"Another MRI Story"

I can’t pass this one up! The lesson is both funny and so practical. I went to the imaging center for an MRI Monday morning. By the way… thanks for all the prayers. I’ll keep everyone posted. Here’s the story. I walked in and registered; took my britches off and put one of those disgusting gowns on; waited in a common waiting room, freezing; and finally made it back to the imaging room. The tech instructed me to put ear plugs in and lie down on the table. OK… I looked at him and said, “I’m a little claustrophobic.” I was actually being braver about it than I intended. I’m a lot claustrophobic! He said, “No problem. It’ll only take about twelve minutes. Would you like a wash cloth to put over your eyes?” I really hope you’re laughing as much as I was then! A wash cloth! Are you kidding me? I want some drugs… do NOT put me in that coffin head first! Oh well, drugs were not an option; neither was a change in positioning. So, in I went. I determined that if I just kept my eyes closed and prayed… fervently now has a new meaning for me… I could make it. And, I did.

And I learned a great lesson. God doesn’t use “wash cloths” to take care of our fears. Here’s His promise:

Jesus said, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:26-27 NASB).

It took the disciples a little while to “get it.” In fact, it wouldn’t be until the Holy Spirit came on them at Pentecost that they would understand the really answer to fear! Now, I’m not minimizing our phobias. Believe me… I know how they can affect us. What I am saying is that god doesn’t offer us meaningless solutions. He doesn’t offer a wash cloth over our eyes! He offers us His presence in the Holy Spirit. He lives within us with all of His power and might at our beck and call! That’s what He gives us!

That means when the real fears, like death and darkness encroach, we can turn to Him and know we have already been given the victory. Let the devil give it his best shot. It is no match for my heavenly Father. Jesus has already won that victory on my behalf! These temporary challenges are no more than that – temporary! That which is eternal is secured by the blood of Jesus shed on my behalf nearly 2,000 years ago! Whatever fear you are facing today, please turn to the One who calms the storms of life with just the whisper of His voice. He won’t let you down.