CLIMBING JACOB’S LADDER
Justin in 2007 |
I knew it would be a trip to the doctor
when Justin cried out in pain as he got out of bed. I ran to his side and cradled him in my arms
and looked at his badly discolored, swollen toe that he hurt the night
before. “It’s ok sweetie. Mommy’s right here.” I said as I kissed his
cheek. “Hurt bad.” He whimpered. “I know baby. I know.”
I replied as I scooped him up in my arms and toted him to the living
room.
I sat him in the blue recliner and he
tearfully looked up at me and asked “A do now mama?” “I have to call the doctor.” I said as I wiped away a tear. “Pease mama pease! No doctor!
No doctor.” Justin pleaded while
wrapping his thin arms around my neck.
I tried to reassure him things would be okay as I reached for the phone,
but once again his hazel eyes filled with tears. Justin’s regular doctor was away at a
conference so he would have to see the doctor on call. I was uncomfortable with him seeing someone
not familiar with his medical history, but at this point I had no choice.
The office was a remodeled house and
didn’t have the typical hospital atmosphere that most doctor offices have. My
fears were relieved when I saw a picture of Jesus inside the front door. We rounded the corner and a sweet Christian
lady greeted us, took our information and asked us to have a seat. I was surprised to see only a few people in
the waiting room. We were barely seated
before Justin’s name was called. A
short, blonde nurse led us back to the exam room where she took his vitals and
looked at his toe. She gave Justin a
sympathetic look then said the doctor would be with us shortly.
As we stood to prepare to leave, Justin
said, “Pray.” and pointed toward the doctor.
“You want to pray again?’ I asked
as I held him in my arms. He shook his
head yes and placed his hand on the man’s forehead. The good doctor humbled himself before this
special needs child and allowed himself to be prayed for. A warm and peaceful feeling filled the room
and I knew without a doubt that the Holy Spirit was among us. I looked around and the room was so bright but it did not hurt my eyes. My mind tuned in to the beautiful prayer
streaming out of my son’s mouth. His speech was not clear, but at this moment I understood what my son was saying. His face beamed as he continued with his prayer. When he
was finished, both the doctor and I had tears in our eyes. This man of God looked at the floor and then
at me. “I just felt like I climbed
Jacob’s ladder.” He said. “I just got my
answer to a prayer I’ve been praying for quite a while now.” He rubbed the back of Justin’s head and said
“Thank you” before he quietly disappeared out of the door.
I will never forget God using my son
to answer someone’s prayer. It was a day
filled with blessings and the start of a very special friendship for
Justin. What I learned was that God will
use us only if we are willing and God will answers prayers if we humble
ourselves and listen for the answer.
Listen not only with your ears, but listen to what God is whispering to your heart. Keep praying and be obedient to God. You never know when God will send you an answer to your prayer.
As always, thank you for reading. Angela :)