Some
years ago, I passed through a shadow of deep depression when I was convinced
that I must be seriously ill. In retrospect, I think it was a combination of
nervous tension and adrenal exhaustion, but it felt terrible at the time. I’d
look at the three sweet faces of my children and groan deep inside my heart,
convinced that I’d never live to see them grow up. I could hardly do more in
those few months than get out of bed and plod along without bursting into
tears. I’d been to doctors, who were not encouraging and suggested alarming
tests for various conditions. I was terrified of going through with the tests,
but just as petrified not to.
One
evening while out walking, a thought popped into my head. I wondered if depending
on those gruff doctors’ dire words and gruelling tests for absolute proof that
I wasn’t dying meant that I was ‘relying on the horses and chariots of Egypt,’
as it says of the Israelites in the Book of Isaiah. The more I pondered, the more
reasonable it seemed that modern people may find it too easy to rely on medical
‘horses and chariots’ for our well-being.
I
asked God to please send me a sign that He loved me and would bring me through
this heartbreaking trial. I felt so sick and exhausted that I wanted to receive
an unmistakable sign before the end of the night! I don’t think I can wait
another day! And Lord, just so that I’ll be sure to recognise your sign, could
it please include something about Egypt?
I
went home longing to see something as simple as the image of a Pharaoh or
pyramid on TV. I would have pounced on that as a possible ‘sign’ but nothing
happened. There was a reference to north east Africa
in an article I was reading, but I dismissed it as too vague.
Disappointed, I
flipped open a little book I’d borrowed earlier that day from my in-laws. It
was an old book from the 1960s, “None of these Diseases” by S. I. McMillen.
Staring up at me on the second page in italics was a quote from the Bible and
it was Exodus 15: 26.
If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your
God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and
keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on
the Egyptians, for I am the Lord who heals you.
I
had my first sound night sleep for a very long time. In the morning I felt
confident that I could cancel those looming tests. By far best of all, I’ve
been able to cling to those beautiful promises of Exodus 15: 26 whenever I’ve
felt anxiety about some health issue, and immediately, my spirit begins to
rest. Every so often, in my depressed moments, the thought crosses my mind,
"It was just a coincidence!" Then when I remember the remarkable
accuracy and impeccable timing, I find my courage renewed again.
ABOUT PAULA VINCE:
Award-winning author, Paula Vince
loves to evoke tears and laughter through her novels. A wife and homeschooling
mother of three, she resides in the beautiful Adelaide Hills of South Australia. Her
youth was brightened by great fiction and she’s on a mission to pay it forward.
Her novel, Picking up the Pieces, won the religious fiction section
of the 2011 International Book Awards.
Her novel, Best Forgotten, was winner of the 2011 CALEB Award in the
fiction category and also recognized as the best overall entry for the year,
chosen over memoirs, devotionals and general non-fiction.
Paula’s books are a skillful blend of drama and romance tied
together with elements of mystery and suspense.
Imogen’s Chance
She has given herself a chance to fix her personal history. But will old mistakes bring up new emotions?
Imogen Browne longs to make up for past mistakes before she can move on. She quietly resolves to help the Dorazio family, whose lives she accidentally upset. Her biggest challenge is Asher, the one person who may never forgive her. And he is facing a crisis of his own. Imogen must tread very carefully, as trying to fix things may well make them shatter.
A sensitive story about misplaced loyalty, celebrating life and falling in love. Can family secrets concealed with the best intentions bear the light of day?
WHERE YOU CAN PURCHASE PAULA VINCE'S BOOKS
Amazon
HOW TO CONNECT WITH PAULA:
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