No matter what negative thing in your life, there is a “Instead” You cannot get a problem with out a provision attached to it!
Isaiah 61: The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’S favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
One morning I got a call from a family who recently arrived in the U.S. from Uganda. One of the oldest boys was playing soccer and had accidently gotten kneed in the face by a another kid on the opposing team. The impact was devastating as it fractured his gum line and pushed back his beautiful and perfectly aligned front teeth. He was in excruciating pain.
New families are given Medical, so we went to the dentist office that was in their plan. As we sat waiting to see the dentist, the dental assistant was preparing for the procedure, pulling out certain tools and made a comment that sparked my attention. My friend had not seen the doctor yet, but the plan was to pull all the teeth out because that is all Medical will cover. That was the option. “What are you saying? You are pulling his teeth out? Are you giving him new ones?” She said, “No, we don’t do that. All we can do is remove them.” She left the room. I grabbed my friend’s hand and said, “let’s pray” He did not understand what was going on, but I did. I asked God to make a way. To do a miracle. To give this doctor compassion and mercy. LORD, give us a instead!
When the doctor came in, he looked at his teeth. He was troubled by the situation. He explained that the plan only covers extractions. He felt that so much damage had been done, that his teeth needed to come out and we would have to figure out dentures later. I stayed praying under my breath and tried, for my friend’s sake, not to look concerned. The dentist left the room for a few moments, returned and closed the door. He said, ” I cannot let this boy loose his teeth. He is young, strong and very handsome and has his whole life ahead of him. I am going to try something. I cannot guarantee this will work, but I have to try.” I grabbed my friend’s hand and smiled with tears in my eyes. The dentist built a cast to support his gum line and did some other things. This doctor stepped out beyond his boundary, and worked to save my friend’s teeth. There was so much joy in the room between the three of us, because God was at work!!!
The dentist only worked at this clinic once a month. I asked him where his regular office was. He told me the address. I asked him his name and almost jumped out of my seat when he answered. I said to him, ” You are the dentist who is taking my daughter’s wisdom teeth out next Tuesday.” That was great news for us!! I liked this guy.
The cast stayed in my friend’s mouth for six weeks. His teeth were saved and he continues to have one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen.
God loves to take the impossible and make it possible!! He says, ” With God, all things are possible” He has a answer for every circumstance in our lives. No matter what difficulty you face, know there is a instead.
In awe of His mighty wonders~