Promised Prosperity

It wasn’t God’s plan for pain, suffering, sadness, aging, or death to be part of our lives. Despite the entrance of sin, God is tenderly watching and is still supremely in control. Approximately three years ago, my usually healthy body began to decline. Even after much medical investigation, no accurate diagnosis could be given, and my symptoms worsened. One night I cried to God out of the depths of my sorrowful heart. My prayer was brief: “God! Help me!” Shortly after the three-word prayer, I fell into a deep sleep and had a beautiful dream. In my dream, God appeared to me in the form of a very tall man. He had the most pleasant face and personality I had ever witnessed. God held my hands and invited me to tell Him what was worrying me so much.

I told Him all and noted how attentive, patient, kind, compassionate, understanding, and loving He was as I related my long, depressing story.

Still holding my hands, He said, “Jackie, everything is going to be all right.” I felt at peace, and my dream ended. When I awoke, I had mixed feelings. I was happy for the assurance that I would be OK again, but I missed my time with God in my dream —I wanted to return and remain with Him forever. About a week later, I underwent an echocardiogram. The results of this test led to a sleep study, and I was diagnosed with a severe form of sleep apnea, which proved to be the root cause of all my medical symptoms. God again intervened and provided me with over half a million Jamaican dollars, so I was able to purchase a sleep machine for my therapy.

My health is being restored gradually, thanks to the Triune God’s watchful care. My health may never be fully restored to its original state in this life, but the best is yet to come because Jesus has promised to make all things new.

He will wipe out —and undo— every negative loss or pain that sin has caused us. I can hardly wait for this change to come.

The promises in the Bible are sure and true. Let’s embrace them. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, NKJV).

Jacqueline Hope HoShing-Clarke