For parents facing a frightening medical diagnosis, few words carry more weight than those spoken by doctors about a child’s future. When Christian apologist and author Jeremiah Johnston heard those words, they became an invitation to trust God for what seemed impossible.
During a recent podcast appearance on Josh Howerton’s platform, Johnston shared a deeply personal testimony he says he had not previously discussed on a podcast: the remarkable healing of his son, Abel, who had been diagnosed with chronic scoliosis.
Johnston recalled a difficult season for his family when Abel, the oldest of his triplets, was receiving treatment at Scottish Rite Hospital in Texas. According to Johnston, doctors told the family that the specialized cast Abel wore for 12 hours each day was not expected to heal his condition.
“They told us at Scottish Rite that the cast he had to wear for 12 hours a day would not heal his body,” Johnston said. “They said it will just help him from having to get steel rods from his chronic scoliosis.”
Faced with that prognosis, Johnston turned to prayer.
“I believe in praying big prayers,” he said.
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As he prepared to submit a manuscript he had dedicated to Abel, Johnston invited his son to participate in the milestone moment. He allowed Abel to click the mouse that finalized the manuscript submission, then prayed a simple yet bold prayer.
“And I said, ‘Lord, will You heal our son?'”
Johnston said the family intentionally kept the situation private, sharing it only with their pastor. Rather than opening the matter to widespread discussion, they chose to quietly trust God while continuing Abel’s treatment.
At the center of that decision was Johnston’s unwavering belief in God’s power to intervene.
“In the Holy Spirit, I believe in a God who heals,” he said. “I believe in Jesus, that Jesus heals.”
Then came the moment that changed everything.
Johnston said that during a follow-up visit to Scottish Rite, doctors examined Abel’s spine and discovered something the family never expected.
“The same week that my book hit the No. 1 New York Times bestseller list, we go to the Scottish Rite, and his spine is as straight as an arrow,” Johnston said.
The memory still moves him.
“I have chills telling you this,” he added.
The family left the hospital rejoicing.
“We’re praising Jesus all the way home.”
Today, Johnston says Abel signs copies of the book that was dedicated to him because he believes God honored the faith of a young boy who loves Jesus.
“I believe God honored him, a 9-year-old who loves Jesus,” Johnston said.
For Johnston, the testimony is ultimately not about a book, a bestseller list or even his family’s journey. It is about pointing people to the healing power of Christ.
“I’ve been waiting for a big podcast to share that story—that God still heals.”
Abel’s testimony serves as a reminder that it is critical to continue to pray for miracles even in the midst of difficult diagnoses and uncertain circumstances. His message to families walking through similar trials is simple: keep trusting God.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
