Now overseas, when pressed with an aching tooth, I prayed extra hard. There was no way I was going to a dentist with the primitive equipment they had, and would you know God heard my prayer. I was healed of any pain and allowed the fortune of not having to go.
Now that I am back in the US and blessed with dental insurance at my new job, I know I must address the obvious, before it becomes a major issue. So with much anxiety, if I am being honest, I prayed and started a blanket search for a dentist close by. With a lot of closed doors because dentists don't appear to work on Fridays or Mondays, I turned to my colleague and asked who he used? With that I had success, and now I had a known dentist with a great reputation, and proceeded to make an appointment.
As it turns out there was an opening the next day and coverage for my missed classes were minimal, so off I went. It also turned out that it was really close to where I live, so the road was getting smoother, so to speak, though my desire was not. Anxiety was quick to jump in, but prayer for peace and calm for me, was continually given.
Once in the doctor's office I was attended to with familiarity and ease. The doctor took pictures as I prayed for wisdom and discernment for his diagnosis. After several x-rays he showed me his thoughts on the screen and why he would recommend an extraction, stating that anyone trying to save it would be playing "herodontics", I had to smile, with appreciation for his guidance and wisdom.
So next he referred me to a specialist in the complex for the extraction saying, "He could, but without any more expense I could have a specialist do it." So much to my surprise I walked next door and due to a cancellation within minutes, I had another expert opinion who confirmed indeed it would not make sense to repair it, and that having an implant didn't make sense either, based on my other teeth.
Now I don't know about your experiences, but this was huge to me. Not only was I given front row service, that if given an option I may not have returned, until I was forced to that is, but I was consistently given advice that was contrary to what was in the best interest of the experts I was seeking! I could see God's hand of favor and direction at every step!
Next was the really hard part for me though, setting up the actual appointment, but low and behold there was an opening the very next day and with little hesitation I accepted and with prescription in hand, I proceed to local drug store to get it filled, and within minutes was heading back to work. Wow, that was way too easy....Thank you Jesus!
The next day anxiety started to set in again, so I prayed and asked for personal calm, favor and continued wisdom for the doctor as he performed the surgery. I arrived early and filled out the necessary paper work that warned me of all the complications etc. for which I had to whisper prayers again for calm, and just signed without reading further since it was causing my anxieties to rise on the "what ifs".....
Once in the chair, early I might add, I was greeted and within minutes given the numbing shots and work began immediately much to my surprise. The doctor talked to me and explained how he would take it apart in pieces, taking out the filling first and then take each nerve out separately to try to avoid disturbing the sinuses it was so close to. Whispered prayers continue, as he began. He says, "Nerve one out, nerve two, now for nerve three", and with a little finesse he has a very long nerve three and he is finished! He checked for sinus holes and confirms all is well.
Within 15 minutes from numbing to release I am done! I said a huge thank you to Jesus! Wow! If that wasn't a miracle I haven't seen one! I think all involved were a bit surprised at the ease and comfort I felt as I walked out. Oh did I mention, from beginning to end it was only $67. Yup you can say a huge amen for me there too!
Maybe you are not going to a dentist, but have your own personal anxieties that are unique to you. I would encourage you to bring it to Jesus. I have done many things in my life, including going to dentists, without the thought to pray, but I have learned through the years, that if we take everything to the Lord in prayer, he promises to hear us and be with us.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
John 14:13-14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
I pray that you learn sooner than me, and cast all your cares upon Christ and trust him to provide in ways that only he can!
Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czxd5oa-gi0
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