Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the
substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)
Hebrews 11:1 - Faith makes us sure of what we hope for
and gives us proof of what we cannot see. (CEV)
Exodus 15:26b - I am the Lord, who heals you. (NIV)
In 1996, I became so ill that eventually I had Red
Cross homemaker service and used a wheelchair. Slow death was my future. In
desperation, I asked people of the church to pray for me. My husband prayed.
Today, at age 58, I do paid work two or three days a week and live independent
of medical aid. God gave me healing. It came by way of a faith relationship with
the Lord who heals. It was not a quick fix, but gradual improvement. Almost
fourteen years ago, I began a day-by-day journey that continues.
The turning point from slow death to full life
happened in the summer of 1997, when I believe that Jesus spoke to me directly
through John chapter 5. That morning when I read the passage in my Bible, the
words Jesus spoke to the man at the Pool of Bethesda who had been an invalid for
38 years "jumped" off the page. I "heard" them:
John 5:6 - When Jesus saw him lying there and learned
that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want
to get well?" (NIV)
From then on, I deemed insignificant any symptom
contrary to my "Yes!" In response to Jesus' question in that Scripture, "Do you
want to get well?" Over the years, the symptoms melted away.
The experience of hearing directly from Jesus
revolutionized my faith. I moved to a "now" kind of faith, real hope where I was
sure of what no one could see. I was healed. Jesus called me to live! Jesus'
words set me up to expect wellness. The prayers of others helped me to be ready
for this faith. Since then, daily in faith, I search the Scriptures for wisdom,
and I pray. A major benefit of the conversations I enjoy in my private prayer
and Bible study is His guidance. My faith helps me seek, find, and celebrate His
every blessing so that I may share His blessing with others.
Romans 10:17 - No one can have faith without hearing
the message about Christ. (CEV)
I "heard" because God, in His profound mercy, hooked
my attention on that summer day.
After this event, a Ziggy cartoon was published which
I posted on my bedroom wall. Ziggy, standing with his back to the reader, was
backlit by a sunrise filling the horizon, casting a long shadow toward the
reader. Ziggy's face peered over his twisted torso and shoulder. The caption
read something like, "When all seems dark, maybe you need to turn and look in a
new direction."
Prayer: Father in heaven, we ask in the name of Christ
Jesus that You would lead us to a "now" kind of faith. Make us ever-expectant of
hearing You speak to us, and make us sure of Your merciful lovingkindness. For
Your honour and glory, may we give effective witness to Your powerful, living
presence in creation. May we hook the attention of others and direct them to
You. Our hearts rejoice in gratitude for Your every good and perfect gift. Amen.
Pat Bell
bobnpat@bmts.com
Desboro, Ontario, Canada
Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca
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