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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
