I met Rick and his wife Marsha some years ago through the pest control industry. He owns a pest control company and a manufacturing company that makes organic pest control products in Skokie, Illinois. I knew they were Jewish, but what I didn’t know until I linked up with him on Face Book is that they are Messianic Jews, who believe Jesus is the Messiah and God’s Son. I also found out he is an accomplished musician and performer whose personal testimony has reached thousands.
Over a year ago, Rick became very ill and was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with not one but two deadly viruses attacking his body. He was virtually given a zero chance of recovery. He and Marsha reached out to their Christian friends for intercessory prayer. His body began to respond to treatment and fight off the viruses. When he left the hospital, the staff dubbed him the “miracle man”, a title he uses to give God all of the credit for his recovery. A few months ago, it was discovered that one of the viruses had weakened a heart valve and he requested prayer as he entered the hospital again for open heart surgery. Miraculously, the surgeon was able to repair the valve instead of replace it and he began to recover.
This week Rick announced that
his first heart rehab session consisted of 45 minutes walking on an inclined
treadmill, something many “healthy” people might find difficult. At the end of
his Face Book post he quoted the following verses of scripture, the first of
which has become his personal anthem. “You restored me to health and let me live. Surely it
was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from
the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” ~
Isaiah 38:16-17
“Nevertheless, I will bring health and
healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and
security.” ~ Jeremiah 33:6
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a
crushed spirit dries up the bones.” ~ Proverbs 17:22
My own story of restored health has taken what I hope is a small detour. Imagine my disappointment when, on Friday, the surgeon’s assistant removed the dressing from my eye and I still couldn’t see with that eye. The surgeon examined it and said because the cataract was so thick, there is still some swelling and when the swelling goes down I should be able to see with that eye. I am praying that he is right and the swelling goes down quickly. I keep testing it every few hours. Isn’t that just like a Christian, trusting God for healing and then try to rush His perfect timing? Pray with me for a full recovery and, in the meantime, I’ll try to be more patient.