She sat at the Bible study circle in a comfortable chair and listened. Usually an active participant, she chose not to speak. The topic was I Thessalonians 3 and the dialogue around the room was active and informative. But she remained silent. She felt worn and tired. She felt alone and fearful. She hid her emotions behind closed lips and weary eyes. She had wept a lot in the last hour and she did not want to cry now. So she sat quietly listening with dull attention. She was grateful no one noticed her somber attitude.
The Bible study ended and the leader asked for prayer concerns to be included in the closing prayer. "How's Dick?" The question was directed her way and the circle of friends all turned to look at her. It was at that moment she lost it. "I'm worried,"she blurted. Then she dissolved in tears. Between convulsive sobs she stammered. "His abdomen aches. He sometimes feels queasy. He wants to nap all the time. What am I going to do? I depend on him. He's my care-giver. I'm facing some hard decisions."
Immediately, several members of the group gathered around her, laid their hands on her shoulders, her head, her arms and they prayed. Concerned, loving, supportive, heart-filled prayers fell on her ears. She found herself shaking as if she was fighting an oppressive enemy, her arms and hands quivering as she welcomed the loving support of precious, faithful believers. The prayers called on the name of Jesus to support and heal Dick, to give her strength to face any challenges and to trust in God.
The prayers settled her and she stopped shaking. The Lord ministered to her and peace enveloped her. Her face wet with tears, she softly repeated, "Thank you", again and again. The group went back to their seats and then an unexplainable silence filled the room. A hushed quiet came over everyone. There was an awe, an unspeakable presence in that room....a Holy moment.
"The Lord is present," one voice in the group spoke quietly but clearly. No one responded. Everyone remained silent, relishing in the awareness that the Lord had indeed blessed their gathering. No thunderclaps, no drum rolls, no trumpets blasting. Instead the peace that only God can convey in the midst of need, worry and confusion. The pastor, in due time, brought the meeting to a close but all present knew this had been a precious moment.
She left the church with a friend who had driven her. She gazed at the wondrous colorful sunset as they drove to her house and she thanked the Lord for His amazing works.
The health concerns of Dick slowly improved. Initially complaining of abdominal aches, queasy stomach and severe fatigue, they went to Alex Bay River Hospital ER in the US, about 40 minutes away, for answers. The doctors were mystified as to what the problem was when the blood tests came back normal and even the abdominal CAT scan was clear. After a few days a probable cause was apparent.
The fishing boat had taken in a lot of water from heavy rains. Dick had tried to lift and move the boat onto the beach and in doing so felt a deep 'hurt' to his abdomen. Ah! Probably pulled a muscle or possibly even tore the abdominal muscle in that attempt. Remedy? Lots of rest and healing time!
For the next weeks she would make certain he had rest. She knew rest is necessary for healing. Meanwhile, she continued to experience healing improvements in her own energy level, ability in walking and arm skills. She continued to marvel at how the Lord blessed her.
She thought frequently of that Bible study evening. The Lord's presence, so gentle yet so powerful. In the midst of her uncertainty, worry and anxiety, God had reminded her once again that she should trust Him. She realized how weak and human she was, but God was, is and always will be in control of her life. Trust Him always! That was His message for her and she relaxed in His comfort and truth.
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