Victory Over Vertigo, Part 2

“I don’t know how to speak. . . .” But the LORD said to me. . . . “You must go to everyone I send you to. You must say everything I command you to say. Do not be afraid of the people I send you to. I am with you. I will save you.” —Jeremiah 1:6–8, NIrV

Prison ministry is my passion, and I had been looking forward to the fellowship we were going to have at the Western Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Maryland, United States. This Sabbath would turn out to be quite different from what had originally been planned, and I had no idea what was going to transpire.

My passengers and I had decided that I would be the substitute preacher for the sermon that afternoon, and as we drove, I asked the Lord what I was supposed to say.

He reminded me I had a six-page document on covetousness in my tote bag from the previous week. The Lord made it clear that this was to be the sermon for the day.

The author had used many biblical examples that would be appropriate for the men. At last, I began to feel at peace with the decision.

I began to relax as I drove my van through the scenic route along the Allegheny mountain range. After going through the metal detectors and walking through the courtyard, we arrived at the prison’s chapel. The men had set up a table for visitors, and I had a chance to sit at the table and review my notes before it was my turn to speak.

Suddenly, the room began to spin, and I felt nauseous.

Panicking, I stood up and held on to the chair as I reached for a cup of water nearby. Just that slight movement made me so dizzy, I had to sit down.

I silently prayed, “Lord, You brought me here to preach a message; please help my sudden case of vertigo!” I watched the clock inch closer to the time I would have to begin. I felt my equilibrium was stable enough to allow me to walk to the podium.

The chapel was full of men who faced me, waiting to hear me speak.

While speaking, I held on to the podium for support in case my dizziness returned. I shared the words the Lord put in my mouth, and He blessed me.

At the end of my sermon, there was a chorus of “Amen!” in the chapel.

Many of the men attending that day expressed their appreciation for the message. All I could do was praise God for allowing me to faithfully deliver His Word to those precious souls. What is it God is asking you to do today? Will you trust Him to work through you?

Charlene M. Wright