God's Seal

Photo Credit

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love

– Psalm 33:18

But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. – Psalm 39:7

My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. – Psalm 119:81

I didn’t want to waste the opportunity. Of sharing God’s grace as the newly-incarcerated middle-aged man rested on the exam table. The newly-started IV continuing to drip in that transparent chamber hanging up from the metal pole that went to his vein. I slowly removed the sticky EKG pads and kept helping the other nurse who saw him. Complaining of chest pains that never went away, the nurse determined he was having true chest pains as the EKG returned abnormal. 

“Is it helping?” I asked as I pointed at the oxygen prongs going through each of his nostrils. A yellow aspirin I just handed with very little water prior.

“Yes, Ma’am,” he replied. The words barely let out from his opened mouth as he took a deep breath and tears started welling from the corners of his eyes.

“What’s wrong? Still having chest pain?” I assessed. The other nurse got up, leaving just the two of us behind in the exam room as I reassured her that I wouldn’t leave her patient so she could finish her charting as we waited for the summoned ambulance.

“I’m just afraid…”he uttered, this time, with his words mixed with what I thought were soft sobs.

I let him talked…

“I needed a heart transplant, Ma’am….I might not make it…” he added as he let the withheld tears fall and wet his cheeks. His face etched with lines on his forehead, clearly showing a much older age for what was stated in his medical chart.

I felt a nudging. It wasn’t painful. Coming from my own heart… A nudge sometimes I had struggle with before. Despite what was told…as I believed…That I must share what I knew. After being saved from my own heart cries. 

As I remembered what Spurgeon wrote:

“Quick must be the hand if an impression is to be made upon the wax…”

He was talking about putting a seal while the wax was hot…Otherwise, if allowed to cool off, the seal would be in vain…

There in front of me, this man with a heart softened by his heart cries… I knew He was there watching us…Giving me this eagerness to quickly share anything that he could easily understand… Not because of my mere words but the Truth that needed to be stamped on this man’s life like a wax that just got dropped, able to receive His impression while he has remaining breaths.

“Do you believe in God?” I asked. Surprised to the courage given at that moment. Not caring anymore even if another soul heard. Except…It remained…It was just plainly him and I in that tiny room. Surrounded with gauzes, antibacterial wipes, cotton balls and other medical supplies. As the cursor constantly blinked from the computer nestled on the wooden table.

“Yes, Ma’am…” he quickly acknowledged. 

I sensed I didn’t need to elaborate. His Word always never returned empty...It would accomplish what It desired at that time and would achieve its purpose…

He slowly raised his right arm, careful not to move the left one with the IV. Drying and wiping his tears, he took a deep breath as he continued to listen to what I would say next.

“Then pray…For nothing is impossible with God…”

“Yes…” he replied. As a smile appeared from his haggard face. 

I knew right there…In that unexpected moment… There was hope. This man needed hope more than a heart transplant. 

That’s the Truth…There is always hope whenever the divine Hands set the seal of His sacred love upon a broken man’s heart…If a man’s heart is broken, may it seek the stamp of His grace…

While there’s time…

No acts of pardon are ever passed on the other side of the grave, but pardons are plentiful on earth. Jesus suffered for the sins of all who trust him; so suffered that they can never be condemned, since Jesus was punished in their stead. He that believeth on Jesus hath set to his seal that God is true, and he shall receive God's seal, setting him apart as a choice and chosen spirit. Oh that the seal would fall upon you now, and impress the image of Jesus upon your heart forever! – Charles Spurgeon