The Difference of One

Exhausted from teaching all day and spending the last 40 minutes praying with a demon-possessed boy, I crept quietly up the concrete stairs to join 50 Filipino student leaders and staff as they began the last session of the day. Sweet praise and worship music was playing as the sun set and the humid, night breeze invaded the uncovered windows of this upper room. A deep breath of relief flowed from my innermost being as I enjoyed this moment. For the first time today no one needed prayer, deliverance, or teaching from me. I could just have precious “me & Jesus time.”

The room was packed and joyful voices of praise rang loud as I walked past twenty people to find a seat near the back of the room.  I lifted my hands and began to lift my heart in worship when I heard the Lord say, “Go give her a hug.”  Just like a daughter knows what her dad is saying, I knew who the Lord was speaking about because I passed her on the way in the door. I chose to ignore his words and continued with my arms and voice raised high in worship.  Just like you would expect a father to react to disobedience, it’s almost as if He took my chin in his hand and turned it in her direction near the door to confirm what He had said.  There she was sitting in her chair – a Filipina woman by the name of Mella. 

A few months prior, a friend and I had prayed for Mella and seen God heal her both emotionally and physically.  After experiencing a miracle, she traveled three hours back to her village and I had not seen her since.

“I see her, Lord, but I’m tired.  Can I just have 15 minutes of me & you time?  I will go hug her after a few songs,” I said as I lifted my hands again in worship.  Reasoning in my head that surely God will see my need for him first after serving Him and others all day.  What about me, Lord? You are a jealous God, and I’m being jealous of my time with you now, so surely you understand.  Using God’s own words against him didn’t exactly work out the way I thought it would.  

Silence.

In a room full of 75 people singing, clapping, and loud music, even a few moments of silence from the Lord can feel like an eternity.  A silence that kept me from worshiping and connecting with my Creator.  Much like a father would raise his eyebrow with eyes locked, waiting for his daughter to make the wise choice to obey.

Then I heard Him say it again, “Khristina, Go give her a hug.” 

Unlike you may often experience in situation’s like this with your children, my feelings of exhaustion and stubbornness made me want to stomp over and give her a hug with my shoulders shrugged, lip tucked out, and heavy steps. However, we all know that God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance, so a quick heart adjustment had to be done before making my move.

At once I realized the error of my ways, I immediately turned and walked over to hug Mella. I quickly said, “Hello,” hugged and greeted her, found my seat, and began to worship unhindered.   

Following the service, many had made their way to the front to receive prayer. I was just about to pick my foot up off the ground to join everyone when someone grabbed my hand from behind. I turned to see Mella standing there. She grabbed both my hands and drew me closer to speak. She said, “Khristina, do you remember a few months ago when you prayed for me? I had pain in my hands and God healed me.” I assured her that I did remember that day very clearly. 

There is no formula, plan, process, or method for God – you only need to be obedient.

She continued by saying, “Well, I’ve been experiencing pain in my stomach recently.” I thought she was going to ask me to pray for her again, but what she said next will be forever etched in my memory. 

Mella expressed, “Earlier when you came over and gave me a hug…. the pain went away.”  

Of all the miracles I’ve seen God perform, this by far is my favorite.  There is no formula, plan, process, or method for God – you only need to be obedient.  For obedience is better than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:22)  If you have a relationship with God, that’s all you need – just listen & obey. 

Romans 8:11 says, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”  

It is God who heals the sick,

not me,

not you. 

If you have a relationship with God, then He lives in you, just like He lives in me. So, His same power that healed Mella can also heal you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Thank you, Jesus!