Miracle-Working Power

BY JUANITA HEADLEY

There was a succession of quick knocks at my bedroom door before it suddenly burst open, it was the police accompanied by immigration. Everything happened in a whirlwind, and although not physically manhandled, I was denied taking a shower, washing my face or brushing my teeth. I was not going to allow myself to endure further public humiliation so I threw on some clothes over my nightclothes, washed my face and brushed my teeth.

I was quickly bundled into the back seat of a car, squashed inbetween a police officer and immigration officer and driven to the Serious Offences Court. What was my crime? Ignoring immigration’s instructions to leave St Vincent and the Grenadines when my extension was denied because, “9 months is too long for a holiday. ”

Although a 7 year licensed New York attorney, that day I was standing in the defendant’s box without legal representation.

My lawyer had not been made privy to the fact of that morning’s hearing; instead she remained completely unaware that I had been dragged from my bed, brought before the magistrate court, and was facing deportation which I would await from the police jail cell. Unlike a lamb to the slaughter I raised my voice and spoke my truth. It did not fall on deaf ears but was heard and recorded by IWitness news.

An appeal was filed but ignored by immigration who illegally took me to the airport despite the stay of execution. Just as Jesus turned up 4 days late following the death of Lazarus (John 11:17), we arrived at the airport 4 minutes late for check in. Exceptions were made, but I held onto my suitcase with all my might and the flight left without me.

Between June 17th –June 24th 2021 all I had was hymns, and despite everything that was taken from me, the police could not stop my worship.

Exactly a week after my release I was reading Acts 16:35-36 “And when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying, Let those men go. And the keeper of the prison said this saying to Paul, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. ” If you replace the word magistrates with Attorney General and Prosecutor, and sergeants become Attorneys, that scripture becomes my direct testimony.

God literally set me free just as I had been singing, “He set me free one day, He set me free, He burst the bars of prison for me. Someday in glory His face I shall see, glory be to God He set me free. ”

Not one tear was shed during my incarceration, there was no need. God had already prepared me with a sermon two weeks prior, “A living Hope in Troubled Times. ” It served as a reminder that Paul and Silas sang their breakthrough in prison and I intended to do the same, which I did. The entire experience was surreal and just days later my ordeal became a distant memory. That was the incredible healing power of God that enabled me to function as though I had not just endured eight days of incarceration.

I had been verbally abused; ignored; disrespected; mocked; belittled; threatened with violence; violated; and the victim of theft totaling approx. $2000 U.S. by the police. The church withdrew support; my friends disowned me; and the nations’ people despised me.

Having traveled to thirty-eight countries thus far, I had never felt more alone in my life; but although I was indeed a victim, I was so much more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).

Whilst incarcerated I made God the 30, 30, 30 promise. For 30 minutes every morning and evening I would read the Bible, daily devotions, pray and play 3 worship songs; and I would have a daily 30 minute walk. God deserved so much more from me, but that was a commitment I knew I could realistically fulfill.

I had been disappointed by hundreds of people who I had to forgive, it was required of me. I wanted justice, but took comfort in the fact that vengeance was God’s (Romans 12:19). Just as Joseph came out of prison victorious (Genesis 41:14), I was convinced that what the enemy had intended for evil, God intended for good (Genesis 50:20).

He would turn my situation around, make my enemies my footstools (Psalm 110:1) and propel me into my God given destiny.

Prayers That Heal The Heart

Father, in the name of Jesus I thank You for given me strength to praise and worship You in the situations of physical and spiritual imprisonment. I pray that You help me to continue to trust in You and hold on to your promises because the enemy has no authority over my life. Give me a passion for Your word and to help others out of the painful experiences that I have been through. In Jesus ' mighty name.

AMEN!

TIME TO GAIN STRENGTH IN THE TRIAL

Your posture should be,

" Lord, I depend and rely on your continuous supply of grace for this day. The battle is yours. " Sounds too simple, right? The Lord has made it easy for us, but we make it difficult. When you’re in the heat of the battle, you strive so hard to gather all your willpower and self control to not get angry even though you feel like you could punch someone. You try so hard to be poised when deep down you want to lash out. Just hand over the reins to Jesus and let Him fight for you. The first time I found the courage to hand over the reins to Jesus, I stepped onto the battlefield without my war paint on, so to speak, and guess what? The battle was no longer a battle. Everything went smoothly and the evening turned out to be a very pleasant affair.

Always remember, you have been made into the image of Christ. You are the righteousness of God in Christ. You are not a doormat to be walked upon. You are a vessel of honor for Christ. Christ lives in you. You have every right to defend your standing in Christ. At times, the nudge of the Holy Spirit will be so great, you can't help but defend or speak up when you’re wronged or mistreated. When you flow with His grace, He gives you the right words at the right time. At times, He may simply direct you to remain silent. Friend, anchor your heart in Jesus and He will carry you safely through the storms of life. Guard your heart with all diligence in Christ Jesus.

God in His infinite wisdom has great plans for you. Before you were even born, He planned well in advance who you would be surrounded with on this earth and who your friends and family would be. Your in-laws have been divinely appointed and placed in your life. They each serve a purpose in your life.

That person who constantly belittles or criticizes you or the one who thinks your not good enough for their son/daughter, have all been masterfully placed in your life by the infinite wisdom of God. I remember a time when I was verbally hurt by my in-law, and I was deeply offended. It took quite a while for me to forget the event, but the Lord kept telling me to forgive. I rebelled in my heart as it felt so unfair. After much turmoil, the Lord helped me see things differently. He let my anger simmer down and helped me to pray sincerely for that person's well being and as a result, I was able to forgive. The peace that has followed since then is tremendous. There was no invisible wall as I started to feel a genuine warmth towards that person.

Over the years, the Lord has taught me valuable lessons through my in-laws. He keeps using them to produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I have learned to be patient with people who do not see eye to eye with me. The toughest of all, He has taught me to forgive and pray for those who hurt me. He has skillfully placed your in-laws in your life. They each serve a divine purpose. Let us lift them up in prayer so we may receive all the blessings the Lord graciously bestowed on us.

MIRACLE-WORKING POWER