"It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."
For the third time in my life I am working through Henry's Blackaby's "Experiencing God" Each time God reveals new things to me but this time is the BEST.
On day three, He says, "God takes the initiative. When He comes to a person, He always reveals Himself and His activity. That revelation is always an invitation for the individual to adjust his life to God."
That weekend I felt like I should go in to work on Monday- I don't work that day but since ESOAL was on Thursday and I wouldn't be working that day- I decided to go in-even though I had no appointments scheduled. I was there about one half hour, had printed something and went to the next room to get it off the printer- returned to my desk and in a few moments one of the girls I know-plopped down in my chair. She had been next door visiting someone near the printer and heard my voice and heard God tell her to come see me. A painful, troubled young woman sat in the chair. I immediately prayed and then asked her what was going on. She proceeded to tell me about a horrible toothache she had been experiencing for 4 days. (I immediately thought of a dear friend of ours whose son had a similar pain- went to the dentist- the dentist said it was probably a tooth acting up that had work on it some years before- and he died in his sleep that night.) I, of course, did not tell her this but took it as a red flag that I needed to do something to help her. We bowed and asked God for wisdom on what to do. (God was inviting me to adjust my life to His right then and there!) To complicate matter for us (but not for God) she told me she had no money and no dental insurance. God- we really need you to show up here!
The first thing I tried was a local dentist who had done much work for several of our immediate family- they referred me to United Way- who referred me to a local Texas group- who said they were too busy with Hurricane Ike relief to do anything about local problems. Not knowing where else to turn I called my dentist in Quitman- and they said since it was a wisdom tooth problem we needed to speak to an oral surgeon. $$$$$ They gave me the name of one in Tyler whom I called, explained our dilemma to which they said...we'll call you back. They did and said they would see her about 3 that day.
We drove to Tyler- crying out to God for help and mercy. Driving up to this very exclusive looking Oral and Facial Surgery office we entered the waiting room which was furnished with beautiful leather furniture and furnishings and had 3 very polite ladies behind the counter who "helped" us. They gave Chelly many forms to be filled out- one being the financial form. It said that "having no insurance, I take full responsibility for all charges." She looked at me and I told her to go explain her case...to which the lady behind the counter replied- If you don't sign it- the doctor won't see you. She looked at me and I said, "You HAVE to sign it." She did. They soon called her name and we went back and had the "round the head" x-ray; (I KNEW this was a very expensive x-ray..a few years back the dentist in FL wanted Dave to do that fro $700!) We then waited with a nurse to see the Doctor. She was very kind and knew the Lord. Finally the Dr. came in and examined her. Chelly explained that she was leaving to be on the road with Acquire the Fire in just 6 days- The Dr. proceeded to tell her that she needed to have and one and possibly 2 wisdom teeth removed. He then asked if she had any questions. She said, "yes- I understand what I need but I don't have any money." He looked at her kindly and said, "I will cover it." Music playing, butterflies flitting- sunbeams dancing- we were praising the Lord and Chelly was crying!
He made arrangements for the surgery the next morning at 8 am and took out 2 wisdom teeth. (The Dr. is also Christian and was so kind.)
Chelly is now in Amhurst, Mass. at the ATF tonight-totally healed and rejoicing in the goodness of God. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY...GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE...
I just praise and thank our God for inviting me to be a part of this miracle.
3 comments:
that is awesome! so wonderful that you listened to the promptings to go into work that day! I can only imagine the comfort that you brought to her! god is GOOD!
Oh Mary Beth! How awesome is our God? Thank you for sharing this story . . .it really is encouraging to me. God answers prayer and he loves us more than we can fathom. Thank you for being the kind, compassionate woman of God that you are who believes that God can make a way when there seems to be no way. Your example just blesses me so.
Love you and miss you!
I love it!!! God is ALWAYS right there on time! What a blessing! I am so encouraged by this!!! Thank you for sharing! I hope you all are doing well! Love you!
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