God’s Purpose Revealed
Why am I here? I wondered as nurses wheeled me into a COVID-19 ICU. For the same reason I am anywhere—to glorify God!
Impacted by the pandemic, I remembered God’s words to Moses when he was in the midst of a plague: “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth” (Exodus 9:16).
I’m not Moses, but I asked God to reveal His purpose in this COVID season of my life. My heart heard His answer: Look around you, Elaine. You are surrounded by hurting people. What can you do to help them?
Immobile, attached to an oxygen tube, I couldn’t do much, but I could pray, smile, express appreciation, and spread joy. God placed a desire in my heart to speak blessings of protection in the name of Jesus on each person who entered my room. No visitors were allowed, but while I was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), my world overflowed with doctors, nurses, phlebotomists, physical therapists, respiration therapists, food deliverers, and housekeepers.
As I listened to their stories and watched them serve, my mind saw the love and sacrifice of these precious people. I felt their pain, exhaustion, and the emotional toll of caring for people who suffer and die, the loneliness of missing their own families, and the fear of taking COVID-19 home to their loved ones. I heard their hearts’ cries and saw their tears as they danced daily with death. Healthcare workers give their lives so we can live, and they do so with love and grace.
Just like Jesus.
What was their response to my breathless prayers? Some paused in the hall outside my door to hear me speak words of affirmation and love. Many cried. Everyone thanked me. A few held my hands and prayed with me and for me. For a short time in a long day, we left COVID-land behind as Jesus was proclaimed and His power shown.
Whether our journeys take us to a COVID-19 ICU, a cancer center, a baseball game, or a grocery store, let us heed God’s words to Moses and seek God’s purpose, proclaim His name, and show His power.
I’m home now recovering from damaged lungs. The other day I received a note from one of my nurses thanking me for my prayers. What joy to serve those who served me. God blessed us all with His Presence in a COVID ICU.
Thank you Elaine. 🙂
God has a purpose.
Often I wonder too – why ‘am I alive…
To see, to share, tell God’s stories.
And to share God’s abundant love.
God bless you & miss you …
But with you in spirit.
Amen, Malou! Every day, every second for the glory of God. What joy life becomes when we find our joy in Jesus and not our circumstances.
Dear Elaine…your words encouraged and touched my heart! God’s joy splashed on me as I read this. It reminded me that God’s purposes of glorifying and proclaiming the most powerful name of Jesus in my sphere of influence cannot be stopped by any kind of adversity. Thank you!
I continue to pray for a complete recovery.
Fully trusting Him with you,
Barbara Hibschman
Thank you, sweet Barbara. Your words were a great encouragement to me to keep glorifying God in all circumstances. Thank you. Stay well and be well. My love and prayers, Elaine
Elaine, You continue to be a blessing to all you come into contact with. It is obvious
Jesus lives within you. You are an ambassador for Christ and take that responsibility
seriously. Thank You for sharing your life altering experience with us. It gives hope
and direction to those who still face Covid 19. I will be praying for a complete
healing.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Our God is able and He will do it. Hallelujah!
Blessings for faithfulness, being the hands and feet of JESUS ????
A precious time. Thank you for your comment.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story. My entire covid journey is written on my blog at http://www.SplashesofSerenity.com
Get well soon Elaine! Praying
Thank you for your prayers! I feel the love!