Just Breathe

For several years I have battled asthma. I have no idea what brought it on... perhaps allergies, maybe my weight contributed... I don't know. All I do know is that wheezing has become a part of every-day life for me.

Daytime isn't so bad. I can deal with it in the light. (Everything is easier to deal with in the "Light".) It's bedtime when I really struggle. The sound of wheezing fills my ears and keeps me awake at night. Not to mention the coughing and throat clearing that keeps Rod awake... YUCK!

Oddly, I don't recall ever praying about it.

Until last night...

Exhausted, my head finally rested on my pillow. As I lay there (wheezing) I began thanking God - with a full heart - for my family. After about 10 minutes, I had to get up and take my inhaler. When I finally returned to bed, my heart cried out to the Lord : "Please, God... I just want to breathe!"

I drifted off to sleep...

This morning as I got ready for church, I thought about how -(not too often)- our pastor has a "word" of healing for our church body. I also thought it's been quite awhile since there has been such a word given. "Please, God... please give Pastor a word for me. I need to know you hear me."

I entered church feeling a little "off" and heavy-hearted. Worship started, and with eyes closed, I searched for the gates to His courts... the music continued... "I just want to be where you are, Abba..." Then these words came to my heart:

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord... Serve the Lord with gladness... Come before his presence with singing..." ( ... I'm singing, Lord. ) "Know ye that the Lord is God... it is He that has made us... Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise... Be thankful unto Him and bless His name... For the Lord is good... His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations..."

Then I plead, "I forgive ____ - Please forgive me!"

(This was the prompting of the Holy Spirit, an act of obedience, and important for my release.)

Not another song went by when Pastor came forward on the stage. He apologized for interrupting the worship, but said he needed to obey the Holy Spirit, as he was given a "word" of healing... FOR BRONCHITIS and other BREATHING PROBLEMS!

A wave of - relief ? greatfulness ? awe ? swept over me and I was undone.

Oh, God! You heard my cry! You care for me!

Amen