ANOTHER MIRACLE
In a prior installment, I pointed out that there was more then one miracle. Before I was slated to go to Virginia Baptist Hospital - I still had the dreaded trachea in - there was a respiratory tech who was examining me. She said “I’ve been doing this for 31 years. There is always voice deterioration with a trachea to one degree or another. Always. I’ve never seen an exception. Until now. Your voice is so powerful that it has stayed the same.” Later, I was to find out that there is a nerve in the neck that is typically injured as part of the trachea insertion. If you were to inspect my neck closely, you can see where the trachea was inserted. You would note that it is slightly off-center - thus the insertion of the trachea missed my nerve! God had maintained my voice!
People have asked how we kept a positive attitude during these times. God certainly upheld us. The prayers of the thousands who prayed for us were so deeply appreciated and we felt them. We find that our faith is more resolute than ever.
My healing journey continues. I still have health issues such as neuropathy in my feet. My lungs have some serious scarring; even the lightest strenuous activities gives me problems breathing.
Years ago I was reading Luke 2. I was reading where Jesus tells Mary that it was time for Him to be about His Father’s business. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that being saved was not enough. You could still be saved, but The Lord is looking for a 100% commitment to Him. I decided then and there I would commit my life 100% to Jesus. There would no turning back. I would pursue Jesus with all that I had to give. I certainly would not be perfect. But I would press on fully intent on serving Him to the fullest. It was this commitment to Jesus that God used to get me thru this trial. To God be the honor, the glory and the praise!
Scripture tells us as much:
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” (1 Cor 6:19-20)
“You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. …But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” (Rom 6:18-22)
“...and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:44)
I firmly believe that my decision to be 100% in for Jesus is why I’m alive today. To absolutely without any qualifications turn my life over to Jesus. James tells us that if you have a divided heart you should expect nothing. 99% in for Jesus is 100% divided! I don’t regret a single instant of what he allowed in my life. Because I gave myself over to Him a fully unqualified 100%!
Knowing that I will meeting Jesus at some point makes me like a giddy kid looking forward to Christmas. Paul said he wanted to go there but the work here wasn’t finished.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me." (Phil 1:21-26)
NEXT TIME: "EPILOGUE"
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Nick is the Vice-Chancellor of Amherst Theological Seminary, and he has a D. Min. from Amherst Theological Seminary. He has his MA from Liberty University in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is the author of the book: "The Walk Applied: Living the New Creation Life as a Citizen of God's Kingdom in a Secular World". He has also written "The Fasting and Prayer Handbook". Nick has been married to Kathy since 1985, and hey are the proud parents of 3 children.
Contact Nick at nick.marica@srcministry.org
Facebook: Amherst Theological Seminary
Web: www.amherstseminary.com
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