I was at a place I had never experienced before - being weak and helpless and bound to a hospital bed while doctors tried to determine how best I could be treated. My blood pressure was fluctuating from low to very high, plus an initial diagnosis of "Stroke with left side paralysis" prevented me from receiving any form of medical treatment except for IV fluids.
However I never lost hope as I was visited and comforted by friends and family members who declared healing on my behalf and who also prayed without ceasing. Later I was to learn that a few of my facebook friends were also praying for me. The outcome has been great because I was discharged without medication and a CT scan declaring that there was no evidence that I suffered a stroke.
As I muse upon my life-changing journey, the part that had the most impact on me was the day a friend called and gave me Psalms 41 to read. Upon reading the scripture my spirit was quickened and refreshed. It was as if God was directly speaking to me. The friend explained that the scripture came to him while he was in devotion and he was compelled to call me. He added that he has always been inspired by the level of compassion that I have on the less fortunate and was sure that this scripture would help with my recovery. And it did! I was discharged from hospital the same day.
It reminds me of the Godly woman Dorcas, who was known for her acts of kindness and her genuine love for the poor ( Acts 9:36). When she became ill and died the believers at Joppa sent for Peter in the nearby town of Lydda. A group of weeping widows had gathered in the room where Dorcas' body lay. They had brought the robes and other garments that Dorcas had made for them. The Bible records that "Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, 'Tabitha arise!' Dorcas then opened her eyes and upon seeing Peter she sat up. He took her hand and then helped her to stand up. afterwards he called for the believers and presented Dorcas alive. As a result of this many people believed in the Lord".
One writer noted: "Bringing Dorcas back from the dead was not done for the Dorcas’ sake—Peter knew she was in paradise, with Jesus, and that her life after death was preferable to her life on earth (see Luke 23:43). Peter’s motive, at least in part, for raising Dorcas to life may have been for the sake of the widows and others in Joppa who needed the help Dorcas could provide. The resurrection of Dorcas was also a major reason so many people in Joppa believed. This miracle performed in the name of the Lord led many to faith in Christ."
The writer continued: "Dorcas is a fine example of how we are to meet the needs of those around us. Christians are to “continue to remember the poor” (Galatians 2:10). Part of “religion that God our Father accepts” is “to look after orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). This was the type of religion Dorcas practiced. We also see in the story of Dorcas how the Body of Christ functions as a whole. We are united in Christ, and the believers in Joppa mourned the loss of Dorcas as a close family member. “There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:25–26). Dorcas was one of their own, and her absence left a huge void in their lives."
I am feeling humbled that the Lord remembered me upon my sick bed and that like Dorcas someone who is privy to my dealings with the less fortunate could be the "Peter in my experience." I will never cease to declare the Kingdom of God and live in a way that is pleasing to Him so that others may taste and see that the Lord is Good.
Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.
The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?
And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it. All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt. An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and nowthat he lieth he shall rise up no more. Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.
By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever. Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment