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BY MIGHT NOR BY POWER BUT BY MY SPIRIT What does it mean “to believe?” This question came to my mind that Monday morning as I lay in bed and reflected on Pastor John’s sermon from Sunday June 1st. Then as I thought about the miracles in our church, my thoughts went to two recent events where God’s hand had worked mightily: Rev Jess’ gift of twins and my recent letter to Steven’s employer. So here I am to share my story of our amazing God and what it means to believe, to trust, to have faith, and to obey. The company Steven worked for thought they could get away with just severance pay. However, God led me to find his appointment letter, which led the company to help our family financially until Steven is released, or until February 14, 2008, whichever would come first. That day of February came – no release, no more monetary help. Six months before that timeline, I was reminded by Steven and friends that I need to think about writing to the company for further support as they, being in senior management, know how such things work and the bureaucracy involved. There is a lot of truth in that, but part of me sensed that I needed to wait. As I sought God in this, the months passed and the end drew nearer and nearer. Steven pressured me to go back to the company, as he was afraid they would wash their hands of this matter and leave him to carry the burden himself. Deep within me I knew I had to trust God, reasoning that if our God is the all-powerful, all-knowing God that I know HE is, then I know that I can trust HIM to work things out. I sensed that if I waited until the due date to write, my letter would carry more weight. So I went back to Steven and shared with him my thoughts and what I sensed God had placed in my heart. I asked that he agree with me to wait until Feb 14th, and if nothing happened, then I would write immediately. This agreement was important as we needed to be of one mind, as well as remember God’s divine mandate that the husband is the head of the household; thus, I needed Steven’s consent as well. On February 15th I wrote my letter to the Chairman of the company. We committed this letter to God before sending it out. Meanwhile, we continued to pray and wait. A month later, I received a reply which was quite amazing in itself. That day, I sensed God telling me that I would receive a reply, and when I saw it in my inbox, I almost fell off my chair! Nothing prepared me for what I was about to read. There was no mention of money but merely that they would look into this matter again. I was overjoyed and felt that the reply in itself was of more value than anything else, although I cannot explain why. We gave thanks and continued to wait and trust in God. My faith told me to wait. However, the human side does get impatient and anxious. Steven asked that I write to enquire, and so I sent a gentle reminder to the company with a short message from Steven of what he is going through. We waited again. Two months went by and still no word from the company. I started to reflect that perhaps if this is not in God’s will, I need to think about relocating. The night I came back from my trip to the US (which was in May), I knelt before my Lord and cried out to HIM. I shared many things with HIM, and one thing I said was, “God, I know I told you earlier that the reply from the company is worth more than money itself, but you know, the money would be good. The letter is still very precious but money, you know, would help meet my needs.” When you cry out to the Lord from your heart, not only does HE hear but an overwhelming sense of HIS love fills your heart and peace resides in your soul. It was so soothing – I went to sleep! That was my experience. The following night, a reply came in from the company. Wow! My heart leapt as I wondered what was written. This reply bowled me over. I was awe-struck! The company first apologized for the delay in replying, confirmed their agreement to continue payment until Steven is released, backdated the payments from when they stopped, and promised their continued help if I needed any. More than that (and I decided to save this - the best - for last, for nothing, nothing compares to this!) more than anything else, more than the money itself, is this vindication we have been praying for. It is truly not about the money; it never has been. It is about honor being restored to Steven. This is truly more precious than gold or silver. God and only God, by HIS mighty Hand, has made this happen. Glory to HIS Name! By the company’s action, they have shown their moral obligation and have taken responsibility for what has happened. In the corporate world, such things are not possible; but with God all things are possible. Our Sovereign God has the power to change things and HE did – HE put compassion in their hearts and minds. Who could imagine it could come to this but God Himself, who has promised HE is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ep 4:20)? God has shown me HIS glory yet again and I give thanks indeed with a grateful heart. As we continue to wait and trust in HIM to bring Steven’s release to pass, we come in the knowledge that our God is faithful and that HIS timing is perfect. Glory, honor, power and praise to HIS Holy Name. I love you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit……Amen! Jasmine (June 4, 2008) ^ Back to Top |
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