One afternoon, at a hospital in East Africa, I was preparing to bathe a 6-year-old cancer patient named Henry. To my astonishment, beneath the sick child’s shirt was a filthy rag tied tightly around his waist. Henry’s mother explained, “Our village healer put it there to drive away evil spirits so Henry will get well.”
Having spent several months assisting children in the pediatric cancer ward, I had become friends with many of the their parents—particularly Henry’s mother. So I asked her, “May we remove this rag and instead ask Jesus Christ to heal Henry?” “Yes,” she replied.
For the next several weeks we prayed for Henry as he underwent chemotherapy. Amazingly, subsequent tests revealed that his cancer had gone into remission. Henry’s mother and I rejoiced and acknowledged that God “is the only God. There is no other!” (Isaiah 45:14).
In the days ahead, you will face challenges that leave you wondering where to turn for answers. In those difficult times, remember that God wants to reveal Himself to you and through you.
Take comfort from the words God spoke to King Cyrus, “I, the Lord, made you, and I will not forget you” (44:21). “I will go before you . . . and level the mountains. I will smash down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. . . . I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord” (45:2-3).
God equips us: “I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know Me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God” (45:5-6).
He does the work: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things” (vv.6-7). Amen.
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So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other (Deuteronomy 4:39).
daisymarygoldr on November 16, 2009 at 1:13 am
Outstanding post! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story! May God continue to fight His battles for you as you faithfully persevere to shine His light in those dark places of this world!
kenriquez on November 16, 2009 at 2:57 am
Jesus Christ indeed is the Greatest Physician on the face of the earth! he heals, restores and make us whole – body, soul and spirit. He indeed reveals Himself to those who seek Him and the world will know that he is very much alive and will never change.
Keneld on November 16, 2009 at 6:33 am
May God continue to bless your ministry in such a powerful way……..
lovejesus897 on November 16, 2009 at 10:08 am
Amen Amen Amen!! I feel like this was written for me. My family and I will not have a home…we will be staying with family and friends for a few months untill my hubby can get another job. I know that God is good and there is none like him!! He is already opening doors for us!! It was great to read this devotional and to get encouragement from it during our times of trouble! Thank you so much! God is amazing!!
roxanne robbins on November 16, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Thank you for the uplifting comments in response to
this post. I’m excited to let Henry and his mother know that their story brought such encouragement to you — and hopefully many others!
fabi on November 16, 2009 at 9:25 pm
LORD,
thank you for You are the One and Only True GOD.
Thank You for your servant being with Henry and his mother so You could shine as the True GOD You are, Amen! Hallelujah!!