Catching Fire

In the book of Acts Jesus tells the disciples to wait until they receive power from on high (Acts 1:4). They obeyed, not sure what they were waiting for, or what it would look like. A while later they heard a sound like a mighty wind, and saw what looked like tongues of fire on each other’s heads (Acts 2:2-4). If there is one thing I can say to sum up my experiences with God it is this: It sure doesn’t look like I thought it would!

One of my sisters lost her marriage to alcoholism about a year before my second husband left us. However, I was able to heal from my fear and pain much faster than she appeared to. I felt the wonderful freedom sooner, and was able to smile and laugh again while she was still broken and hurting and afraid. At some point during the summer of 2016, my sister told our mom she didn’t know what Mom and I had, but she wanted it.

When I went home for Thanksgiving, a storm delayed me from returning to Ainsworth. I had to stay in Gretna an extra day. I got up to have some coffee. Mom was gone at Bible study, and the kids were playing in another room. My sister got up, joined me for coffee, and said,

Guess what happened to me last week!

She finally got to the end of herself at work and prayed,

God, if you’re there you’re going to have to show me somehow.

The pain from the rheumatoid arthritis in her hips was instantly removed! She was able to sit, stand, and walk around with no pain! All excited, she looked around and said, Okay! I’m listening! I was so excited for her! I gave her a big hug, and welcomed her to the spiritual family. Seven years before this I gave my life to Jesus. About the same time, Mom did the same thing. Now, my big sister became my little sister in Christ!

This event reminded me so much of the passage in 1 Kings 18:41-45, when Elijah tells Ahab he hears the rain coming, but there is not a cloud in the sky. Seven times Elijah tells his servant to go on the hill and look for the clouds. On the seventh time, Elijah’s servant sees on the horizon a cloud the size of a man’s fist. Shortly after that, the rain broke loose.

My sister accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior encouraged me! I was so excited I wanted to frolic! I felt like I could see the fire of the Holy Spirit starting like an ember with Mom and me. Now I can see the fire spreading! The clouds in the sky may be small, but I already hear the rainstorm!