Post by MIRIAM JACOB on Jan 15, 2016 20:13:59 GMT -5
UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS -
BY ANGELA DUGI
BY ANGELA DUGI
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. (Psalm 139:1-4)
On New Years Eve, I had a 3-D mammogram and an ultrasound at a ladies’ imaging center. My doctor had ordered these tests because of new and worrisome symptoms.
I was uneasy and discouraged, so I distracted myself by singing praise songs on the way. At least I had some time alone and the strength to drive myself.
After I arrived (and finished filling out the notorious paper work), I was led to a cubicle to change into a lovely pink gown. After the mammogram was complete, I waited in a small cozy room staring blankly at “Little Women” playing on the TV.
To pass the time with a purpose I usually ask God to show me someone who needs encouragement; however, I was quiet and subdued, running on empty.
It wasn’t long until a petite Afro-American lady called my name. She had a warm smile on her face. (There is always an instant connection when I see someone eye to eye…as in 5” tall. : )
As soon as I entered the ultrasound room, I was surprised to hear Christian music playing in the background. A calm swept over me and I was finally able to take a deep breath. This was all in God’s hands. He sent this special lady who knew Him—to tend to me!
She hummed along while clicking away on the computer and we even quietly sang a song in unison. A tear rolled down my face and onto the table where I lay. It had been a LONG week….
There was my husband’s surgery to correct a deviated septum, my daughter’s procedure to cut out an ingrown toenail, my appointment with an oncologist to see why my red blood cells were high, and now this!
After she finished the ultrasound I desperately needed a hug, and it wasn’t hard to ask for one. She quickly walked over to me, threw her arms around my neck, and began to pray. The presence of the Holy Spirit was felt strongly in that little room and I broke down and cried.
I’ve found that many times God just needs to borrow our arms.
The love of Jesus can even be felt in the hug of a stranger. But this sweet lady, whom I met 30 minutes earlier, was no stranger. We were kindred spirits! After she prayed she looked at me and said, “God loves you and He will never leave you. It’s going to be okay.” I wiped my eyes and thanked her.
The comfort she gave washed away my discouragement and turned it into courage. And through her kindness I was reminded that God is ever-present. He arranged for someone to sing with me, encourage me…and give me a hug!
On the drive home I thought about Psalm 139. Jesus knew exactly what I needed that day. He went before me and prepared the way. He saw me lying down and the tear that rolled down my face. He knew I was empty, so He filled my cup with unexpected blessings.
Friend, your Father in heaven sees YOU. He knows when you sit down and when you stand up. He hears your laughter, sees your sadness, and is grieved by your pain. He knows your name! But even through your trial, God wants to use you to encourage the discouraged.
We are His instruments in this hurting world where everyone is fighting a battle. People are starving for hope, love, and encouragement. And someone just to acknowledge them.
I’ll never forget seeing an elderly lady eating alone in a restaurant years ago. I felt the urge to share briefly God’s love for her. I walked over, put my hand on her shoulder, and quietly gave her words of hope. She touched my hand and then kissed my cheek! This sweet soul told me that was exactly what she needed to hear.
I encourage you to bless others, whether it be a kind smile to the guy who bags your groceries, hugging a stranger, or a simple “God loves you.” We are His ambassadors wherever we go. We are extensions of His hands and feet.
We are here on a mission—The Great Commission!
*Right before I left the imaging center, I was surprised to be given this beautiful pink rose pictured above. The perfect end to an appointment, ordained by a loving God.
Copyright 2016 Angie Dugi
www.mygodsmiles.net
www.mygodsmiles.net/blog/unexpected-blessings
[/font]On New Years Eve, I had a 3-D mammogram and an ultrasound at a ladies’ imaging center. My doctor had ordered these tests because of new and worrisome symptoms.
I was uneasy and discouraged, so I distracted myself by singing praise songs on the way. At least I had some time alone and the strength to drive myself.
After I arrived (and finished filling out the notorious paper work), I was led to a cubicle to change into a lovely pink gown. After the mammogram was complete, I waited in a small cozy room staring blankly at “Little Women” playing on the TV.
To pass the time with a purpose I usually ask God to show me someone who needs encouragement; however, I was quiet and subdued, running on empty.
It wasn’t long until a petite Afro-American lady called my name. She had a warm smile on her face. (There is always an instant connection when I see someone eye to eye…as in 5” tall. : )
As soon as I entered the ultrasound room, I was surprised to hear Christian music playing in the background. A calm swept over me and I was finally able to take a deep breath. This was all in God’s hands. He sent this special lady who knew Him—to tend to me!
She hummed along while clicking away on the computer and we even quietly sang a song in unison. A tear rolled down my face and onto the table where I lay. It had been a LONG week….
There was my husband’s surgery to correct a deviated septum, my daughter’s procedure to cut out an ingrown toenail, my appointment with an oncologist to see why my red blood cells were high, and now this!
After she finished the ultrasound I desperately needed a hug, and it wasn’t hard to ask for one. She quickly walked over to me, threw her arms around my neck, and began to pray. The presence of the Holy Spirit was felt strongly in that little room and I broke down and cried.
I’ve found that many times God just needs to borrow our arms.
The love of Jesus can even be felt in the hug of a stranger. But this sweet lady, whom I met 30 minutes earlier, was no stranger. We were kindred spirits! After she prayed she looked at me and said, “God loves you and He will never leave you. It’s going to be okay.” I wiped my eyes and thanked her.
The comfort she gave washed away my discouragement and turned it into courage. And through her kindness I was reminded that God is ever-present. He arranged for someone to sing with me, encourage me…and give me a hug!
On the drive home I thought about Psalm 139. Jesus knew exactly what I needed that day. He went before me and prepared the way. He saw me lying down and the tear that rolled down my face. He knew I was empty, so He filled my cup with unexpected blessings.
Friend, your Father in heaven sees YOU. He knows when you sit down and when you stand up. He hears your laughter, sees your sadness, and is grieved by your pain. He knows your name! But even through your trial, God wants to use you to encourage the discouraged.
We are His instruments in this hurting world where everyone is fighting a battle. People are starving for hope, love, and encouragement. And someone just to acknowledge them.
I’ll never forget seeing an elderly lady eating alone in a restaurant years ago. I felt the urge to share briefly God’s love for her. I walked over, put my hand on her shoulder, and quietly gave her words of hope. She touched my hand and then kissed my cheek! This sweet soul told me that was exactly what she needed to hear.
I encourage you to bless others, whether it be a kind smile to the guy who bags your groceries, hugging a stranger, or a simple “God loves you.” We are His ambassadors wherever we go. We are extensions of His hands and feet.
We are here on a mission—The Great Commission!
*Right before I left the imaging center, I was surprised to be given this beautiful pink rose pictured above. The perfect end to an appointment, ordained by a loving God.
Copyright 2016 Angie Dugi
www.mygodsmiles.net
www.mygodsmiles.net/blog/unexpected-blessings