Heal and Seal!

During a small group session a few years ago, someone asked, “why can’t I experience God speaking to me through my surroundings, the same way He speaks to Sister Debbie?” I didn’t have an answer for her question, and I certainly didn’t want to appear more “spiritually enlightened”, but one thing I’m certain about is that God often answers my prayers in unique ways; whether through a song, a scripture verse, an encouraging word or bolded words on the back of a truck - He’s not limited in his ability to speak to us! What I’m sharing today is not with the intent to boast, but with the intent of demonstrating how relational God is towards us, and His willingness to use any means necessary to comfort, correct and counsel us!

Back in 1996, I decided to return to the workplace after the birth of our second child. I sent out numerous resumes with the hope of landing a job - but my efforts were to no avail. After several days, I received a call from two companies with a, “sorry, that position has been filled.” Everytime I heard those words, my heart sank with disappointment. Am I not good enough? Then one afternoon, the phone rang. This is it! God, please let this be it! I was eager to hear the outcome, but after a brief conversation, I was told once again that the position had been filled. I hung up and became overwhelmed by a feeling of deep sadness. If that company didn’t hire me, I certainly don’t stand a chance with the other ones, I thought. As I turned to walk away, my eyes quickly glanced at a CAA flyer on the dining table, and on the front page read the words, Please Be Patient. Please be patient? God, are you speaking to me? I was patient, wasn’t I? But after a moment of soul-searching, I was thankful for that timely word reminding me to be patient. In my waiting, I didn’t know God was preparing a wonderful job for me, because not long after that, I received a call and got hired.

After moving to our new home a few years later, I hoped to transfer within the company, but it didn’t work out. While spending my days at home, I turned on the radio one morning and heard Dr. Charles Stanley say these words, “so what if you had to resign from your job unexpectedly, God is saying wait.” No way! I was completely spellbound.It was the perfect word, at the perfect time. I believe that was God’s message to me at that moment. I needed to wait. A few days later, I felt led to spend one hour in prayer every day, and during those times I began to experience God in ways I’ve never experienced Him before. He directed me to get my drivers licence, which I did, and not long after that I was blessed with a car. Now with my husband as the sole breadwinner of the family, things got difficult. We had a new home, bills to pay, a family to feed, and we started to feel the financial strain. God, what should I do? I kept seeking Him in prayer, hoping to receive some sense of direction. Then one day as I was praying, my daughter called asking if I could pick her up early from school. As I got in the car and turned on the radio, I was met with the lyrics, “hold fast, help is on the way.” Help is on the way? Is this what you’re saying to me, Lord? I sat in the car for a few seconds before driving off. I felt like this was a writing-on-the-wall moment, because although I heard the song several times before, the words were never clearer - hold fast, help is on the way. Not long after that, God opened doors for me, and things began to change for my family. I realized why I needed to get my drivers licence at the specific time. Trust God’s timing!

There was another instance that reinforced my belief that God truly inclines His ears to our prayers. God, is there anything you want me to know about You? I asked one day while driving to work. About two minutes later, I came across a school sign which read, Good Shepherd Public School. Now, I've driven past that school for about 3 years, but never paid attention to the sign until that day when the message was loud and clear - GOOD SHEPHERD. For the duration of my drive, I worshipped God as my Good Shepherd. I believe God was reminding me of His provision, because not too long after that morning, my company downsized and I was laid off from work. Despite being jobless and not knowing what that meant for my family, I was reminded that God is our Good Shepherd. A good shepherd takes care of his sheep, and that’s exactly what God did for us.

Fast forward to last month, I started experiencing heartburn while at the office with my husband. I went to the drug store, bought some pain relief medicine, and returned to the office. After ingesting, it certainly relieved the pain, but only for a moment as it started up again. I was slightly agitated because I thought this heartburn would put a wrench on our dinner plans that evening. We eventually left the office, and as I got into the car, the pain intensified. At this point, I didn’t know if it was heartburn or a heart attack. I started to panic! Although we were heading to the restaurant, I thought we should head to the emergency instead! God, please heal me from this discomfort, I silently prayed. The pain persisted, but so did my prayers! Please God, help me! At that moment, in the hustle and bustle of the busy street, I heard a gentle whisper, “Debbie, you’ll be fine.” I wanted to make sure I wasn’t going off of mere emotion, so I asked God to give me a sign - yes, there I was fleecing God again. My husband exited the highway, but stopped abruptly due to the traffic. Right then, a mini trailer stopped in front of us. Initially, I wasn’t paying attention to it until it moved a little, and that’s where my eyes met the bolded sign - Heal and Seal. I sat there looking in astonishment, in total disbelief. Yes, disbelief. God, is this your way of saying I’m healed? I really couldn't believe my eyes, but miraculously the pain subsided. I was healed! I showed up to the restaurant and had a wonderful evening with my family, all the while quietly thanking God for healing and sealing me - no more acid reflux! I haven’t experienced heartburn to this day. Thank you God for answering my prayer!

I share these experiences with the aim of reminding us that God is mindful of us! He sees us. He knows us. He inclines His ears toward us. He may not speak to you the way He speaks to me, but be comforted in knowing that He speaks! Whether it’s through His word, a song, or a fellow believer - we can be comforted in knowing our Father actively seeks to comfort us by whatever means necessary.

‭‭ Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭