Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.
C. S. Lewis
(originally posted on my CaringBridge page on 1/8/13)
There are some moments in life that are almost too surreal to adequately put into words. Those of you who may read my journal (or as I refer to it—the c-Blog), and were actually witness to what happened Sunday morning . . . well I needn’t say more.
Divine encounters are just that . . . Godly appointments orchestrated on High, for a greater purpose, often times used to reveal Himself in an undeniably powerful way. This particular encounter was something that I’ve never experienced before. It was overwhelmingly beautiful to say the least.
We often go to church on Saturday evenings, but this weekend John and I both felt strongly about going on Sunday morning instead. Upon arrival, we entered a packed sanctuary and were blessed to receive an encouraging, hope-filled message. Then, in an unusual gesture during communion, the Pastor felt prompted to encourage those in need of any type of healing (physical, emotional, spiritual) to come forward to receive prayer. Now normally, it takes a lot for me to be prompted to act on such an invitation, instead I’m usually one of the people interceding on behalf of others. However, at that moment, I knew that I would be a fool not to take the invitation … acknowledging the simple truth that I need prayer even if that involves stepping completely out of my “comfort zone”.
During prayer, the Pastor felt led to ask if there was someone who needed to share a testimony. One person, without hesitation spoke and when finished the Pastor asked again, if there was someone else who wished to share a testimony. It was very unusual—clearly not a “planned” part of the service, instead Spirit-led.
A woman stood up in the sanctuary and started to move forward toward the platform. The Pastor realized this was not a regular parishioner, but a first-time visitor. Yet in an act of faith, the Pastor handed her the microphone. Before she spoke, I looked at this woman, and though I’d never seen her before in my life, I felt an unusual connection.
When she spoke, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. She talked about being diagnosed with breast cancer, and being told that it had traveled to 18 lymph nodes, aggressively moving through her body. She then shared the pain this brought to her life but how the power of God brought healing to her body and joy to her entire being. Her story was moving and powerful! You could feel His amazing presence there … “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matt 18:20)
After the service, we talked for a long time and she shared how God had been waking her up for the past three nights at 3:00 am, prompting her to pray for someone, she was unsure who. She then shared how she had no intention to visit the church but not knowing why, felt prompted to look up directions to the church the night before. In addition, a week prior, she had dreams that God would be using her to touch and heal lives with her story.
The entire morning was indescribably indescribable.
Through this divine encounter, I met a soul sister handpicked for me at that moment. The Lord reminded me of His promise — that He has no intention of leaving me or forsaking me and that it was He who knit me together perfectly in my mother’s womb, creating my inmost being. His gentle whisper assured me that He would keep me as the apple of His eye, hiding me in the shadow of His wings.
I am blessed.
SEAGLASS 