Monday, November 30, 2009

He is Willing

When we talk about miracles what do you think of? Is the parting of the Red Sea what comes to mind? How about "walking on water"? Do we think about physical healing? I know I do.
There are many types of miracles in the Bible, and Jesus Himself preformed many of them as we see in the New Testament Gospels. Today I want to tell you about a miracle that happened in my life. I want you to know, so you will understand and accept that miracles are for those who believe. Not for those that just believe in Jesus, but for those that believe that He is willing... still willing for miracles, today.

Jesus healing the man with leprosy in Mark chapter 1.




Don't be tempted to skip over the scripture. (been there, done that) Even if you read it one hundred times. God can show you something new. He will honor your willingness to read His Word. So take a minute each new post to read the scripture verses. I can guarantee that it will bless you...time after time.

Version: NAS
John 14: 12-14

"Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me; otherwise believe on account of the works (miracles) themselves. 12. "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go to the Father. 13. "And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14. "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do [it].


Version: NAS

Mark 1: 40-42


40. And a leper came to Him, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." 41. And moved with compassion, He stretched out His hand, and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed." 42. And immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

Some of you that I correspond with have heard this account, but I want you all to be on the same page with me. You need to know this, so you will know that I believe in miracles. Not just in theory, but in real life.

Back in the fall of 2002, a little over seven years ago. I had three major heart attacks. For four days I had what I thought was a pinched nerve in my right arm. I didn't know it was my heart because the pain was so severe in my right arm, shoulder to wrist.

At that time I was in good health, active and energetic, involved in church and ministry. I had a healthy diet, was a size 6, and had never smoked. I was probably the last person in the world that you could look at and think would be a candidate for a heart attack. But I had been under a lot of stress for quite a few years, and the underlying cause was that I had hereditary cardiovascular disease of which I knew nothing about.

God had called me to ministry a few years before, and in preparation He began to teach me about Himself. I studied God's Word for hours at a time. Sorry, I'm not exaggerating. I would get my Bible, and a notebook and I would be at His feet studying, praying, and listening. He instilled in me that He was looking for people that would believe the Bible. Not just for salvation, which is only the start, but that would really BELIEVE that He was still the same today, and that He is willing to do miracles in our individual lives. So I started studying the gospels with great intent and interest. Would I be willing to trust Him? Yes, I was convinced that I would.

So then a few years later the heart attacks happened, only a few weeks after God had done a huge miracle at our church that He had allowed me to be a part of. He knew what was coming my way. Why didn't He prevent it? Good question. One that I have asked of Him. I will just say, that had I not had this experience I would not have known first hand God's graciousness, willingness to heal, and His amazing love. I would not now have the confidence to teach and pray for others for physical healing.

Now when I finally got to the hospital at 6:00 on Monday morning I was still in the middle of a major coronary. They rushed me to the Heart Catheterization lab and did an angiogram. That is where they insert a tube, or catheter, through the femoral artery in your groin and inject a dye (contrast material) that will show under x-ray where you have an arterial blockage.
I had a 100% block and because of it there had been so much pressure in my artery that an aneurysm had formed. It was extremely large and had so weakened this artery that the cardiologist left the room when he saw it. He knew I was going to die on the table, and he didn't want to see it. My heart was severely compromised and was "dead" in the upper 1/2 to 1/3. In layman's terms I was a "goner".

I was terrified when, laying on the table, I started having another heart attack. There came a voice in my spirit that said to me loud and clear. "There will come a day when you see Me face to face, but today is not that day." I knew right then He would heal me.

I was told after the angiogram procedure that I would be a cardiac patient. Surgery to repair the aneurysm was out of the question. It would kill me. I could die if I sneezed, so it seemed inevitable that I didn't have much time. I thanked my doctor and said that I believed that God had a ministry for me and that I couldn't do it if I was in heaven. So I believed God would heal me. I didn't know when. Tomorrow, next week, next month or next year. But I believed God would do it.

The end of the week of my hospital stay the cardiologist suggested some repeat tests to see exactly where I stood. (now I think that this would have been a waste of time and dangerous) God knew what He was doing. So I had the tests.

The next evening I had a full hospital room with church friends and prayer partners. Our Sunday School teacher and his wife were there, and some close friends. (I had told my husband to not let anyone in to see me that was crying or scared. I could not afford to doubt.) The doctor came in to give us the results. I told him to go ahead. These people that were with me knew where I stood in my physical health and prognosis. The doctor cleared his throat, somewhat at a loss for words.

"I can't find the aneurysm, and your heart is fully functioning. I don't know how to explain it."

"I do." I said. "God has healed me."

And the cardiologist agreed.

Now re-read Mark 1:41

Now you know why I believe in miracles.

A few posts ago, I asked for a favor. I'm not too proud to do it again. If you read this Bible Study please place a link to this blog on your side bar and or blog list. This is not for me, as it is not "about me". This is a blog celebrating Jesus and God's Word. I am praying for people to read this. God can bring them to Himself if we make His Word available. People come through these blogs hurting and searching. I believe that if they can just get a glimpse of Jesus here, He can change their lives. Please remember, this is not about me, or for me. It's about spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you don't feel comfortable yet, please pray about it. Here's the link:

We are just getting started. Have you found a journal, or a notebook? Please do. I know that God wants to speak to each of us. Just take a minute to write your thoughts, ideas, and prayer requests down for future reference. God has a lot to say to us. God has been speaking to many of you this last week, and I am so excited. I want to hear about what God has been doing in your own life. Please don't feel like my account overshadows what He has done for you. I needed healing, He did that. You may not have had that exact need, but I know there are miracles out there. Please share them with us. It doesn't have to be a "physical healing"' but ANY thing that you know God alone did. Leave a comment and tell us how God has done miracles in your life.

 
Blessings everyone!
love, Debra

26 comments:

  1. Tis
    always the season for miracles! Beautiful testimony. I already have you on my blog list.
    Lee

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  2. Ms. Debra, I love your Bible lessons. I know what he can do.. he has done it in my life- many times. I went to him like the woman with the issue of blood, I knew that if I could just touch the hem of his garment that I would be made whole... and I was and will continue to be in his mighty mighty name!!

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  3. Debra,
    Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your online bible study. I've read through a few of your posts already and just love it here! :)
    Your story is amazing! I had goose bumps!
    God is soooo very good! He has shown himself to be a real living and breathing God to me in so many ways.
    Over the last few years, my marriage was in trouble. We were headed for divorce. There was no logical reason for me to hang onto hope that we would stay together...(If I hadn't believed that God would heal our marriage, it would be over today.)
    Thankfully I did believe that God would heal us, and I prayed daily, studied my bible and spent hours on my knees during those days & months that seemed to stretch on and on. I could have easily given up hope.
    In the eyes of the world, I should have given up and signed the papers that were presented to me. But I didn't! I never even opened the envelope! I believed with all my heart and soul that God would heal our marriage and keep our precious family together...and that is exactly what he has done. We just renewed our vows this last August and celebrated our 12th anniversary together with family and friends. You can read about the ceremony at http://patinasoul.blogspot.com/2009/08/god-is-in-details.html
    One day soon I will blog about the story behind the ceremony as I know God is calling me to share it with others. There are so many marriages under attack from the enemy, (not many people willing to talk about it) and people need to know that it is Gods will for them to stand strong against the enemy's attacks, pray for Gods hand to be on their marriage and believe...Because...
    "With God all things are possible!" Mathew 19:26

    My marriage is living proof of that!
    My husband and I have a better marriage now than we ever thought possible...even better than before our struggles! He is the man of my dreams! God is so amazing!
    Thanks again for your blog! You are a blessing!

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  4. Fawn, I'm so glad you shared your miracle in your marriage. God is so good, and so many people are without hope. They think their marriages are over, but God can step in and change the circumstances! You have an awesome testimony!
    Misty, praise the Lord, girl, you are a wonder. We are with you, and standing with you for healing!

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  5. Debra...Your story is amazing. I want you to know something...

    God directed me to your site today...not your other one, this one.

    I need to process what I've read today. I'll be back.

    Love to you and your tender heart.

    Rebecca

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  6. Debra,
    Thank you for sharing. I so look forward to each new post. I have started that journal and have stepped up my prayer life thanks to the motivation I receive from this sweet study you have invited us all to. I am so glad for your healing because you have not wasted the miracle God has performed in you.

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  7. Miss Debra- I quoted you today in a conversation with my husband.
    It is as if God has fast forwarded time in the relationships he has given us all in this world of blogging.

    It is logical that we find, through your generosity, a source for our Bible study.

    I have you in my sidebar.

    I am going to try and think of a way to make it stand out more.

    Laura

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  8. Debra,

    Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. Praise God! I also really believe in miracles, too. I have seen them in my own life. I have been physically healed right before my own eyes instantly and the Lord also healed and restored my marriage. I will be adding you to my blog list. Oh, and I would also love to have prayer for my trip. I am leaving Wednesday morning and I have never traveled alone before. I would appreciate prayers for safe flights and that God would guide me through each step. Thanks so much!

    Blessings,
    Adrienne

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  9. Hi Debra,
    Thank you for sharing your awesome testimony. I do know that God heals and delivers. My son drowned at the age of 2 when we were on vacation at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort. You know how a 2 year old can just get away from you.He seemed to just disappear. You can imagine our panic. Minutes seemed like hours and then I discovered him floating face down in the pool. No pulse. He was not breathing.It had been at least 10 minutes.Despair swept over me. But then in my spirit I heard,"The death angel must pass over your house. The Blood in on your doorpost."
    "Yes!" I thought. "The Blood in on my doorpost."
    Faith rose up in me as I grabbed his little foot and spoke that Blessed Name. I saw death bow its' knee to the name of Jesus.
    That 2 year old is now 18 and a freshman at LSU. To God be the Glory! He is faithful and He can be trusted. There is nothing too hard for Him!
    Thank you for your ministry! I've got you on my bloglist.

    Lisa

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  10. Even though you already shared this story with me on the phone last week, I got goose bumps reading it again just now.

    I know that God heals, I see it in my line of work every single day. But sometimes the healing doesn't always take the form we are expecting, nor does it arrive exactly when we think it will. I believe that this is where our faith comes in.
    We have to resist the temptation to give in to despair or to lose heart when our healing is delayed. Just hold on to Him and believe that it IS coming, in whatever form He deems best.

    I'm so glad that you are posting our prayer requests on the right over there. That's a wonderful touch.

    This is a tremendous ministry you're building here, Debra. I am so proud of you!
    Love,
    Anne

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  11. Rebecca, I'm so glad you "listened" today. What a blessing to have you here!

    Laura, God is so good to give us these connections. He brings people into our lives through the most amazing ways. You are a dear.

    Brenda, your words rang in my ears all day. "Not to waste the miracles God has given us". I pray that I never do. I always want to learn the "spiritual lessons", and not waste one moment of my life. Thank you.

    Adrienne, you will be in our prayers. Thank you for sharing about how God has worked in your life. I'm looking forward to hearing more from you. I'm so glad you're here!

    Lisa, I have read your comment several times and I'm still getting goose bumps. Praise the Lord, you were available to hear and were listening. God gave you specific instructions. Thank you for sharing this. It is truly a miraculous intervention by God's own hand!

    And Anne, what you said is so true, Even though God healed me at a specific time and saved my life, I have not seen that "complete" healing that I'm still trusting for. It has been hard for me at times to continue dealing with heart problems when I so wanted it all to be finished with. He is teaching me as I go, and with me, the rest of my healing is a "process". Working in the medical field, God has you "positioned" to be His hands and heart for those who need Him.

    Love to you all, and thank you for your comments. You just bless me beyond words.
    Debra

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  12. I read your other blog before I came to bible study this morning...I am so glag the Lord had other plans for you...you are touching so many lives by this precious blog!
    I have had you in both my sidebars from day one but I am now handing out tiny cards containing this blog address to store visitors and clients.
    Thank you so much Debra...for this awesome opportunity to study Gods Word with others again!
    Love you...donna

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  13. If anyone asks me to pray for them during a time illness or disease or injury - I will pray for complete healing of the 'root cause' of their struggles.
    I've had people tell me not to pray for their healing - but instead to pray for the Dr. to have wisdom and skill - to pray for strength to endure the struggle with grace - to pray for better medication, etc.
    But because I too have experienced God's healing several times in person, if someone asks me to pray for them, as long as they still have breath, I will pray for complete healing and then leave the results to God.
    I rejoice with you over the healing you received at the Hand of the Great Physician!! He is still in the miracle business today.

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  14. Debra,
    PRAISE GOD for the kingdom of believers gathered here. Your obedience to His guidance is beautiful and inspirational. The transformation of my spirit grows thanks to all of you.
    We can touch each other through His spirit and I pray that each of you reading this right now feels God's love and peace so that some problem is released and given back to God for healing. You have to let go to let God. Just know that when you let go of the problem you still have your spiritual sisters and brothers to hold onto. We've got your back, as some people say. You are NEVER alone. Peace be with you today!
    Kitt

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  15. Debra, I'm so glad you were completely healed. It is a miracle and a joyous one!

    We have recently experience something similar. My mother in law was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma two years ago this month. She never doubted for a second that she would be healed and that God has a plan for her. She is now cancer free!

    I do believe in miracles. They don't always come when we want them to but they do happen.

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  16. I am near to tears Debra. What a miracle God granted you. He has a purpose us all and yours was to go on and share your story of faith. Thank you so much for sharing, it moved me greatly.

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  17. I believe in Miracles, I believe in God and beautiful beautiful Debra - I believe in you.

    Now, I believe I'm going to pray and say "thank you" for allowing me to read your beautiful words.

    (and grab some tissues 'cause I'm a mess now.)

    xoxo
    robelyn

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  18. I can't match your words Debra, nor those of the other comments here. All I can do is add that of my own personal miracle that happened this year...Bella. She is a living, breathing joy that God has placed in my life. Her survival chances were almost nil and even if survived past birth, the outcome was grim according to the doctors. Jenn was looking at a long hospital stay for her perhaps as long as a year with surgeries, possible blindness, heart, breathing, digestive, kidney, brain problems. The list just went on and on. I didn't read or listen to what others were saying, I only listened to what God had put in my heart. Jenn felt the same way. Together we claimed her as a healthy baby and believed that is what she would be. God answered our prayers ten fold. This past Thursday, she was sitting in her high chair as we joined hands to offer God our thanks for all His blessings, but especially for her.
    I continue to read and learn from you and the others, and I pray that I will grow as well.
    Debbie

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  19. Debra, my first time to visit, and all I can say is you are an amazing person, and I believe you have reached out and touched many and will continue to do so. The world we live in today is so crazy and busy at times. I love being able to drop by and read your posts and remember the importance of keeping God in my heart, thank you for this.

    Take care, Sue

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  20. I believe He can. I believe He will.
    Love,
    Melanie@Bella~Mella
    added you to my sidebar

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  21. Wow Debra! You have been through a lot! What a testimony for Christ! I LOVE how God reveals himself to us & those around us!

    Dear Great Physician-
    Thank you for healing my friend Debra...Thank you for using us to accomplish your work. You have plans for us that we might not understand until later, we thank you that your plans for our lives are far greater than our plans. Thanks you for this place to gather in your name. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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  22. Debra, I read your blog today..I have missed you a few days, what with T'giving and work!
    I too, am a believer in miracles and in His
    miraculous works. You have raised my awareness in Him and will listen more acutely. I love Jesus! My Journal will become a constant with me from now on. Thank you, Debra. God Bless
    You for this wonderful blog.
    Smiles and Blessings,
    Nancy C

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  23. Debra, i too have been miraculously, divinely healed - complete with doctor's signature. Jesus DOES still heal. we may not hear of it as often today in our country, but He's still at work.

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful, grace-filled moment with all of us.

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  24. I have been so moved to hear from each and every one of you. Thank you for stepping out there and sharing some of your miracles, and letting us know that God is still in the business of physical healing.
    Deb, I too pray for complete physical healing. Once when I had had a really strong word from God to pray with and for a specific person for a specific healing I was "trounced" by the pastor and staff of a church, because they said, "What if God didn't heal them?" It really threw me, but I said it's not up to me to heal them, but between the person and God. That I would do what God told me, and leave it in His hands. I always pray that God speak to the individual and solidify their faith for healing. Physical healing is not always instantaneous, and at times there is a path to walk. People need to have something to hold on to if the road gets a little rocky.
    I'll be posting tomorrow, I'm hoping we will stay on this subject matter. There is a lot more to discuss. Thank you everyone, you are great! Keep the comments and testimonies coming. They increase everyones faith!
    Debra

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  25. Sorry about that. It's shows how long winded I'm being. Anyway to continue....Well I got a call from an apt community wanting to hire me as asst mgr. I took the job for a few days. In the meantime I had set up and appt to see the the maintance mgr of another community to hang wall paper as an extra side job. I stopped by there and he immediately asked if I'd be interested in the asst mgr job at this community. Much nicer one at that. The next day I met with the manager who hired me immediately. I was given an apt free because the manager lived off property. This was not any old apt. This was a 3 bdrm apt, 1650 sq ft apt and wait, here it is...Riverfront! Free, each and every month. No rent, no cable bill, I did pay electric, earned a pretty darn good salary with bonus'. No only that but they told me to pick out new carpet for the entire apt and new tile for the baths, tub and all. Another employee told me they had never given a waterfront apt to anyone before. This was their most expensive. And believe me I didn't have to beg for it. It just was handed to me. When I left that job I moved in with Neil who was selling one house (not on the water) and living in a condo on the beach while it was being rented and sold. So straight from the river to the beach. Within 8 months we moved into a house on the river that he had owned for years and rented out, we were waiting for these renters lease to end. We moved back to this 1920 cottage and began a tremendous remodel which is not and I doubt ever will be finished. This is a beautiful older area with tons of graceful oaks draped with moss on a nice quite 2 arce piece of land. So the point of this is that since probably 2 weeks after that prayer I have never not lived on the water. Now I'm not one to think that you can say I want a Lexus and it will be there next week but God knew my heart, my suffering, and the mental anguish I dealt with. He knew that my heart was sincerely searching for him, loving him and needing him. He graciously blessed me beyond measure. This was life saving for someone who felt no one cared or listened.

    Though my life may be in turmoil again and I have good and bad days when my heart and mind feel like they are breaking I know God listens to me and continues to love me (even when I don't love myself). Don't I sound pathethic? I may not be here tomorrow or forever but I will always know that God listened to me heard my prayer and graced me with the knowledge that he was with me. Being apart of this group is so very comforting.

    Thank you all.
    With love and hugs...Tracy

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  26. Dear Debra & all of Debra's Angel here.

    I'm sorry I haven't gotten back soon. But I'm so glad I came back by because everyones stories of the Lords amazing love and amazing blessings have be a joy to read. Don't you all feel strengthen by the bond we've found here. I know for a fact that God lead me to Debra and that the time was pre-destined.

    My life and/or heart is in turmoil right now but you all make it better. It seems that this sight and the friends I've been blogging with are all the good and kindness I can see and feel right now.

    I will share a mircle that to me was a sure sign of Gods love and grace at the time (and even now) though it is not life saving medically, but was mentally. This happened years ago at least 10. I have been dealing with depression for years now. I'd lost my parents 14 months apart years before this and truely felt orphaned even though I had a son of my own. I started spending alot ALOT of time reading the bible and spending time in church. I noticed the more I read the bible the more I desired to read it, the more I truly enjoyed it and received a message from it. At the time I was working my own hours and was available to go to the beach for a couple of hours every morning. I've always been a water baby and found it to be very comforting and soothing. Just the sound of the waves, the calmness of the water brought me such peace and relaxation. I would take my bible and go to a pretty slow area of the beach. I loved this time. It brought me incredible comfort and I actually felt joyful. One day when praying I told the Lord how much peace the water was to me. It's such a spiritually soothing place to spend time in his word. As I praise him and thanked him for his beauty and majesty, I did the craziest thing. I asked the Lord if somehow, someway, someday he could help me to be able to live on the water where I felt so comforted. Now even then when I was saying this it sounded so crazy in my head. I've never believe in selfish praying but here I was and now it was out. I told him, I know this is crazy I in no way could afford to live near the water, renting and definately not owning. I said I don't know how or when but one day I pray that this will come to me even if it was littlest cottage on a postage stamp piece of land. I kept thinking in my head this is so crazy why does it seem so possible. That was it, I didn't dwell on it or pray over and over for it.

    I know, this is getting long, sorry. I can't fit it all in this post so please continue on the next.

    Tracy

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