There’s nothing like doing an invasive or somewhat painful medical test, only to be told the result was inconclusive and you have to do it again. I had to do a blood test that involved pricking my finger. I am ok with needles so using the lancet to prick my finger was just fine for me. I’ve carried out such tests for others in my profession, so I knew that was a straightforward and simple procedure. A little test tube was marked with the line the blood sample needed to reach. I know how much blood comes from a lancet prick and I though how am I going to get that amount out of that drop. I gave it a try and it was a total disaster that I had 4 scars to show for.
I love the era we are in with technology and home-made kits especially after the pandemic when it’s not been easy to see your GP. Or for me who was not playing with Covid, when I saw the option of doing home smear tests, I was very up for the idea even if it meant I paid for the test. I’d rather pay £45 to do the smear test myself in the comfort of my home where I know I am safe, than go to the GP practice and risk getting infected because a human being who knows they are sick has taken themselves and their germs there despite all advise against this. You know humans are like that.
I saw a test that I may benefit from being offered on a private basis online. I was already told under the NHS; I wouldn’t qualify for it. This time the amount was not £45, I wish it was. I did my research and decided to go ahead. I received the kit, watched the instructional video and waited for the day I was to do it as I had to do it on a particular day. It also had to be done in the morning, having had 2 glasses of water 30 minutes before. The kit contained 5 lancets and I thought they are so generous to give 5. 2 or 3 would be enough. WRONG!
First of all, there was no where to put this little test tube that couldn’t stand on its own, that was to collect the sample. The video showed otherwise. I had to do the test standing so finding somewhere to stand at a good distance with the surface, while also ensuring this tiny tube didn't fall with the sample, was a trick. Then the trick of all was pricking my finger and getting the 1ml sample required. 1ml is so tiny but when the test is not going how you want, 1ml is a lot! I did everything per the video, and I was just not getting the sample.
After pricking the second finger and still not getting enough blood, I called the company. They tried giving suggestions and I continued with the test. By this point, a lot of time had elapsed, and I also had an appointment for my flu and 2nd booster Covid jab which I didn’t want to cancel as I was soon travelling. I wished I had 2 bodies, one to continue this irritating and annoying test and one to go and get the jabs. Eventually after pricking 5 fingers in total and using up all 5 lancets and an extra one I found, I got the 1ml sample. Some days later I got an email saying the sample couldn’t be used because the red blood cells had “burst or broken down”. They would send another kit for free so I could do the sample again. I was not amused.
My 5 fingers had not even healed, and I was being asked to do it again. The thought of doing all that was just distressing and if it wasn’t for that price I had paid, I would have abandoned the thing. By the time I was getting this email asking me to do it again, I was about to travel and the day I would need to do the test would be when I was away. I asked them if they could wait till, I come back, and they said that was ok. When I came back from my travels months later, I found the kit waiting for me like “you’re not getting away missy”. I waited for the day I was supposed to do it and it landed on a Saturday when the post box had a collection at 730am. I was not waking up early to do that silly thing. I also wasn’t sure if the sample had to be returned asap lest the sample rot and die while waiting for the next pick up. They replied saying the sample is safe in transit for 1 week. I decided I would take it to the post office which closed at 12noon, meaning I would still have to wake up early-ish because I would also be going to church.
My morning routine when I immediately wake up is read a verse from the Excellent Book (Bible), read a devotional message my mom sends me then watch a sermon. The sermon that day said how our problems are not the problem. Our problem is how we respond to the problem. When we look to fix the problem with our own strength it overwhelms us because we just don’t see how we are going to fix it. Right here is the problem. If we look to Jesus first and not the problem, in that space we will remember Jesus can do ANYTHING. Right there is where you go to a peaceful place as opposed to fear, overwhelming doubt and distress. I thought this was so good. I knew it but the way it was said just resonated with me in a different way. Now I had to practice it. Its always like that by the way. You hear a good sermon and before you marinate in it, the test comes knocking LOUDLY on your door like it’s the FBI / SWAT team that's been looking for you cause you are armed and dangerous.
Yes we are armed and dangerous because we have the Powerful Creator of all the universe on our side. Immediately after hearing the sermon, I decided I would look to Jesus first not the problem especially as I had this test to do. By evening when I was going to bed, the thought of doing the test the next day fearing it may go disastrous like that time was starting to consume me. I had asked the company the first time what would happen if the test came out inconclusive again. They didn’t go into it and just said if I get any problems to call them. I knew that meant it was likely that I would need to buy another kit. That was absolutely out of the question. So, I prayed saying something like Jesus I know I shouldn’t worry and I am really trying to look to you because you can do anything. Me I can do the test and it backfires but if you are in me then that test will go well.
Saturday, I woke up and started the process. The night before I had also read the manual and picked up some pointers that were not on the video. I pricked the first finger, it started off nicely…then it stopped. I did what was advised for this situation…it didn’t work! I thought this is not happening again. I pricked the 2nd finger and said "Jesus please help me". The Blood of Jesus! That finger was obedient and in few seconds the 1ml was collected, in fact a little more over. The relief! I can’t even explain it. I took the sample to the post office in good time, came home, hang out a little (because there was that much time left) then went to Church. Prayer answered! But Jesus wasn’t done with me.
It was so cold despite me wearing ski gloves and onion type clothing layers. After church when walking to the bus stop, I asked God to let the bus come quickly. Though I asked for it, it’s like I wasn’t expectant (but what’s wrong with me). At that point I turned back and Lo and behold the bus was coming. I was very smiley because my prayer was answered, I got to get out of the cold and for the 2nd time today, actually 3rd time he answered my prayer. When I was going to church, I had forgotten something in the car and asked God not to let the bus come when I’m still getting my item. When I was done and had gone back to the bus stop, the bus then came.
Small prayers, Big prayers, he listens and answers them all. There is nothing God can’t do. My prayer just after I had heard the sermon was to always be in that space, it’s a more peaceful place and one that naturally makes you expectant that God will do something that you can’t ask, think or imagine. I want to be in that space consistently, this yo-yoing business I don’t want. Now one thing I know like others I struggle with is how come some prayers are answered others are not. I need to remind myself God answers prayers according to his will.
Yesterday the sermon I heard said if God is saying NO or wait, he really knows why he is doing that, and you don’t have to know why. In fact, don’t try to understand because you absolutely won’t. Its impossible for us to understand. When you try to understand it will frustrate you to your core, then that’s when you start being angry with God, have tantrums and start moving away from him, out of a tantrum. That’s exactly what the devil wants, to keep you away from God so you don’t enjoy the abundant and exceeding blessings God has for you both here and in eternity. It’s an evil trap that we shouldn’t fall into. He wants us to believe God doesn't care, doesn't answer and all these many testimonies of mine and loading, tell you that is a blatant lie.
Imagine your testimonies and those from all these 7+ billions of people on earth, whether they believe or not. It is a miracle that humanity exists after all that has happened on this earth and especially after the pandemic. That's a fact and no one should argue with me, take it up with God who is responsible for that miracle, me I'm just enjoying it and living in it. Hallelujah! Then if we were to go to the testimonies of living but non human things. Tuh! God does miracles everyday, every second. Look for them. Just because you don't see them doesn't mean they are not happening either.
We don’t have the wisdom God has with his mysterious and numerous ways of doing things. With our belief in him, we need to remind ourselves, God has plans for good and not for evil for us. So, if he is saying wait or no, he is coming from a place that what we are requesting in the short term, most probably long term and even for the sake of the eternal life we hope to have with him, will not be a good thing for us. This is why Proverbs 3:5 says trust the lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding. We can never understand what God is up to but remember her has plans for good and evil. He is also doing something even if you don't see it or better yet believe it. Look at God! He is unstoppable and our mustard seed faith or unbelief can never stop him from his nature of being Caring, Good and Kind.
Then yesterday I heard a sermon saying for all that is happening to you, God is connecting the dots (all things are working for your good… again whether your believe it or not). It’s like those drawing games where you connect the dots. On the outset you don’t see what it is, in fact you have no clue. So sometimes we are getting frustrated and angry with God when he has only connected 3 out of 100 dots in your life. Sometimes even when he has connected 97 out of 100 you will not see what the outcome should be so at 3 or 97, Trust that This Good, Great, Amazing God is doing something good for you and not evil. The devil is the one with an evil nature and is the one who brings evil and wants evil for you, NOT God who made you in his image. This kind God has only unconditional love that is beyond our human understanding and wants to give you not only beauty for ashes right here in the land of the living, but eternal life where there will eternally be no more ashes of this world. Our mission: Only Believe.
God is Good, God is Great, God is the Best.
Side note: Before I wrote this piece I prayed for help because I didn't feel like writing it. I didn't know how to start and it also takes me a long time to write one piece. By the end of it, I love how God has ministered to me and I say this humbly I love the piece and I know that is NOT because of me. Even in Writing, God does answers prayers.
Related verses:
Mark 5:35-43
Hebrews 12:2
Psalms 121:1
1 Chronicles 16:11
2 Chronicles 7:14
Proverbs 3:5
Romans 8:28
Matthew 6:25-34
Revelation 1:8
Acts 17:27
Hebrews 11:6
Links to mentioned sermons:
1.Connect the Dots: marker 2:28:55 https://www.youtube.com/live/Ca8Tz2j-YqA?feature=share
2. The cry of the widow's mite https://www.youtube.com/live/DCaOS06bCZU?feature=share
Next post: 12/3/2023
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Keep at it gal.