From Good Luck to God
March 17, 2008
Approximately 6 years ago I became desperate to improve my life. I was literally sick, tired, and depressed with the life I had been living.
I had little hope and lots of fear. As a “last resort” I prayed to the Lord to help me leave my old life and start a new one, one with purpose.
I suddenly found new opportunities to get me started immediately following my prayer. Boy, I thought, how “lucky” I am. Before I realized it, I was on track to a better life and loving it. I was actually having fun!
My “good luck” continued and life just kept getting better. I was living on Camano Island, first at the beach, then a wonderful home in the woods at the University Lions Youth Camp. This provided me with an environment where I could better myself while giving back to the community. My position as permanent caretaker at the camp gave me work I love to do while choosing my own hours. No commute!
I had family close to me to share my new beginnings with. During walks on the beach I discussed with my sister my surprise at all the “coincidences and good luck” that led me to this new life. She patiently corrected my by advising it was not more luck or coincidence, but that I was blessed by the Lord with all these good things. “Yeah, yeah,” I replied “but I am really lucky.”
As time went on I began to feel as though something was missing. Even with all this “good luck” I found myself needing more. I felt somewhat empty. I considered myself spiritual because I have always believed in God even though I never attended Church. After all, I prayed as a last resort.
I suddenly found new opportunities to get me started immediately following my prayer. Boy, I thought, how “lucky” I am. Before I realized it, I was on track to a better life and loving it. I was actually having fun!
My “good luck” continued and life just kept getting better. I was living on Camano Island, first at the beach, then a wonderful home in the woods at the University Lions Youth Camp. This provided me with an environment where I could better myself while giving back to the community. My position as permanent caretaker at the camp gave me work I love to do while choosing my own hours. No commute!
I had family close to me to share my new beginnings with. During walks on the beach I discussed with my sister my surprise at all the “coincidences and good luck” that led me to this new life. She patiently corrected my by advising it was not more luck or coincidence, but that I was blessed by the Lord with all these good things. “Yeah, yeah,” I replied “but I am really lucky.”
As time went on I began to feel as though something was missing. Even with all this “good luck” I found myself needing more. I felt somewhat empty. I considered myself spiritual because I have always believed in God even though I never attended Church. After all, I prayed as a last resort.
With gentle prodding from the my sister and her family I began to attend a few church functions (i.e. plays, recitals, etc.). I could not help but notice how happy the “church people” seemed to be. I thought to myself, “Hmm, maybe there is something to all this "church stuff.” Eventually I started to attend this church here on occasion.
As time went on I began to experience periods of high anxiety and severe depression. I was diagnosed as bipolar. I though that was absurd and declined the treatment because I had no health insurance, over time my symptoms got worse to where the depression was a threat to my life.
Then came the bad news. In addition to being bipolar I was diagnosed with a chronic illness that without treatment would eventually lead to death. I was told to return in five years if I was still alive (50/50 chance). They would determine how much additional damage my internal organs had suffered and decide if treatment was still feasible, provided I had the means to afford it. My “luck” had just run out. My past had come back to haunt me.
I was devastated. I was angry at myself and God. I asked Him why bring me this far just to pull the rug out from under me? I felt I had been “teased” with good life only to lose it. I felt I had no where to turn.
I had two serious illnesses, one which would eventually be fatal, and no health insurance. I would not be able to work at the camp I would have to move out. I refused to tell anyone about my illness, therefore I could not ask for help. My life began to spiral downward very quickly. I had little hope. I finally confided in my sister about my illness. I surprised myself when I told her. I had no intention of doing so but it just suddenly came pouring out. We talked and she prayed. I told her and the Lord it was going to take a real miracle to get me out of this mess.
The next day I was having second thoughts about having told my sister, partly because of pride and also because I felt bad since this was not her burden to bear. Suddenly she showed up with some beautiful flowers for me. She told me that they, my family were there for me no matter what I needed. I knew then I had taken the first step toward the right direction. I was no longer fighting on my own. DO NOT FIGHT ALONE.
It did not take long for me to realize that I could not have accepted this bad news during my sinful life. I would not have had any hope to deal with it.
It is all God’s timing and there is a reason. I was put here in this community, in this home at the youth camp by the Lord, a place where I could heal with family love, support, and prayers from new friends. I NOW HAD HOPE. It had not been luck at all. All the events leading me to this new environment to receive this bad news about my health at this time in my life was TRULY A BLESSING from the Lord. So I began to REALLY PRAY!
I was presented with the opportunity to meet a healing priest right here in my home at the youth camp. Father Melvin had spent many years living with and bringing healing to lepers in Africa. I had my doubts and was reluctant to share my problems with him. I did meet with him and with gentle persuasion I attended their healing service. I was truly touched and filled by the Holy Spirit. I had never felt so completely loved and at peace until that time.
GOD’S TIMING IS PERFECT. I was baptized and became a new member of our Church. People in Church started praying for my health. I received affordable health insurance. Aid from the hospital, clinics and labs got me through expenses. Even the pharmaceutical company delivered the necessary drugs for treatment absolutely free of charge to my front door on a monthly basis!
Treatment for my serious illness was difficult. I was very sick. With love support and prayer from my family, more prayer from new friends and my Church family I got through it. PRAYER AND LOVE WORKS!
My doctor said a complete cure was not possible, that remission was not likely. BUT GOD SAID I WAS HEALED. The illness is gone with no lasting affects. I thank Jesus for saving and healing me through the cross. Before I felt hopeless and worthless, now I feel special. I am healthy. I am ashamed to admit I had doubts. This is not to say I did not believe in the Lord, but rather I felt unworthy to expect such a miracle in life. Open your heart to the Lord. Surrender your life to Jesus so he can guide you. He really does forgive us our sins, you just have to ask him and mean it. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE.
It took me far too long to realize it was spiritual fulfillment that I was missing in my life. God has truly blessed me with the miracle of a new life, one full of purpose. I intend to do it right this time. I pray that I can help others. I pray that you will too!
Thank you New View Church for all your prayers and love. Thank you Jesus for Victory.