.
I then prayed and believed God to help me to walk that next day. My wife, Ginelle and I, walked two miles. It wasn't easy. God began to show me some things. My mentor in divine healing, Andrew Wommack, once said that 5% of people healed are made instantly strong, and 95% it is a recovery period. Both are divine healings. He has prayed for ten of thousands of people; so I strongly respect his opinion. "Lay hand on the sick and they shall RECOVER" It's like you are healed of the flu and you can to get your strength back.
Each time I would receive healing from the Lord, I would not let my body recover fully. I went like a rabbit. It's understandable, but not wise. After being in pain for so long, and not being able to do things, and then having God bless you with all this teaching revelation for ministry you just want to go, go ,go!. I should have paced myself better. Along with that, in 2011, I wasn't ready for ministry yet and tried to jump the gun(getting ahead of God). Then you add to that the fact that anyone who is attempting to do something for God is putting a target for the enemy on his or her back.
Anyway, I learned by trial and error. Now I am walking three miles every nights. I am going back to work full time soon. I am doing physical therapy. This is just stretching and strengthening muscles that were weakened during these seven years. I pray everyday and believe God for the miraculous. After two visits to physical therapy, My shoulder and upper back were completely freed. This is miraculous! So God healed me, and I have to strengthen my body again.
I seriously thought about forgetting the ministry part. Take the target off my back. God reassured me that if I keep my eyes on him, that there will be no more episodes. I also must pace myself. I am doing that. I have a wife who I have asked to say slow down when I need that signal. The need is so great for divine healing and freedom from bondages and how speaking in tongues can build you up and transform your life and how to witness. I choose to fulfill this call and God will supply the finances and open the doors for me to be able to preach and teach both in churches and to individuals.
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS!
Your friend,
Scot Ashcroft