We had been with Monty, one of my parents' primary caregivers, long enough to know that she was not one given to jokes. But when she blurted the news out, it was like she was speaking a foreign language — so shocking that I made her repeat the three dreaded words thrice before they sunk in. "Yes, Auntie," she repeated, "I've got it."
"Got what?" I hissed in utter disbelief, dreading to hear the answer. "COVID-19!" The caregiver had tested positive for COVID-19 — a test for which I had urged her to take because of several observed symptoms.
Needless to say, it was a somber drive home. Forgotten was my underlying heart condition as I pondered the consequences for my frail parents — father at 93 and mother just ten years younger, recovering from a recent massive stroke that left her wheelchair-bound. With such close contact with their caregiver, what were their chances of surviving the dreaded virus which had, that same week, claimed the life of my 38-year-old nephew? I was understandably worried.
As I fought my way through the traffic, I wrestled with a myriad of thoughts. Then, God brought to my mind the words of Exodus 15:26, where God miraculously made sweet the bitter waters of Marah:
"...If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you" (Exodus 15:26).
When I got home, I locked myself in my room and prostrated myself on the floor. I cried earnestly to Jehovah Rapha — the One who heals — or yet another miracle for my parents to survive the virus. I recited to God the promise He had inspired in me on the drive home that He would not bring on us any of the diseases that He brought on the faithless. I knew, neither my parents nor I was deserving in any way, but I claimed the merits of the blood of Jesus for the rest of the night.
The following day, I took a COVID test, and, praise God, the results came out negative. For days I closely observed my parents for any COVID symptoms, but there were none. I praised Jehovah-Rapha, who had, without a doubt, protected my parents and me from the virus.
There are many accounts of healing and restoration in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus, and the apostles after Him, healed many people. What a joy to know that our mighty Jehovah-Rapha is still making sweet the bitter in our lives.
Call to Action
We all need healing at various times in our lives — physical, emotional, psychological, or relational. Are you in need of healing in any area of your life today? Why not earnestly cry out to Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals you, and He will surely heal you according to His will.
All scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
