Sometimes things happen that we might call coincidences but are actually divine interventions. There is always a special purpose behind them. They reveal that God is truly interested in His most important creation–human beings. The following story is about such an intervention.
One night while I was at the ER with my daughter, a nurse began slandering my name in public. I could not understand why a total stranger would so vehemently attack me with such gross lies. Her cruel words had stung my heart though I tried unsuccessfully to hide it.
Several months later, after much praying, I believed that I was no longer harboring any ill feelings toward the woman. Then one day my friend called me and during the conversation, we began discussing persecution. I recalled the experience I’d had with the nurse. I told my friend that I was finally free of any bitterness I’d felt toward her.
At that same moment, she got a beep on her phone. While waiting for her to return to the line, I also received another call. It was someone from the same hospital where the nurse was employed. They wanted to know if I had been satisfied with the service while my daughter was there.
The woman asked in a professional tone, “Do you have any concerns or complaints?”
Instantly, I could sense a bitterness rise in my heart. Conflicting thoughts filled my mind as I struggled to speak. I thought to myself, “Should I report that nurse’s horrible behavior? She deserves it. What if she did that to someone else too.” Then I realized I was only trying to justify my bad feelings. Finally, I heard my relieved voice say, “Everything was fine, thank you.”
Once those words had left my lips I realized everything was fine with my soul too. God had tested me to show me what was still hidden in my heart. Then He gave me the grace to let it all go.
Memory Verse:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
– Romans 8:35 (NKJV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Thank You, Lord, for being longsuffering and merciful. Help us to always see Your chastening as an act of love. Help me to always remember Your love when I find myself in persecution….”
Contributing Writer:
Tine Cole
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