A few months ago I felt impressed by the Lord to give my favorite bracelet away. This bracelet was only worth about $40 but I wore it often. It was silver and had crosses in different styles on it. The person to whom I felt I should give it is an older lady who had earlier refused my offer of gas money. I wondered if she would refuse the bracelet, too. I wondered if she would even wear the bracelet. I wondered if she would be able to clasp and unclasp the bracelet.Because I thought I knew more about this precious lady than God did, I did not give her the bracelet the first time I felt impressed to do so. A couple of Sundays I actually didn't even wear the bracelet to church. If I didn't have it with me, I couldn't give it away. Then, there was the thought that maybe God wasn't telling me to give the bracelet away at all. Maybe it was just a random thought I had! Not.
Finally, I decided that I would stop trying to excuse myself from obeying God's leading. On a Sunday morning while getting ready for church I decided to obey God that day about the bracelet. By now I just wanted to get give the bracelet to the lady and be done with it! That morning there was an altar call and this lady went for prayer. I went down to pray with her and talk to her concerning her need. At the end of the prayer time, she looked at me and said, "No one has ever told me what you did. I'll be thinking about this for a long time."
It was then that I took my bracelet off and put it on her wrist.
She didn't refuse! She loved it!
I was so relieved.
Several times when I would see her at church she would simply hold up her arm and show me she was wearing the bracelet. She told me that it reminded her to pray!
I have no idea why God wanted me to give away a relatively inexpensive bracelet.
But I do know that He wants us to obey His voice even when we don't really understand the significance of the action.
If we don't train our spiritual ears to hear HIM when all is well, how will we discern HIS voice when we are in a dark valley...even the valley of the shadow of death?
"But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" Hebrews 5:14.
I wrote about another time that God prompted me to give something away. You can read about it here. (Be sure to read parts one and two.)
We are headed back to Shands in Gainesville today. Andrew is scheduled Wednesday morning to have a "port" put in for the chemo drug.
Thursday morning he has another MRI. I am asking God for this MRI to show that HE has already removed all traces of cancer.
HE is a good God, mighty to save! HE is trustworthy. We continue to obey HIS word and come boldy before the throne with our petitions. We continue to hear HIM speaking words to us that we cling to as we walk holding HIS hand through this valley.
One final thing: Yesterday we called to find out if the fluid that was drained from Andrew's head showed infection. IT DID NOT. PRAISE GOD FOR ANOTHER ANSWERED PRAYER.
Thank you all for praying about that!
Love,
Melanie & family
~(Pictures taken 12/08)~
Andrew...out on a limb. But we know Jesus is the vine and we are the branches! (John 15)
Brotherly love...Avery & Andrew
Audra & Andrew
Audra & AndrewMelanie, Dan, & our boy, Andrew
.jpg)
Thoughts and prayers as you go back to Shands. Good Andrew will have a port. Much better than in the veins.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing your bracelet story.
Take care...ceekay
You are a selfless amazing women, I wish I was more like you... I know in these tough times you have to be strong and through God is where you get your strength and peace. Please have the best day that you can.
ReplyDeleteSheila
Melanie, you have such a beautiful family. I love the bracelet story. I always wonder if I'm listening when God is talking to me. I am clasping my hands in prayer for all of you. laurie
ReplyDeletePraise God for no infection indeed! He is already paving the way for more good news on Thursday with the MRI. I will remember to pray lots on Thursday as I will also be at the doctor for my first ob appt!
ReplyDeleteI love the bracelet story, it seems it is truly a blessing for this woman! God knows you need no prompts for prayer, but He knew of someone that did!
Praise God that He is alive and speaks to us! In the quiet places of my mind and heart, sometimes very difficult to find, He speaks to me...when I listen, there is peace and assurance that He is there in all things. He is there with you and Andrew...He is standing next to the doctors, He is sitting beside Andrew on his bed, He is pacing the floor with you, shedding tears with you...He IS! Believing for a clear MRI...a miracle that will glorify our wonderful God. Love to all,
ReplyDeleteMary
God knows what we don't. He had a reason for sure to give that bracelet, even if it was simply to remind the woman to pray. Or to remind her of his love.
ReplyDeleteYou are such an encourager!
That was such a neat story about the bracelet. I went back and read your other two stories as well. It's so true about training our spiritual ears to hear Him on the mountain tops so we can hear Him in the valley's as well. Praise God there was no infection! I will continue to pray as you head back to Shands. I'm actually excited to hear what God will do next...Blessing to you all, Debbie
ReplyDeleteSweet post. I haven't forgotten about ya'll -- still praying and believing.
ReplyDeleteI thank GOD for the praise report on NO infection in the fluid drained from Andrew's head.
ReplyDeleteI continue to PRAY, PRESS and PRAISE the LORD for the 100 miracle for Andrew! I won't waiver in my decision because I am confident of His touch upon Andrew's life.
Indeed HE IS A GOOD GOD, MIGHTY TO SAVE! Hallelujah!
Waiting for MORE good reports.
God has answered a question I asked Him in prayer today twice. He spoke through my artist friend B and now through you. I just realized He gave me a double answer and it has to do with Andrew. Yes He is a MIGHTY GOD whose goodness humbles me. Lord, please get rid of that tumor. I also ask for continued strength as they journey down this healing path led by you. We LOVE YOU! B
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful the news for Andrew ... I do pray that all goes well for no signs to show. Do keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely write of you & the lady at church ... we never know how He is going to direct us, follow His direction.
TTFN ~ Marydon
I love you dear, I am praying for you.
ReplyDeletePraying for Andrew and y'all that God will be glorified thru all of this, as HE already has been.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Melaine, your obedience in this story is amazing. I loved this! Continued prayers for y'all!!
ReplyDeleteLove ya,
Susan
Beautiful post. Keepin' the prayers flowing.
ReplyDeleteBless you, Melanie for your obedience. You have opened the gate for the blessings to keep flowing!
ReplyDeleteGreat news that there is no infection! Believing with you for more good news ahead...
Susan
Thanks for sharing that awesome story. I've had similar experiences and I LOVE when God uses me like that to bless someone.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear the good news about the fluid. Praying all goes well with the port.
God is faithful!
Amen!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
We are continuing to pray for Andrew!
andrea
What a beautiful story! I want to be like you! You are such a selfless and kind woman. I have a bit of difficulty listening to HIM. Sometimes I wonder if it is only me that is talking and thinking or if HE is doing it. I try, anyway.
ReplyDeleteI am rejoicing with you in the clear fluid that was drained. Praise God!
I await Tuesday to see that the cancer is gone forever! Mentioning his name aloud at church today and tomorrow.
Love, ginny
Follow His lead.
ReplyDeleteLive by faith.
Believe in miracles.
Trust in an Almighty God.
Do you all four.
Thank you.
I too have had God ask me to do strange things. He is faithful to bless me every time in such sweet confirming ways.
Bless you, Melanie. Praying for your family. Believing for Andrew to be healed.
Thanks for sharing this story! A few weeks ago I felt compelled to buy something from a lady at the flea market, and give her $10 for it. (refusing change) There wasn't much in her booth worth $10, and I didn't know how she would react or what my explanation would be for doing that, so I passed on. It has really weighed on my heart, to the point that I am ashamed I didn't follow what I feel was God's direction. Oh how I would love to see her again at the FM, to get another chance! I pray I don't let opportunities like these pass again!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the testimony you are! In the midst of your troubled days, you have blessed my heart! ...continuing to pray for your precious Andrew, and for you and your family! ~Love, Rhonda :)
How amazing that God showed you his will. In the end Gods love and light does shine brighter than our own.
ReplyDeleteI have seen your button on other blogs, but until I read your blog today the two didn't connect.
My cousin is suffering with terminally ill cancer. Things are not going well for her. She is bed ridden and can not move. I can not express how many times, I have kneeled down to pray to God and ask why this is, she is only 33 years old, with so much life left in her. I asked and asked, as I know her mother had as well.
I found an answer not to long ago, God shushed me and said, "My will be done, all answers will come in time child, just have faith". I awoke; who spoke in my dreams, I believe it to be the Lord I felt a peace come over me. I felt warm all over.
I do believe that God will provide us answers, in his time, and when we are ready. I think you are a wonderful Christian woman. I am truly sorry to hear what you are going threw and for Andrew as well. I have put your button my my blog so that others may hear your story and pray as well. Blessings to you and yours.
Hugs,
Heidi
Thank God there was no infection. Loved your bracelet story and the pictures ~ Agreeing with you in prayer ~
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hearing the results from the MRI on Thursday. I am so excited to hear the good news. I continue to keep Andrew in my prayers and lift him up for complete restoration and healing.
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie. What an inspiration you are. I love reading your words of wisdom. And I loved your story of your bracelet. I often "hear" the Lord telling me to do this or that. For instance, yesterday while I was making supper, I felt a really strong urge to go ahead and make a plate for my elderly neighbor Jerry. Jerry lives alone and I doubt he has home cooked meals everyday. So I made an extra plate and had one of my boys take it to him. He was very thankful to us. I hope he enjoyed the meal. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding us that we are to listen because God is always speaking to us. We just have to listen. :)
Blessings,
Sandra
God bless your sweet boy! I pray the cancer is GONE in the Name of Jesus and that the root of it withers and dies. The very root of the cancer be cursed in Jesus' Name.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story about the bracelet.
Blessings,
Beth
Your bracelet story is beautiful and inspiring. A lovely, lovely family, Melanie. I'm still praying.
ReplyDeletexo...Kathy
Hey Melanie,
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome story! Don't you just love when God speaks? Oh the joy of hearing His voice and being obedient to what He tells us.
No greater joy!
Praying for Andrew daily and especially now as he begins treatment.
When Jordan had MRI's coming up, I've always tried to be positive.
Someone renamed them:
MRI= MIRACULOUS RESULTS INDEED!
That is what I'm proclaiming for Andrew this week♥
I am praying so hard, Melanie! I'm believing the MRI will show good stuff. Sending hugs,
ReplyDeletelaura
This is a wonderful story full of the wonder of a Mighty God, who does speak to us today and does work in our physical, mental and spirital lives daily.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this.
Praying for Andrew.
Heidi@2 Thinks to Share
Melanie:
ReplyDeleteI loved this personal [interactive]post between you and God and you and the older woman that God put on your heart.
You wrote:
"I have no idea why God wanted me to give away a relatively inexpensive bracelet.
But I do know that He wants us to obey His voice even when we don't really understand the significance of the action."
THAT was your answer - OBEDIENCE to His still small voice in your spirit. Another thing that I see God did with that scene is that you placed kingdom purposes [for His glory] above earthly 'goods' or 'stuff'.
And one last thought... many times when God prompts us to do something, it will have a cost for us. Even if only an insignificant token bracelet. There was a sacrific made - when you gave it up for someone else. This always reminds us of Christ's sacrifice for us - AND that we must be willing to lay down our lives as living sacrifices for Him [daily]... and sometimes that means giving up our 'comforts', our 'pretty things', in order that His purposes might be accomlished.
You showed that woman the LOVE of Christ with the sacrifice of that bracelet. PRAYER was God's reasoning. It reminds her to pray and be prayed for! PRAYER is always the work of God.
Thanks for sharing your obedience and the truth of your hesitation at first - it was impactful!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
[JESUS - For His Name's Sake]
PS: We've been praying for Andrew at our Monday and Thursday night Bible studies.
Awesome that you obeyed God and also about the fluid. We do serve a Mighty God that is so in tune to what you all are going through. Don't think He looks away from you for even a second Melanie.
ReplyDeleteWill be praying.
Wonderful post. I love how you shared you fighting His voice, trying to not give away the bracelet, not wearing it to church. Yet, you obeyed and what a blessing. I can imagine the smile and leap of joy each time she lifts her arm with the bracelet. What a beautiful reminder.
ReplyDelete