Deacon's Beacon . . .
by Jan Brown, Deacon
(from November 2000 Tidings)
God is still in the Miracle Business!
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I write this month's Deacon's Beacon in the form of a letter - a love
letter to our Heavenly Father and a letter of encouragement to each one of you. GOD IS
STILL IN THE MIRACLE BUSINESS! Please let me share my recent experience with you.
Toward the end of September, I went for my annual mammogram. A day or
two later, I received a letter from the lab asking me to come back for another mammogram
as the first one showed an abnormality. Back I went confident that nothing would be found.
A few days later, I had a phone call from my doctor asking me to come in for an
appointment. Being an obedient patient, I made the appointment.
As the doctor was examining me, she suggested that I see a surgeon as
there was definitely a lump in my breast and with a history of breast cancer in my family,
this was not something to ignore. A week later I was in the surgeon's office. He was very
encouraging. He said that the growth was not there a year ago, so we caught this
"very suspicious lump" very early. He recommended removal as soon as possible.
On Monday, November 2, I was admitted into the hospital for surgery.
I am getting ahead of my story. The Saturday and Sunday before that
Monday, I had the privilege of preaching during Nativity's Services. I would like to quote
a few of the sentences from that sermon.
"God always gives us more than we ask for but He does call us to
humility. It was only when Moses admitted to God that he could not satisfy the people by
himself, that God provided the assistance of additional leaders. Grace has a constant
characteristic - a man cannot receive it until he has realized his need of it, and has
come humbly to God pleading for help. Only when a man realizes his own ignorance will he
ask for God's guidance. Only when a man realizes his own poverty in the things that matter
will he pray for the riches of God's grace. Only when a man realizes his weakness in
necessary things will he come to draw upon God's strength. Only when a man realizes his
own sin will he realize his need of a Savior and of God's forgiveness. Such dependence
begets the only real independence, for then a man faces life not in his own strength but
in God's and is given victory." (I borrowed some of these words from William Barclay)
Several days before I presented the sermon, the words came off the page
and ministered to me. Although I had been praying for successful surgery, I did not want
to bother anyone with my problem, so I tried not to tell anyone. In the middle of the
night, God spoke to me and told me I was guilty of pride and was not giving my Christian
brothers and sisters the opportunity to pray for me. Needless to say, I repented of my sin
and asked for prayers. I was put on Prayer Chains in many areas of the Country.
Back to the Monday of my scheduled surgery. I had to have another
special mammogram before the surgery. The technician was concerned because she could see
two lumps on the x-ray and wasn't certain which one was the target. Therefore, she took
very careful x-rays to pinpoint the area to be removed.
When the x-rays were developed - both lumps were GONE. They called in
the hospital doctor who reads the mammograms and was going to do the first procedure - he
called my surgeon to come to the radiology department. THERE WAS NO LUMP. The IV was
removed - I was able to put my clothes back on - sign the discharge papers - had the best
cup of coffee I have ever tasted - while continually praising the Lord.
I was able to witness the power of God to many of the hospital
employees. All of whom were such wonderful gentle people. Now I am able to witness the
power of God to you. ALLELUIA!
Rejoicing,
Jan
